Extensive changes were made to the model car in order to make it road-worthy, including adding headlights, turn signals, a modified muffler, six inches of legroom, and a dual circuit brake system. Mr. Najjarian also built the transmission system from scratch, and added a handmade camshaft. The original 1952 Topolino engine was modified with racing components manufactured by Abarth. The mini-F2 now has a top speed of 90 mph and an output of 45 horsepower. The car turns heads, and occasionally almost causes accidents, as people do “double takes” on the highway when Mr. Srour drives it around. He has to drive carefully because the car is so short, but in all other ways, it is a completely functional mini-car. Najjarian is currently working on Srour’s next mini-car, a 2/3rds sized model of a 275 GTB/4 NART Spyder, that will have room for passengers and travel at speeds of up to 120 miles per hour. Mr. Srour’s choice of hobby may be eccentric, but you have to admit, it’s kind of cool.
