Since its debut delivery in 2021, The Little Car Company has demonstrated a clear vision for success. While the company’s electric vehicles are small-scale tributes to iconic, collectible cars from history, their ambitions are far from miniature. The brand quickly rose to prominence, offering high-quality, downsized versions of legendary models. Although they are 66 to 85 percent the size of the originals, these models are designed to comfortably accommodate most adults. Remarkably, these cars are being produced in larger volumes than some of the original full-sized versions they emulate. For instance, the Bugatti Baby II is set to have around 500 units made, a scaled-down version of the child’s car originally created by Ettore Bugatti. In contrast, over 1,000 units of the Aston Martin DB5 Junior are planned for production—far surpassing the original Volante’s numbers.
The brand’s rapid success has included creating race series and releasing limited-edition models that sell out quickly, mimicking the high demand seen in full-scale automotive brands. One of the most notable models is the Bentley Blower Junior, which is road-legal, adding to the sense that The Little Car Company’s vehicles are much more than just replicas. Prices, while not comparable to the multi-million-dollar originals at auction, are still significant, with the Bugatti Baby II starting at approximately £55,000 (around $70,000).
Given its rapid expansion and growing reputation, The Little Car Company has recently rebranded as Hedley Studios, reflecting its founder and CEO, Ben Hedley. The change signifies a shift in its direction, taking on a more sophisticated name while retaining the brand’s focus on automotive craftsmanship. In a move that aligns with the tradition of major car companies, Hedley Studios is also creating custom art cars, following the tradition of turning luxury vehicles into pieces of art. While art cars are not new, with notable examples like John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce Phantom and Janis Joplin’s Porsche 356, it was BMW that truly cemented the concept by commissioning renowned artists like Warhol and Lichtenstein to design unique vehicle liveries.
Hedley has recently collaborated with New York-based artist Alex Alpert, commissioning him to create two bespoke art cars based on the Bugatti Baby II. Alpert’s work draws inspiration from the rich history of the Bugatti marque, including nods to the Type 35, Bugatti’s centennial celebration, and the famous “dancing elephant” mascot created by Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore’s brother. Known for his unique and free-flowing style, Alpert’s monochrome art often has a spontaneous, “stream of consciousness” feel. His past work includes collaborations with musicians and major brands, further elevating his status as a sought-after artist. For this project, Alpert used acrylic markers on a specially prepared surface, with his artwork sealed under a clear coat to ensure longevity. Additionally, buyers of the art cars will have the opportunity to collaborate with Alpert on a second commission, this time on a conventional canvas for display in their homes or garages.
Ben Hedley speaks highly of Alpert’s work, stating, “Alex Alpert’s art is both thought-provoking and evocative, and this reflects the experience that we aim to deliver for our clients with our pieces of drivable artwork.” Alpert’s previous commissions for high-profile brands like Nike, Formula 1, and American Express align perfectly with Hedley’s vision of combining automotive excellence with artistic expression.
Alpert also expressed his enthusiasm for working on the Bugatti Baby II, describing it as a “fascinating and meticulously engineered piece of automotive art.” He added that he was thrilled to apply his own artistic vision to two models of this unique car. The exact price and availability of the two art cars have yet to be disclosed. However, earlier this year, a limited run of six baby-blue Bugatti Baby II models, created to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Bugatti Type 35’s first Grand Prix outing, sold out before the project was even publicly announced.
With Hedley Studios now at the forefront of combining luxury, craftsmanship, and art, it is clear that the company’s ambitions have only just begun. Its commitment to creating high-quality, artistically designed vehicles, coupled with collaborations with renowned figures like Alex Alpert, marks the beginning of a new era for both the company and the world of bespoke automotive artistry. The future holds exciting possibilities as the brand continues to push boundaries and redefine the idea of what a collector’s car can be.
