Crafting a Custom Racecar With Colt Brandow
By Ronnie Walker
Race cars are a true exhibit of engineering technology and prowess. These daring machines push the boundaries of physics, all while representing their builder’s dedication and perseverance. This determination, along with great skill, is showcased when these ideals are combined with a Toyota MK3 Supra. Supplement this to be the first MK3 Supra to reach 200 miles per hour (mph), and a record holder is born.
Render of the final build by @calo.3d on Instagram.
All credits go to Colt Brandow, a lover of all things automotive, Tulsa Tech Student and graduate of Owasso High School. The specs of his project are intense, including a curb weight under 2,600 lb. and over 700 horsepower from a tuned 1GZ-FE V12 engine. However, these stunning specs are necessary for his goal of building the first MK3 Supra ever to break the 200 mph threshold. In addition, Brandow plans to visit Mazda Raceway at Laguna Seca in his customized race car.
The project began as simple concept sketches by Brandow until Calo contacted him. Calo is a blender professional and 3D renderer (whose Instagram handle is @calo.3d). Together, they spent three weeks designing the body, inspired by Group 5 and Super Silhouette racers. Initially, the modifications were intended for the blue Supra Brandow already owned, but after a trip to Texas to pick up parts, he found the second Supra and took it home.
“When I got the cash from [selling parts from] the white car, I found out that I could buy the V12, so it just kept getting crazier and crazier,” explains Brandow.
Photo of the current, early stage of the build with the body and engine taken by Brandow.
The future record-breaker is in its early stages. Brandow has stripped the car down to the body as well as certain chassis elements in preparation for modifications down the road. The V12 engine is being torn down and forged anew with high-quality parts. The process is both a financial and time investment; Brandow estimates that the completion of the project could take years.
Brandow elaborates, “Starting life, fresh out of high school… it takes a financial toll. I just plan on slowly working on it, until it is finished. It’s definitely not a one-year project.”
The wait is sure to be worth it, however. Brandow plans to take the finished product to the Texas Mile in Beeville, Texas, to break 200 mph. Chances are, if you follow automotive news, this will not be the final time you hear about Brandow or his crazy, customized race car. Brandow is cataloging his progress on his Instagram page @moms_racegarage.