Krugger FD: A Handmade Art Deco Speedster Powered by a

In the world of custom automotive craftsmanship, few creations achieve the level of artistry, engineering excellence, and pure spectacle embodied by the Krugger FD. Designed and hand-built by Belgian master craftsman Fred “Krugger” Bertrand, the Krugger FD is far more than a car—it is a rolling sculpture that captures the spirit of Art Deco design while boasting the heart of a modern performance giant. With its Bentley-sourced 750-horsepower W12 engine, exquisite handcrafted bodywork, and breathtaking proportions, the Krugger FD is a masterpiece that blends past and future, elegance and aggression, art and engineering.

A Fusion of Art Deco Beauty and Modern Engineering

The Krugger FD is best described as a modern interpretation of the Art Deco era, a period known for its glamour, geometry, and streamlined aesthetics. But instead of simply imitating classic designs, Krugger elevates the concept through fresh proportions, dramatic lines, and contemporary fabrication methods. The result is a machine that looks like it could have existed in the 1930s, yet feels undeniably futuristic.

Handmade Bodywork

Unlike mass-produced vehicles, every curve and panel of the Krugger FD is shaped by hand. The body is crafted from aluminum using traditional metalworking techniques, giving the car a fluid, sculptural form that machines cannot replicate.

The seamless, flowing shape—free from visible panel gaps—mirrors the sleek streamliner cars and motorcycles of the early 20th century. Long fenders, a low-slung chassis, and an elongated hood emphasize movement, even at rest. Chrome accents highlight the Art Deco inspiration, while the futuristic stance brings the design into the modern era.

The Heart of the Beast: Bentley W12 Engine

One of the most astonishing elements of the Krugger FD is its engine: the Bentley 6.0-liter W12, an engineering marvel known for its power, smoothness, and compact design.

750 Horsepower of Hand-Tuned Power

Krugger didn’t simply transplant this engine into the chassis—he refined it. His custom tuning brings output to an impressive 750 horsepower, delivering immense acceleration and unmatched torque. The W12’s compact arrangement—two banks of six cylinders in a “W” configuration—allows engineers to fit massive power into a streamlined body.

Combined with a lightweight handmade chassis, the Krugger FD delivers an extraordinary power-to-weight ratio, giving it the performance characteristics of a supercar disguised as a 1930s work of art.

A Custom-Built Chassis for Perfect Balance

To properly handle the size and strength of the W12 engine, Krugger designed a fully bespoke chassis. Precision engineering ensures proper weight distribution, exceptional rigidity, and responsive handling.

Key engineering elements include:

Central backbone frame inspired by classic sporting designs
Independent suspension for smooth, controlled movement
High-performance braking system to match the power output
Modern electronics discreetly hidden to preserve vintage aesthetics

Krugger’s goal was to build a vehicle that didn’t just look beautiful—it had to perform exceptionally. The chassis and mechanical systems make the FD as capable on the road as it is stunning in a museum.

Craftsmanship at the Level of Fine Art

Fred Krugger is internationally known for his award-winning custom motorcycles, but the Krugger FD showcases his ability to scale his vision to a full-sized automotive masterpiece.

More than 3,000 Hours of Hand Labor

The car represents thousands of hours of hand-shaping, welding, polishing, painting, and tuning. Every detail—from the grille pattern to the dashboard layout—was designed from scratch and executed with extreme precision.

Nothing on the Krugger FD is off-the-shelf:

The frame is handmade.
The body is handmade.
The interior is handmade.
The exhaust system, suspension components, and many engine parts are custom-fabricated.

It is a one-of-a-kind creation, impossible to duplicate, and built with an artist’s approach rather than an engineer’s alone.

Interior: A Retro-Futuristic Dream

The interior of the Krugger FD is a continuation of its exterior philosophy—elegant, minimalistic, and deeply rooted in Art Deco influence.

Interior highlights include:

Polished metal detailing and sculpted aluminum panels
Vintage-style gauges with modern mechanical precision
Hand-stitched leather seats in a low, cockpit-like layout
Simplified switchgear with hidden electronics
A steering wheel styled after early speedsters but engineered for modern control

Krugger avoids unnecessary screens or high-tech distractions, allowing the craftsmanship and engine sound to remain the focal points of the driving experience.

A True Speedster: Low, Wide, and Built for Excitement

As a speedster, the Krugger FD is built with a low stance and a driver-focused cockpit. The seating is positioned deep within the chassis, enhancing the sense of connection to the road. The open cockpit experience, combined with the thunderous sound of the W12 engine, transforms every drive into a cinematic moment.

Despite its classic style, the car’s performance is undeniably modern. With 750 horsepower and a favorable weight distribution, the Krugger FD accelerates with authority and maintains stability at high speeds.

A Tribute to a Bygone Era

The Krugger FD does not simply borrow from Art Deco—it pays homage to a remarkable moment in design history. The 1930s represented the height of streamlining, elegance, and sculptural automotive forms. Coachbuilders like Figoni et Falaschi, Bugatti, Voisin, and Delahaye created some of the most beautiful cars ever made.

Krugger brings that spirit into the 21st century, channeling their design philosophies while incorporating modern engineering and power. The result is neither a replica nor a retro build—it is an original sculpture inspired by legends.

Why the Krugger FD Matters

In an age dominated by digital design, mass production, and computer-controlled perfection, the Krugger FD stands apart as a reminder of what human craftsmanship can achieve. It reflects:

The value of handmade artistry
The emotional impact of design
The beauty of mechanical engineering
The power of blending old and new

It is a car that belongs both on the road and in an art museum—a rare fusion that few creators can accomplish.

Conclusion

The Krugger FD is a breathtaking achievement: a handmade Art Deco speedster infused with the immense power of a Bentley-sourced 750HP W12 engine. It represents a fusion of craftsmanship, performance, and artistic vision at the highest level. More sculpture than machine, yet fully capable as a modern performance vehicle, the Krugger FD stands as one of the most extraordinary custom vehicles ever built. By blending the elegance of the 1930s with the engineering of today, Krugger has created an automotive icon that will be remembered for decades to come.

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