THE DAEDALUS: 1 of 1 Handmade Aluminum-Body Roadster Inspired by Vintage European Racing | EP18

Published 2022-10-31
From myth to masterpiece, the first street car he ever built will become a legend. The curvaceous Daedalus roadster, hand-built from scratch over a span of 17 years in a two-car garage, is a one-off original design with a hand-formed aluminum body, 302-cubic-inch GMC inline six-cylinder engine, C4 Corvette suspension, Truspoke wire wheels, and custom leather interior.

Inspired by European sports roadsters that ruled Sebring, Le Mans, and high-end tracks around the world in the late 50s and early 60s, owner and builder Kris Heil incorporated styling cues from Aston Martin, Jaguar, Ferrari, and Porsche without copying any particular design. Come along as Nicole Johnson learns the art of the English wheel and takes Kris for a coastal ride across Bixby Creek Bridge in Big Sur, California.


ABOUT KRIS HEIL: Kris is a retired firefighter from Northern California who serves as crew chief for his brother's Formula Ford race team. He is currently accepting offers to purchase The Daedalus. For more info about The Daedalus and how to reach Kris, please visit his website.
WEBSITE: www.the-daedalus.com/
YouTube Handle: @krisheil8266

•••••
Created and Produced by Michael Badami and Nicole Johnson
Directed by Michael Badami
© Lawndart Limited
lawndartlimited.com/

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#daedalus #roadster #builtnotbought #vintageracing #nicolejohnsonsdetour

All Comments (21)
  • Chris is THE most subtle, humble, modest, exceptionally capable gentleman. As always, Nicole draws people out to be the best version of themselves. A channel to cherish.
  • Thank you,Sir, for making the most beautiful car my old eyes have ever seen. 82 years on this planet, and finally, a car that made me cry. Just wanted to let you know that.
  • The most impressive part of this story is that his wife was supportive of his dream and secure enough with herself to allow her husband to spend countless hours even years on a passion project without giving him a guilt trip about feeling neglected... kudos to her for that.
  • This man is humble genius. So great to witness his engineering art.
  • @Speedytrip
    There's been plenty of amazing cars on this channel, but this one takes the cake. The knowledge and skills required to build something like this...simply, wow. Not to mention that sound...great video as always!
  • Hands down one of the best shows on YouTube, and I spend hours a day on this platform.
  • I absolutely love it “I named it after the crafty old man, not the stupid kid!” Never a truer statement!
  • @fetishcat9978
    As Mechanical engineer and Designer, Car enthusiast, Motorcycle Fan and Bicycle Freak I must say: All my honour to this guy! It´s technically well thought, looks mechanically perfect, and the design, the shape, as well inside, is a master piece! And Kris is a very, very nice person! Togehter with Nicole in this car, it was a pleasure to watch. I am happy, that these kind of people are on the planet.
  • @ORflycaster
    What an incredibly talented and humble man. I'm awestruck on several levels.
  • @starckmad1779
    WHAT a beautiful car! A beautiful drive. And an owner who happy to let us all enjoy it! Thanks Chris and Nicole!
  • @someguy9440
    Holy smokes - this show is way better than anything on cable television. Subbed - look forward to more episodes. Seeing a GM straight six wrapped in 50s style racer body is like something from a dream. Great video.
  • @wolfstream1
    I am very thankful to Youtube's algorithm to make me stumble into this amazing story. Thankful for Nicole and her team to have produced this video. And specially, very thankful to Kris Heil for having produced this precious beauty in his golden years and to make a dream came true. After being questioned why he wants to sell his Daedalus, Kris replies: "I am a builder not a collector". But I tell you this, Kris: you are living evidence that one can achieve his/hers dreams, no matter how old one is. And, perhaps, this is the most valuable lesson one can take from your creation. To dare to create, to dare to live life at its fullest, with a true and meaningful sense of Life. What an inspiration! Wow! A final sweet note for Kris’ wife (Cindy?) who, as @Nicolas Ruvalcaba correctly pointed out, has a great deal of credit. Cindy and Kris both bring an inspiring example of what Love really is (or should be), which reminds me a Erich Fromm’s line of what Love is about: "In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two”. Thank you! PS – did you notice the feedback this video got from the audience? 3.600 replies out of 13.000 likes, that makes probably the highest YouTube interaction rate ever. Well done!
  • @dons1932
    Like others here, I've been into engineering, metalworking and have been building race cars and tube chassis' for decades. In 35 years this is the most beautiful car I've ever seen. Everything is just absolutely gorgeous. Understated. The entire combo works flawlessly and oh my word, the bodywork! The visual look is nothing short of perfection. Timeless. Prettiest car I have ever seen. Nothing to be changed or improved. Unbelievable work Kris! Once you master the english wheel and start forming panels, the sky is the limit. Something I DON'T do a lot of. But can admire even more so when you understand how painstaking and patient you need to be. And moreover - skilled!
  • @FreeBSL
    I’m speechless….Kris is a craftsman. After the accident his attitude and mental approach is admirable. Not only did he not give up but he turned the heartbreaking experience into an opportunity to make design improvements. Love your show Nicole….you don’t just focus on the cars but bring the cars personality out from the owners who build them.
  • @Pidas352
    Naprosto famózní výtvor dizajnu, staré techniky a lidského umění !!! Klobouk dolů, před Panem Krisem Heilem. 👏👏👏 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- An absolutely famous creation of design, old technology and human art !!! Hats off to Mr. Kris Heil. 👏👏👏
  • GAWD, that is beautiful. A work of fine Art. An inline six is perfect!
  • Absolutely absurd. Props to this gent. That is one of the most gorgeous cars I’ve ever seen in my 53 years.
  • "Quietly classy!" What a beauty, awesome craftmanship. Back to the classic, no need for fancy electronic gadgets to distract, just pure driving enjoyment. I felt like I came along for the drive. Thank you both.
  • @moflow99
    Can't believe this work of automotive excellence hasn't been snatched up by someone yet. 😲
  • This is what I love about the USA - everything about this video. Thank you.