Lanark DS: Drew Scott's Electric Dream & Homage To Heritage

In the realm of custom automotive creations, few projects capture the imagination quite like the Lanark DS. It's more than just a car; it's a profound statement, a blend of cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, classic European sports car aesthetics, and deeply personal family heritage. This unique vehicle, brought to life by none other than Drew Scott, the celebrated host of HGTV's "Property Brothers," stands as a testament to passion, innovation, and the enduring power of a father's influence.

Far from the familiar landscapes of home renovation, Scott embarked on an ambitious journey to build a set of wheels that resonated with his soul. The result, the Lanark DS, is a bespoke electric vehicle that has garnered significant attention, even earning a coveted spot on "Jay Leno's Garage." This article delves deep into the origins, design, engineering, and personal significance of this extraordinary machine, exploring how it embodies the spirit of bespoke craftsmanship and pays a heartfelt tribute to family roots.

Drew Scott: The Visionary Behind the Lanark DS

Drew Scott is a household name, primarily recognized for his charismatic presence on HGTV's massively popular show, "Property Brothers," alongside his twin brother, Jonathan. Together, they have transformed countless homes, making design and renovation accessible and inspiring for millions. However, beyond the blueprints and construction sites, Drew harbors a profound passion for automobiles, a love affair ignited in his formative years. This lesser-known facet of his personality is what ultimately led to the creation of the Lanark DS, a project that allowed him to merge his creative vision with his automotive enthusiasm.

His decision to venture into custom car building, rather than just collecting, speaks volumes about his hands-on approach and desire to bring unique visions to life. It’s a natural extension of his work in home design, where every detail matters, and personalization is key. The Lanark DS is not just a vehicle; it’s a canvas upon which Drew painted his personal narrative and design philosophy.

Personal Data: Drew Scott

The Genesis of a Dream: Why the Lanark DS?

The inspiration behind the Lanark DS is deeply personal and heartwarming. As Scott himself explains within the episode of "Jay Leno's Garage," the automotive is a direct tribute to his father, who instilled in him a fervent enthusiasm for cars from a young age. This foundational love for automobiles, passed down through generations, became the driving force behind the entire project. The vehicle’s name, "Lanark," is a poignant homage, paying tribute to his father’s birthplace in Scotland, thus weaving a direct thread from the car's identity back to his family's heritage.

For Drew, this wasn't just about building a cool car; it was about honoring a legacy and celebrating a bond. The entire endeavor, from conceptualization to the final touches, was infused with this sentiment. It's a prime example of how personal narrative can elevate a technical project into something truly meaningful, making the Lanark DS not just a mode of transport but a mobile monument to familial love and shared passion.

Engineering the Electric Heart: Power and Performance

At the core of the Lanark DS lies a surprising and powerful secret: a modern electric powertrain. While its exterior harkens back to classic European sports cars, its propulsion system is firmly rooted in the 21st century. This juxtaposition of old and new is a hallmark of the vehicle's innovative design philosophy, showcasing how classic aesthetics can seamlessly integrate with contemporary technology.

Tesla Motor and Range

The heart of the Lanark DS is a Tesla motor, a choice that immediately signals its commitment to performance and sustainability. Leveraging the expertise of a leading EV manufacturer, Scott ensured that his custom creation would not only look good but also perform admirably. This decision speaks to a growing trend in custom car building: the adoption of electric powertrains for their efficiency, instant torque, and reduced environmental footprint. The integration of a Tesla motor means the Lanark DS benefits from a proven, reliable, and powerful electric drive system.

Performance figures for custom builds are always a point of interest, and the Lanark DS doesn't disappoint. It boasts an impressive range, capable of getting "300 miles on a full charge." This range is significant for a custom EV, making it not just a showpiece but a genuinely usable vehicle for longer drives. For context, 300 miles is comparable to many modern production EVs, highlighting the robust engineering that went into this bespoke creation. This impressive range ensures that the car offers both the thrill of an electric sports car and the practicality for real-world use.

