Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsJoe Harmon is the industrial designer behind the Splinter, a one-off, mid-engine supercar concept built largely from wood composites. Begun as his graduate project at North Carolina State University, it was designed to challenge assumptions about wood as an engineering material—not to serve as a production-car blueprint. Its often-repeated speed and power figures were estimates, not verified test results.
Who is Joe Harmon?
Harmon developed the Splinter while studying industrial design at North Carolina State University. The project combined two ambitions: designing and building a car from scratch, and showing that wood could do more than evoke traditional furniture or framing. In a 2008 NC State report, he said, “I want to show that you can make something really fast and really strong out of wood and that wood isn’t an old and antiquated low-technology material.”
The official project account identifies the de Havilland Mosquito—a World War II aircraft built with a wood composite structure—as an inspiration. The Splinter takes that idea into the very different demands of a high-performance car.
What is the Splinter made of?
It is not simply a conventional car with wooden body panels. The project used wood composites in the body and chassis, as well as in substantial parts of the suspension, wheels, interior, and other details. Harmon’s point was to explore wood as a structural material, while using other materials and systems where the design required them.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Scale Model Vehicle】It is inspired by the evolution of road vehicles back to the 19 century.Characteristic vehicles of the era are replicated into the mini scale models with detailed structures.
- 【No Glue Needed】Unique Mechanical 3D Puzzle,laser-cut ply wood,no tonxic,environmental friendly,smooth wooden board.All pieces are pre-cut,no glue needed.The interlocking mechanisms are pretty ingenious.
- 【Detailed English Instruction】Making this mechanical model toy requires not only attentiveness but also patience.Feel the pride of assembling this entire IQ toy set-up with your very own hands.
- 【Creative Gift】What a fascinating thing to see the mechanical miracle coming to life by your own hands.Best Holiday gift for your boyfriend,girlfriend,husband,wife who is model builder or puzzle lover.It looks so cool and creates a decent challenge for an adult.
- 【Perfect Decoration】The 3D wooden puzzle has decorative designs that look captivating in the finished product.It is a challenge for both eyes and hands,and also a perfect display for stylish collections!
The team turned thin wood veneer strips into a woven cloth. That material could conform to compound curves: it was laid into molds and vacuum-bagged with epoxy resin to form composite parts. The project describes a chassis made from bent and molded laminates; components were formed in custom molds, then trimmed, fitted, bonded, and riveted together. The approach combined composite fabrication with extensive hand-built work.
Period reporting by MotorTrend describes the team developing looms to weave the veneer strips before laying the resulting cloth into female molds. It also identifies specific material choices: osage orange transverse leaf springs, hickory tie rods, and plywood suspension control arms. Those details show how far the experiment extended beyond appearance, but they do not establish that every part was validated for long-term road use.
Rank #2
- 1:18 Racing Car & Watch It Race: Just wind it up and release to see the wooden racer speed across your desk, travel up to 25 feet. Just like a real formula car. A must-have build for formula fans and car enthusiasts!
- Satisfying Build Result: Spend 4-5 hours of focused, screen-free fun assembling this engineering marvel. Dive into an engaging engineering challenge that relaxes the mind and builds focus. Perfect for solo weekend projects, father-son bonding time, or group build nights
- The Ultimate Gift for Car Guys: This mechanical racing car kit makes a perfect birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, or graduation present for teens, adults, racing fans, and hobbyists. Finished model looks incredible on office desks, cave shelves, or bedroom display cases
- Racing Details: This woode puzzle models have aggressive arrow-style front, muscular sculpted nose cone engineered. 241 precision-cut pieces assemble into a stunning scale replica, racing fans and car enthusiasts will admire from every angle
- Premium Wood & No Glue: The 3D puzzles have ingenious snap-fit design means no glue and no mess – every piece fits securely with satisfying precision. ROKR provides replacement parts for manufacturing defects
How fast was the wooden Splinter?
No independently measured top speed or verified curb weight is established in the cited accounts. The headline figures are development targets and projections, so they should not be presented as achieved specifications.
| Figure | What the source says | How to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500 lb | Joe Harmon’s target weight, reported by NC State in 2008. | An early target, not a verified final curb weight. |
| 220–240 mph | Harmon’s estimated capability, reported by NC State in 2008. | A projection, not an independently verified top speed. |
| Close to 700 bhp | The official project engine page’s expected output for its described 7.0-liter small-block V8. | An expected output, not an independent dynamometer result. |
The engine specifications also changed over the project’s reporting timeline. The 2008 NC State account described an early plan for a modified 4.6-liter Cadillac Northstar V8 with twin superchargers and an expected 700 horsepower. The later project engine page describes a 7.0-liter small-block V8 and says the team expected close to 700 bhp. These are distinct descriptions from different stages, not one combined engine specification.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- 【1:18 Scale Model Vehicle】This is designed as a 1:18 Scale Model Vehicle for you to play with, You can pose, with 1:18 dolls, to create an imaginary scene of your mind.
