How to Hand-Make Rare Cars - Watch this South African craftsman bring cars back to life

The English Wheel is arguably the last great art in the automotive world. In an age of 3D printing and mega-presses, the idea of hand-rolling body panels is a technique that is being lost to the ages.
However, Johannesburg-based Harry Deetlefs grew up finding the practice fascinating, and spent years learning the craft. He now owns his own workshop and provides the very rare and increasingly sought after service of literally making bodywork by hand.
One of the creations he is most proud of is the recreation of an incredibly beautiful Ferrari 625 TRC, which you see in the thumbnail.
We hope you enjoy this look into the life of an English Wheel craftsman. Let us know what you think of this skill in the comments below.
Check out Harry's business here:
englishwheelfab.co.za/
0:00 Intro
0:24 Difference between old school cars and new school cars
1:20 English Wheel Fabrication
1:43 Learning and Growing Skills
2:50 Mindset Behind Forming Steel
3:33 Design Inspiration
3:49 Best part of being in the business
4:14 Previous Projects
5:10 A Highlight Build
6:27 Worst cars to work on
7:06 Metal Shaping Process
8:21 Common Workload & Types of Work
8:57 Why paint shop started
9:57 The love for what I do
11:02 Subscription & Outro

[@phumlanindlovu5653]

This reminds me of PETROLICIOUS, CAR SOS and CHASING CLASSIC CARS🥺❤️

[@oomstu]

Great to see a local version of "The Smallest Cog". Could they not make a local similar series? Summed up very nicely, PASSION. Brilliant work mate, keep it up and try pass on your knowledge to the younger crowd to keep rebuilds going.

[@MLC...]

Fantastic craftsmanship right here in SA. Really impressed. Thanks

[@Carscoza]

We're glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching

[@BroughBuilt]

Incredible! Harry is a true master craftsman. His workmanship is just on another level👍👍

[@ratrodsafrica]

Enjoyed the video. We have world-class craftsmen hiding right here in good old SA!

[@dorianjenneker]

Amazing craftmanship! Absolutely love this!

[@boost_vlogs1290]

What great craftsmanship and work...right here in 🇿🇦. Brilliantly talented....

[@justmote]

I love this, it's also my childhood passion to work with machines especially on sheet metal.

[@markussteinmann2890]

Sooooo talented. It's really awesome to have a job that is actually your passion.

[@mitchafrika]

I've once been to a shop like this just outside Stellenbosch (about 8/9 years ago) and has ever since been in love with the art of metal shaping. Would love to learn the skill one day!

[@kopanomofokeng7099]

This is quite sublime!

[@bravofoxable]

Wow! Well done Harry, please keep that passion, and pass it on if possible... Respect 👍🏻👊🏻

[@cottonsoxx1677]

When my dad was younger than I am now, he made this fibreglass car modelled on a Ferrari Dino, with Ferrari badges and everything. It had an 1800 golf engine. My uncle made a similar car, except he put a 3.5 Rover V8 in his. Then they had to sell them when the kids came along 😐

[@mizmila249]

Inspirational

[@Mothercityguy]

Do a video on J-Tech, RRR Stylin and Autopunks in Cape Town

[@Handbuilt1]

I like the way you think and the way you do things ,your work is beautiful WELL DONE ! ......PS..... where did you learn the trade ? The ferrari you build is one of my favorite as well , I am in the middle of building one very much like it my self , it's a 1959 Fantuzzi body Dino 196 S .........Cheers from Australia

[@phumlanindlovu5653]

RESTORATION FANS🥺

[@basievanwyk8686]

Ongelooflik,Waar is jy my Vriend, kan ons jou besoek?

[@tman1591]

First

[@olavalme306]

Is it possible to more pretentious than this....? Please keep to the fabrication and less of the talking....