Make a Wooden Toy Muscle Car | Woodworking Gift Ideas for Kids

Why does a wood toy car have to be plain and boring? How about making it look like a Shelby GT500 Mustang?! I used the GT500 as inspiration for this project. It’s not supposed to be an exact replica. I want a kid to be able to play with it so I cut back on some of the molding and super fine details. I was thinking about woodworking Christmas gift ideas and DIY gift projects. I noticed my old wooden truck from when I was a baby and thought it would be fun to make a wooden car. I spent a ton of time looking up pictures of beautiful cars (woe is me) and drew a picture that I think captures the essence of the GT500.
I knew that I wanted the center to be a dark wood. I thought wenge might be too splintery for kids so I chose walnut. The outside needed to be a lighter color and I maple seemed too light for what I was wanted. I went with white oak instead. Funny enough, after I started making it and looked up wheels online I found a wood car design that’s really similar so here’s a link to that because I want to be transparent that sometimes ideas manifest in different ways: toymakingplans.com/muscle-car-silhouettes-69-mustang-68-charger-71-cuda/
I left my car unfinished. Something about it just seemed right to me. If I were to apply finish it I would probably use a food safe hard wax finish like Osmo.
•• About NewtonMakes••
I’m Billy and I make fun things. Sometimes, it’s something I need like tool storage ideas. Other times it’s silly or nerdy stuff that I want to build. If you want to get ideas for making stuff, or just want to watch something entertaining then make sure you subscribe.
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Here’s a list of tools and materials that I used to make this project. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
•• Tools & Materials ••
My Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/newtonmakes
Bandsaw amzn.to/3168ElS
Scroll Saw: amzn.to/2TVZEQO
Scroll Saw Blades: amzn.to/2T0AKPB
Drill Press: amzn.to/36yRj5U
Table Saw: amzn.to/2RwQTJa
Planer: amzn.to/38LarPW
Jointer: amzn.to/310uabK
Glowforge: glowforge.us/r/JQYBKFNN
Double Sided Tape: amzn.to/3sOtnbd
Titebond Glue: amzn.to/3pjRPAu
You can find wooden axle pegs here: amzn.to/3lkLPGe
Here are wooden tires of various sizes: amzn.to/3xACFuh
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[@NewtonMakes]

This was a super cool project. I hope it provides a bit of inspiration to make your own wooden toys.

[@kuffyswoodwork]

Ooooh, the GT500. Best car ever! Cutting those trim piece on the scroll saw was a fair effort mate. One slip and you gotta start over!

[@NewtonMakes]

Appreciate it. I LOVE that car design. I honestly rarely think about messing up because I know I won't be able to work my best if I do. I'm sure a lot of us are like that.

[@gerardogarciagonzalez2001]

Vaya, qué coche más chulo, te ha quedado genial colega! ✌🏼😲

[@williamellis8993]

That's really neat, Billy. You always made these things so simple and easy but they always look great. Bill

[@NewtonMakes]

Appreciate it. I don't get everything perfect. I'm fairly good at adapting to or correcting mistakes that may arise.

[@JolienBrebels]

It's looking fantastic, absolutely beautiful! Well done!

[@Jonathan_Grider]

This was an awesome project!!! I love 67-69 Ford Mustang fastback series and seeing this in wood just makes it that much better!!! Great job!!!!

[@NewtonMakes]

Perhaps the most beautiful car design ever.

[@NewtonMakes]

Perhaps the most beautiful car design ever.

[@jerrybailey5797]

Cool looking wooden Mustang, ready for some down hill racing 🏁 👍

[@JB-tb1rq]

Another awesome project and you were right about the grain! Seriously, the grain made it extra special, well done!

[@NewtonMakes]

It's one of those things that if you use good grain a person may not notice. But if you use the wrong grain direction it stands out in a bad way.

[@Lutzboater]

Wow,,very cool 'Stang. Your choice of woods and decisions on the grain direction were the perfect choices.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks and I kept it unfinished partially because l liked the natural wood color.

[@ClementJoly]

That was awesome!!

[@boblasley5640]

Cool car Billy! Well done video too. All the best to you and yours my friend.

[@NewtonMakes]

Hope you had a peaceful Thanksgiving and get to enjoy the upcoming holidays.

[@justinbyers1441]

That's freaking awesome right there man

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks, a simple but fun project.

[@watcherdude1330]

Wow amazing talent.

[@NewtonMakes]

Thanks!

[@coolinken]

That is sweet. Where did you get the templates?

[@terristroh3965]

I think you missed the boat by not adding the articulating arms and flying missiles.😎

[@NewtonMakes]

Next time!

[@tsekatasv]

What type of wood is used for this beautiful toy ?

[@sndman60]

I enjoy all your projects and they have given me much inspiration. Where do you get your raw wood boards (slabs)?

[@NewtonMakes]

I find people cutting down trees and mill them myself.

[@NickConteSC]

Love it. But please take on the challenge of building the same thing with no band saw, no cnc, and no laser. Also maybe do a video of how you came up with the design templates you used. Awesome work sir!

[@decentwoodart3838]

zabar dast 🇵🇰

[@muhammedmoosa4447]

Can you do a short walk through on resawing on the table saw please

[@NewtonMakes]

Perhaps in the future.

[@CIPOSPO]

if you have a cnc, why not use it to cut the whole project? Wouldn't that be more accurate and faster than using saws?

[@NewtonMakes]

It's not only about the final product and it's not a chore to rush through. Enjoy the ride. Pun intended.

[@FullRythym]

Love the project! Maybe for future videos, you could stick to just one genre of music though? It was a bit jarring going from country to rap to 5 minute crafts type music.

[@IronPeachCustoms]

Did you design the template?

[@NewtonMakes]

Sort of. I found pictures of cars online which I used as reference to draw my design.

[@tapankumardas2990]

Nice work. I am from India, how i can get this sketches?