Homegrown: Ex–GM designer’s “Voo Doo” magic

Courtesy Brian Booth

Welcome to Homegrown—a limited series about homebuilt cars and the ingenuity, diligence, and craftsmanship of their visionary creators. Know of a killer Homegrown car that fits the bill? Send us an email at tips@hagerty.com with the subject line HOMEGROWN: in all caps. Enjoy, fellow tinkerers! —Eric Weiner

Brian Booth, 57, has devoted 24 years, over 20,000 hours, and unmentionable dollars constructing the homebuilt he dubbed “Voo Doo.”

Booth is an artist and designer who spent 19 years at GM before becoming the chief designer at the L.A.-based firm Flyer Defense, which supplies rugged ATV personnel carriers to the U.S. Army. He’s also an instructor at the Los Angeles Art Center College of Design. His portfolio includes Chevy and Olds exteriors, Pontiac interiors, Chevy and GMC light trucks, various Opels, and the MV-1 taxicab.

Voo Doo’s propulsion system resembles something NASA might dream up. Seeking immunity from environmental/geo-political disruptions, Booth engineered his driveline to run on a wide variety of fuels, yielding what amounts to a science fair on wheels.

A 181-horsepower UQM Power Phase 135 DC electric motor drives the rear wheels through a Ford Mustang 9-inch, 5.14:1 differential. Ten LG Chem lithium-ion batteries provide 60 miles of emissions-free range for daily commuting. A Thunderstruck control unit keeps the electric propulsion system happy while an Elcon 240-volt charger sits onboard to replenish the batteries during stops.

When plugging in isn’t practical and charge is running low, a Garrett GTP 60-67 gas turbine spins a pair of ultra-light Auragen generators to energize the battery pack on the roll. “Believe it or else,” Booth explains, “I found this 60,000-rpm whistler—normally used as an auxiliary power unit—installed in a John Deere Gator side-by-side off-roader.”

Voo Doo custom car engine detail
Courtesy Brian Booth

“In my teen years I was inspired by the McDonnell F-101 Voodoo supersonic interceptor my father flew in the Air Force,” says Booth. “My priority here was more how I conserve energy than outrageous power and speed.”

Operating in its series-hybrid mode, Voo Doo’s range is extensive. The Garrett turbine is happy to swill gasoline, alcohol, diesel, bio fuel, or CNG.

“Thanks to my final drive ratio, low-end electric torque, and light weight, Voo Doo’s initial acceleration should be impressive. But even with an unlimited budget, I’d never want more than 500 hp in this homebuilt. I think the new generation of road-going performance must include responsible fuel consumption.”

Voo Doo custom car side
Courtesy Brian Booth

Booth’s homebuilt mimics a C8 Corvette’s overall length and height. However, the wheelbase is longer by a foot while track and width dimensions are 4-5 inches greater, all to provide seating space for two adults plus two lucky kids. While he was timely employing an electric driveline, fitting four doors to this sports car must be considered a radical innovation.

The Voo Doo’s ten lithium-ion prismatic batteries are stacked two high inside a tubular stainless steel backbone. “A friend of mine designed the independent suspension systems employing unequal-length control arms at each corner,” Booth explains. The disc brake hardware is a mix of GM and Wilwood components. The unassisted rack-and-pinion steering gear was purchased from Unisteer Performance. Forgiato forged-aluminum wheels, 21×9.6- in front, 22×10.0-in back are fitted with ultra-low-profile Pirelli radials (245/35R-21 in front, 245/30R-22 in back).

Voo Doo custom car rear wheel
Courtesy Brian Booth

Booth employed Alias CAD software to shape his exterior. A friend of his on the east coast milled stiff foam to create the main body mold. Booth helped lay up the fiberglass skin in the finished mold before designing and constructing his seats, instrument panel, center console, and door trim at home. The Aircraft Windshield Company helped shape the crystal clear polycarbonate windshield. Voo Doo’s side glass was custom made by Booth in his garage. In lieu of a back window, three cameras provide a comprehensive rear view.

‘The greatest challenge was a commitment to build my own fiberglass body, which cost ample time and money due to the need to mill the stiff foam used to make the mold,” says Booth. “That phase was done some twenty years ago before the advent of 3D printing. Once that technology became available, I was able to employ it to save cost and time constructing the interior components such as the roof pillar covers.

“Voo Doo has a true four-passenger interior with jump seats in back large enough to accommodate my 6-ft 1-in height. The front seat headrests came from an actual Voodoo aircraft and I installed a working AC system to maintain long-distance comfort.”

Voo Doo custom car interior seat
Courtesy Brian Booth

As for the weight, Booth hasn’t had a chance to put his homebuilt machine on the scale, but he’d “estimate the curb weight is about 3000 pounds.”

“Near the beginning of design and construction, a close friend counseled against trying to build a car at home. I learned so much collaborating with friends that I’m glad I ignored that advice. California assigned my VIN this August, long after I had enjoyed a few shake-down runs around the block.”

Voo Doo custom car side
Courtesy Brian Booth

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Comments

    Awesome accomplishment, Brian. You’ve always spent your own time tinkering with some project or other. This one’s a big one. Congrats!

    Mr. Booth. You have accomplished my dream. Absolutely gorgeous. You would do well to produce a run of these (perhaps with a few changes to keep yours as a one off (I’ll take mine with some sorta removable top/targa/t-top/or full convertible)! I especially like the flexible drivetrain. You [& Chip Foose] are my hero

    That is a fabulous looking automobile. The accomplishment of having that look and driveline with ability to actually seat four people is outstanding. Car Makers of all types could learn from your success!
    Awesome 😎 Congratulations. Well done!

    That has to be the most out of the box drivetrain I have seen. Amazing piece of engineering. And wrapped in beautiful bodywork as well. Impressive!

    I see a little Fisker Karma in the styling. I like the generator. I personally would prefer some kind of generator than have to deal with plugging in the car.

    The fact that any human being could accomplish this is humbling. I’m happy if I can keep my house in reasonable condition and make a 6-footer every now & again and meanwhile this gentleman built his own Supercar. Well done sir.

    The car is unquestionably beautiful. I am particularly impressed, though, with the addition of generators giving the car considerably greater range while keeping the car as light as it is. I sure wish I had even a fraction of the skill and ability that Brian has displayed with this car. Genius.

    I didn’t think I would like a 4 door Corvette having owned 5 Corvette’s over the years. This concept is amazing. It would be GREAT parked in my garage next to my Black C5. Then I could take 3 Grandkids at a time instead of just 1.

    Nice work. But I did get a good laugh out of adding the AC to keep it comfortable on those long distance, 60 mile rides.

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