Chinese car company is combining classic 1950s American cars with BYD EVs to create very unorthodox vehicles that meet China's strict laws
Published on Jul 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Jul 12, 2026 at 8:06 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Ben Thompson
This Chinese car company is doing something remarkable by taking classic 1950s American cars and combining them with BYD EVs.
Think Hannah Montana had the best of both worlds? You haven’t seen nothing yet.
Fugu Motors brings together two cultures in a beautiful harmony.
One YouTube channel paid a visit to the company and got a closer look at their stunning cars.
What do you get when you combine BYD EVs with American exteriors? Fugu Motors, that’s what
Fugu Motors began life in 1995, modifying motorbikes in Beijing to turn them into American-style choppers.
Later down the line, the company wanted to venture into cars, but there was just one problem.
Car modification is illegal in China, so the company had to find a loophole.
It partnered with BYD in 2020 through its contract manufacturing division.
The EV giant provided the rolling chassis, engine, suspension, and battery from a Qin Pro Plus.
Fugu, taking inspiration from a 1950s Chevrolet Corvette, built the body.
Because it was directly built by an approved OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer), the car was deemed road legal in China.
Off the back of this first car, a limited run of 199 units was sold, with each one worth around $150,000.
What lies in store for Fugu Motors?
YouTube channel Everything Electric APAC paid a visit to a showroom filled with cars from Fugu Motors.
These vehicles looked like classic Americana but they were entirely Chinese.
If you’d stumbled across these cars grouped together, you would have thought that you’d gone back to an American diner in the 1950s.
It would have been easy to assume that this was a one-off concept, but that’s not the case.
The company secured a large stand at the Beijing Auto Show, and is making new partnerships.
They’ve teamed up with the Nanjing government and the Nanjing bus company, Jinlong, to work on the future lineup.
And what’s in the future lineup exactly?
One is a retro customizable vehicle which you’d be forgiven for likening to a classic VW bus.
At the heart of this van is a Wuling hybrid powertrain featuring CATL bateries.
Alongside that is 1930s-style hot rod, complete with fake exhaust pipes and a chrome grille.
Who said that EVs had to be uniform and plain? These cars are bursting with personality.
The Chinese automotive industry is on the rise around the world
It seems that everywhere you look, Chinese cars are coming on leaps and bounds these days.
China’s government takes a keen interest in its auto industry, which we know for sure.
That’s not just conjecture on our part; the government releases a list of cars of the future every month.
With targets for EV domination and loopholes to meet said targets, the government is nothing but ambitious.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
