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Custom ‘PT Bruiser’ Ute Showcases Dominic Costa’s Automotive Ingenuity

At the 2025 Hawks Nest Motorfest, Dominic Costa showcased his unique creation, the ‘PT Bruiser,’ a custom ute born from a fire-damaged PT Cruiser. Despite the PT Cruiser’s divisive reputation among enthusiasts, Dominic saw the potential for something extraordinary in this model and decided to take on the challenge.

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Dominic’s affinity for Chrysler vehicles, dating back to the late 60s, fueled his vision for the ‘PT Bruiser.’ Starting with a shell of a 2000 Chrysler PT Cruiser, he paired it with a ’33 Dodge chassis, a 440ci big-block engine, 727 Torqueflite transmission, and a BorgWarner differential. The amalgamation of these components resulted in a striking and powerful creation.

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Embracing simplicity and a preference for a cohesive brand approach, Dominic ensured that the entire build remained loyal to Chrysler. By integrating a ’33 Dodge chassis under the PT Cruiser shell, he achieved the desired robustness and structural integrity for his custom ute.

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Despite the perceived complexity of the project, Dominic’s philosophy was to keep things straightforward and functional, shunning unnecessary embellishments in favor of raw power. The 440ci engine, stroked to 496 cubes, boasts a robust build with forged components, alloy Edelbrock heads, and an Offenhauser dual-quad intake system.

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Performance-wise, the ‘PT Bruiser’ delivers exhilarating acceleration and power, with previous runs clocking at 12.2 seconds. Following recent upgrades, including a new engine and a four-link rear-end setup, the vehicle now offers improved handling and overall performance on the road.

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One standout feature of the ‘PT Bruiser’ is Dominic’s innovative approach to air conditioning. Facing space constraints in the front of the vehicle, he designed a custom electric air conditioning system mounted in the tray, controllable via an infrared remote from the interior.

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Contrary to its show-stopping appearance, Dominic emphasizes that the ‘PT Bruiser’ is a practical vehicle at heart. With a towbar at the rear, he frequently utilizes it for everyday tasks, from trips to hardware stores to hauling trailers across long distances with impressive ease.

With a background in automotive engineering dating back to the 60s, Dominic’s expertise and hands-on approach shine through in every aspect of the ‘PT Bruiser’ build. His dedication to craftsmanship and his ability to push boundaries reflect a deep-rooted passion for automotive innovation and customization.

From salvaging a fire-damaged PT Cruiser to crafting a high-performance V8-powered ute, Dominic Costa’s ‘PT Bruiser’ stands as a testament to creative ingenuity and unwavering dedication in the world of custom car building.

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