- 【Self Assemble 3D Wooden Puzzle】This is a DIY kit that requires your hands-on work to complete. This mechanical wooden puzzle toy uses precision laser cutting of high-quality plywood, which is safe and convenient.
- 【Detailed Instructions and No Glue Needed】You can follow our Detailed Instructions to assemble it step by step, no glue needed, Just need patience, after 2-4 hours, you will get an unique car model.
- 【Gifts and Desk Decor】This is an good gift choice for any occasion. At Christmas, new year, birthday, Valentine's day as a gift to adults and kids, boyfriend, son, father, ect. In addition, it can be used as a family decoration, in the study, on the desk.
- 【Matters Needing Attention】Be careful to connect the parts in a complete and solid way to ensure that it runs well. Don't put it in a wet place. If you find product problems,we will help you to solve problems. Thank you.
Why build a car from wood?
Wood composites can be shaped into complex forms and can serve as structural components, but the material is not automatically lighter, stronger, cheaper, or easier to manufacture than a conventional automotive material. Performance depends on the particular wood, laminate design, resin, joints, geometry, and loading. Harmon put the trade-off simply: “Wood has its pros and cons, just like every other material does.”
The Splinter’s fabrication methods demonstrate one way to work with those trade-offs: weave veneer into a formable cloth, mold it with epoxy, and assemble custom-shaped laminates. That degree of customization is compelling for a singular engineering project, but it also involves specialist tooling and labor. The cited accounts do not establish a repeatable production process, a practical repair network, or a fair performance comparison with a production supercar.
Rank #4
- 【Classic Car Features】The scale model car features vivid details of openable door and bonnet, two-seat driver room, headlights, and roof rack with guitar. Lovely display on shelf or desk. Assembled size: 6.5x2.8x3.1in
- 【Antique Look & Feel】Vintage wooden model car kit you can build by yourself. Exquisite handcraft work for any antique car collection lover. The vintage blue add special touch to the puzzles kit.
- 【Easy to Assemble】A primary model kit for enthusiastic collector. It uses precise laser cutting and parts fit well together. Delicate parts need extra carefulness when assembling. We can provide replacements if you need.
- 【Relaxing Hobby】It's a rewarding hands-on activity to build such an artistic car model. Take your time. The exquisite outlook will definitely wow people around you.
- 【Cool Gift Idea】Creative craft kit suitable for adults. Ideal gift for friends, family or party guests, banquets receptions meetings. And perfect for any occasion like birthday, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas, anniversary.
Was the Splinter a production or road-legal car?
The available accounts describe the Splinter as a graduate project and continuing project, not a commercially produced model. They do not establish that it was sold, certified for road use, or tested to its projected maximum speed. The official project site’s statement that the project “has continued since” describes its history as presented by the project; it is not a current vehicle-status report.
For the same reason, archival specifications and photographs cannot establish where the car is now, who owns it, whether it runs, or whether it is available for sale. The reliable conclusion is narrower: Harmon and his team built a striking engineering demonstrator to explore how wood composites could be used in a high-performance vehicle.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Quick Recap
Best Value
- CLASSIC ROADSTER DESIGN – The design is like that of a classic roadster, with realistic details. It contains over 119 laser-cut wooden parts, each carefully designed to provide an immersive 3D assembly experience. It takes about 2-3 hours to put together, so it's great for beginners.
- EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP, HIGH-QUALITY DURABILITY – This 3D wooden puzzles for adults is made to a very high standard. It is made of poplar plywood, which is safe, eco-friendly and doesn't have a strong smell. The puzzle is cut using a laser, which means the details are very precise and it is easy to put together. Glue is not included, but you may use glue for extra permanence.
- UNIQUE & ENJOYABLE – The 3D wooden puzzle has a special pull-back feature. To use it, pull back on the model car to generate power and travel up to 20 feet. Have fun putting together this cool wooden 3D puzzle!
- FAMILY INTERACTIVE PROJECT – Assembling wooden puzzles for adults is a great way to improve your concentration and make you feel like you have done something. The assembly process is quite complex, but fun and relaxing. Kids can put together this 3D wooden puzzle model car set, but make sure an adult is there to help them.
- IDEAL GIFT - This 3D puzzle is great for jigsaw puzzles, building models and car fans. If you like DIY, you can color or dye it to make a unique piece of art. It makes a great gift for birthdays, Christmas or other special occasions. If you have any problems while putting it together, please contact MOCBURIKU.
Sources
- NC State News, “Grad Student Building Wooden Car,” March 19, 2008 — project origin and early planned specifications.
- Robert Cumberford, MotorTrend, “Splinter: Wooden Supercar — Got Wood?”, December 22, 2008 — period reporting on fabrication and design details.
- Official Splinter project pages — project account of the concept, build, and engine. The project pages include “The Idea,” “The Build,” and “Engine.”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
