FYI: The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024 featured a dazzling array of hypercars, iconic road and race machines, and Formula 1 legends. Among them, the standout was Oilstainlab’s Half11, a stunning Frankenstein-inspired marvel from the ’60s and ’70s.
### Half11 Steals the Limelight
The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed was teeming with automotive brilliance, but it was the Half11 by Oilstainlab that truly captivated the crowd. Created by Californian brothers Ilya and Nikita Buridan, this vehicle harks back to the design ethos of the ’60s and ’70s, presenting a blend of retro aesthetics and modern engineering.
### A Boutique Creation Amidst Mainstream Monotony
In an era where mainstream car designs often lack excitement, boutique brands like Koenigsegg and Pagani stand out with their innovative offerings. Joining their ranks, the Buridan brothers have created the Half11, a unique amalgamation of inspiration, creativity, and sheer hard work.
### The Journey of Half11
Speedhunters chronicled the construction of the Half11 years ago, piquing considerable interest among automotive enthusiasts. When Oilstainlab announced its 2024 Festival of Speed debut, anticipation soared, culminating in an impressive reveal at Goodwood.
### From Concept to Reality
The Half11’s journey from concept to reality spanned five years, requiring immense dedication from the Buridan brothers. As professional automotive designers, they embarked on this project with no initial mechanical expertise, quickly adapting and learning to create their masterpiece.
### Engineering Marvel
The Half11 is powered by a custom-built 5.5-liter LS3 engine by JMS Racing Engines, capable of revving up to 8,500rpm and delivering 650hp with 745Nm of torque. Key features include eight Inglese individual throttle bodies, a Daily dry sump system, and headers with 3D-printed Inconel tips, taking 18 months to perfect.
The power is channeled through a Porsche 996 GT2 transmission, with the vehicle weighing a mere 839 kg (1,850 lbs) in its entirety. The sleek design is complemented by a custom tube chassis wrapped in a sculpted aluminum body with a retro color scheme, crowned with a stylish low-level wing.
### Cutting-Edge Suspension and Brakes
Suspension-wise, the Half11 combines a Porsche 935-inspired front layout featuring Elephant Racing-modified struts with Ohlins dampers at the rear. It relies on Porsche 930-spec Wilwood brakes for optimal stopping power.
### Unique Wheels and Simplistic Interior
One of the standout elements are the custom-designed wheels, inspired by the Porsche 917 K and crafted by Rotiform, wrapped in Avon semi-slick tires. The interior, though minimalist, is highly functional, featuring OEM Porsche gauges, a quick-ratio 911 steering rack, and a Tilton adjustable pedal box, with many components being 3D printed.
### Festival of Speed Success
The Half11 wowed festival-goers, whether racing up the Goodwood Hillclimb or parked in the pits, drawing crowds fascinated by its unique engineering and eccentric design. Its road-legal status in California adds another layer of allure, demonstrating that race cars can indeed be adapted for everyday use.
### Conclusion
Oilstainlab’s Half11 is a testament to the power of passion and ingenuity. It is clear that when heart and soul are poured into a project, extraordinary results follow. The Half11’s reception at Goodwood highlights the potential for boutique automotive creations to make a significant impact on the global stage. Enthusiasts are already eagerly anticipating the Buridan brothers’ next innovative venture.
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Donald Smith
Editor, Automotive.fyi
