American creators behind the YouTube channel «Prop Department» have transformed an old Ford Festiva hatchback into a vehicle more than 3 meters (10 feet) wide. The unusual car, equipped with two steering wheels, is not only drivable but has also been approved for use on public roads.
The car was widened to nearly twice its original size
For the project, the creators purchased three compact Ford Festivas to use as donor vehicles. They stripped the main car down to its frame and cut the body in half lengthwise. They then pulled the two halves apart and joined them with steel structural supports.
The resulting vehicle is approximately 3.05 meters wide. Despite the extensive modifications, the creators retained the original front-wheel-drive powertrain and key structural components. Inside, they installed two steering wheels and an extended dashboard with 14 cup holders.
The cabin was so spacious that the creators jokingly compared it to a room. The vehicle was also fitted with a generator, an auxiliary power unit and air conditioning.
Extending the half-shaft proved the biggest challenge
Modifying the drivetrain presented one of the project’s biggest engineering challenges. After the body was widened, one of the drive half-shafts had to be extended by approximately 1.52 meters. To preserve its geometry, the creators welded it in a special jig and then straightened it using localized cooling.
During testing, the car reached speeds of 117 km/h, although it was considerably harder to handle than a standard Festiva. During a high-speed run, the heavy hood flew open, prompting the creators to install an additional latch.
For their drives around town, the creators obtained a special permit to transport oversized loads and secured commercial insurance. Even so, the vehicle attracted police attention.
During one outing, a sheriff pulled the car over because its license plate did not comply with regulations. After checking the documents, the officer issued a warning.
On another occasion, a patrol officer noticed the car drifting out of its lane. He was also surprised to see two steering wheels, so the creators explained that one person steered while the other operated the pedals. They received another warning.
After completing the modifications, the creators took the car on a road trip.
Over two days, it covered more than 640 kilometers, hauling everything from lumber to live chickens.
In spring 2026, the Prop Department team took the opposite approach, transforming a 1988 Ford Festiva into a vehicle less than a meter (3.3 feet) wide by removing the center section of the body.