Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, has been making waves in the automotive industry, especially in the realm of vintage car restoration. While it has been commonly used for prototyping and design in the past, its application in creating actual production parts is gaining traction. Automakers, hot rod shops, and even individual collectors like Jay Leno are recognizing the benefits of 3D printing in keeping classic cars on the road.
One of the key advantages of 3D printing for vintage car restoration is the ability to create custom or rare parts that are no longer available through conventional means. In the case of Jay Leno’s collection, his chief engineer, Jim Hall, used 3D printing to recreate a cylinder pair for a 1913 Packard that suffered irreparable damage. By scanning the broken parts and creating a virtual model, Hall was able to produce a plastic prototype that could be used to cast a new part. This method not only ensured a precise fit but also allowed for modifications to improve the part’s performance.
The same approach was applied to a 1907 White steam-powered car in Leno’s collection, where aluminum parts were replicated using ABS plastic patterns. Even for more modern classics like the Pontiac Firebird Sprint, which features rare and hard-to-find components, 3D printing has proven to be a valuable resource for creating bespoke parts to maintain the vehicle’s originality.
Beyond individual collectors, companies like the Aria Group are utilizing 3D printing for building concept cars, prototypes, and low-volume specialty parts. Structural components for vehicles like the Nilu hypercar and Everatti-converted Porsche 911 EV have been produced using 3D printing technology. Even race cars, such as the Toyota GR86 Cup Car, benefit from lightweight and durable parts manufactured through additive processes.
In Jay Leno’s garage, the versatility of 3D printing is evident in the diverse range of materials used for different applications. From heat-resistant airboxes for high-performance engines to fuel-stable carb spacers for vintage Rolls-Royce models, the ability to customize materials based on specific requirements is a significant advantage. Additionally, the ability to reuse plastic wire cartridges and swap out materials allows for flexibility in creating various components for different vehicles.
While not everyone may have access to a 3D printer like Leno does, there are shops and services available that offer large and small-scale printing on demand. Whether you’re restoring a vintage car or working on a custom project, exploring the possibilities of 3D printing could be the key to overcoming challenges in finding rare or obsolete parts. As technology continues to advance, the role of additive manufacturing in vintage car restoration is only expected to grow, offering new solutions for preserving automotive history for future generations.
