by Italian startup Brado presented its first car – a modern version of the classic dune buggy
Italian startup Brado officially presented its first model – a modern reinterpretation of the classic dune buggy. The new car, named Carbon Buggy, abandons conventional electronic systems in favor of true analog driving. It combines a carbon monocoque with an old air-cooled engine.
The project was created by Mathias Mussetta and Andrea Mazzuca. Mussetta previously worked at Scuderia Toro Rosso, Lamborghini, and Dallara, and also performed technical duties for the Ferrari team at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The car’s design was developed by Argentine designer Juan Manuel Diaz, who worked on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and MiTo, Audi R8 Spyder, as well as the rally RS Q e-tron Dakar.
Minimalist design and compact dimensions
The Carbon Buggy features a minimalist design with a sculpted ‘tub’ body, round headlights, and a canvas roof. The car’s length is 3,310 mm, which is 322 mm less than a Fiat 500. The width of the rear section is 1,810 mm, corresponding to the width of a Jeep Compass.
The interior is offered in four- and two-seat configurations. It is almost completely exposed to the elements due to the lack of doors and windows. Premium leather, marine fabrics, and titanium accents are used inside. There are no screens or modern technological distractions in the cabin – only a few physical controls and one dial on the center console.
Technical specifications and powertrain
Under the body lies a carbon monocoque with an open tubular frame structure. The rear-engine layout uses an air-cooled opposed engine from Volkswagen with two carburetors. The engine works exclusively with a manual gearbox, driving the rear wheels. The base 1.8-liter unit produces 85 hp, while the 2.0-liter version produces 110 hp.
The buggy is equipped with adjustable oil-gas shock absorbers and disc brakes on all four wheels. Depending on the owner’s plans, Brado offers an Off-Road configuration with BF Goodrich tires or a Hybrid Street configuration on Cooper Cobra rubber.
Limited series and personalized approach
Brado positions the Carbon Buggy as a limited series for luxury leisure enthusiasts. Each car receives individual refinement, with buyers acting as co-designers, approving details down to the shade of the carbon fiber weave.
Brado is not the only one using the classic VW dune buggy template. The American company Meyers Manx already offers a fully electric model 2.0 and a more extreme limited LFG, which has a carbon body and an opposed engine from Porsche, developed by Tuthill specialists. Callum Skye offers another approach to the buggy idea, positioning itself as a high-performance off-roader for various types of terrain.
The new Brado Carbon Buggy demonstrates that even in a world of modern technology, there remains a demand for simple, analog cars that deliver pure driving emotions. The rejection of screens and electronic assistants in favor of mechanics and carbon makes this buggy a unique proposition for those who value authenticity. It is worth noting that the market for such cars is gradually expanding, and Brado is finding its niche by offering a combination of Italian design, the founders’ racing experience, and classic VW mechanics. This makes it not just another buggy, but a conscious choice in favor of minimalism and the purity of the driving experience.