Lightweight Design and Agility

Despite its powerful electric motor and battery pack, the Lanark DS was meticulously engineered for optimal performance and handling. The finished car weighs in at "2,600 lbs (1200 kg)." This relatively low weight for an EV, especially one with a 300-mile range, is a testament to clever engineering and material selection. A lighter vehicle inherently offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Agility: Lower weight translates to more nimble handling, better cornering, and a more engaging driving experience, reminiscent of the classic sports cars it draws inspiration from.
• Improved Efficiency: Less weight means the electric motor has to work less to move the vehicle, contributing to the impressive 300-mile range and overall energy efficiency.
• Better Acceleration: With instant torque from the electric motor and a light chassis, the Lanark DS is likely to offer exhilarating acceleration, providing that classic sports car "push."

The combination of a powerful Tesla motor and a lightweight chassis creates a dynamic package, ensuring the Lanark DS delivers a driving experience that matches its stunning looks and personal significance.

A Symphony of Design Influences: Aesthetics of the Lanark DS

One of the most striking aspects of the Lanark DS is its exterior design. It's a masterclass in blending disparate automotive design cues into a surprisingly cohesive and harmonious aesthetic. Drew Scott's vision was to create a custom EV inspired by classic European sports cars, but he didn't limit himself to a single era or marque. Instead, he pulled inspiration from various iconic vehicles, resulting in a truly unique silhouette.

The Lanark DS boasts a mix of design influences that, on paper, might seem contradictory, yet they coalesce beautifully in the final product. For instance, it incorporates "side scallops reminiscent of a Corvette," a bold American muscle car feature, seamlessly integrated into a body that otherwise leans towards European elegance. The "headlights similar to those on a contemporary Mini" add a touch of modern, quirky charm, bringing a familiar yet fresh element to the front fascia. This eclectic mix, rather than creating a Frankenstein's monster of automotive parts, maintains "a surprisingly harmonious aesthetic."

This careful curation of design elements speaks to Drew Scott's keen eye for design, honed through years of home renovation. Just as he might blend traditional and modern elements in a living space, he applied the same principle to the Lanark DS, demonstrating an understanding of visual balance and proportion. The result is a car that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, familiar yet entirely original. It's a testament to bespoke design, where the designer's personal taste and vision dictate the outcome, rather than being constrained by mass-production conventions.

The Tartan Soul: Heritage Woven into the Interior

The personal touches of the Lanark DS extend far beyond its name and overall concept; they are intricately woven into the very fabric of its interior. This attention to detail is where the car truly becomes a living tribute, reflecting the Scott family’s Scottish heritage in a tangible and beautiful way. The interior design of the Lanark DS is as thoughtful and personal as its exterior engineering.

Along with the retro styling, the interior is "upholstered in tartan," a direct and vibrant reflection of the Scott family’s Scottish heritage. Tartan is more than just a pattern; it's a symbol of clan identity, history, and tradition. By choosing this specific fabric for the interior, Drew Scott ensured that his father's birthplace and the family's roots are ever-present within the vehicle. Scott himself highlights this profound connection, noting that "even the fabric in the ‘chairs’" speaks to him or his family. This level of personalization elevates the Lanark DS from a mere custom car to a mobile heirloom, imbued with layers of meaning.

The use of tartan in a modern electric vehicle creates a fascinating dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation. It’s a bold design choice that pays off, giving the interior a distinct character and a warmth that mass-produced vehicles often lack. This bespoke approach to interior design ensures that every moment spent inside the Lanark DS is a reminder of the personal story it embodies.

Modern Meets Classic: The Cockpit Experience

While the exterior and some interior elements of the Lanark DS celebrate classic aesthetics and heritage, the driving experience itself is undeniably modern, thanks to thoughtful technological integration. Drew Scott understood that a truly exceptional custom EV needed to marry the charm of the past with the convenience and functionality of the present.

The Lanark DS features "a touchscreen instrument cluster." This is a significant departure from the analog gauges found in classic European sports cars and a clear nod to its electric powertrain and modern capabilities. A touchscreen allows for a customizable and intuitive display of vital information, from speed and range to navigation and infotainment. This choice reflects a practical approach to design, ensuring that while the car feels nostalgic, it doesn't compromise on modern usability.

The seamless integration of this modern technology within a retro-styled cockpit is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution of the Lanark DS project. It creates a driving environment that is both familiar and futuristic, allowing the driver to enjoy the best of both worlds. The thoughtful design ensures that the car remains relevant and enjoyable in today's technologically advanced automotive landscape, without losing its soul or its connection to classic motoring.

The Unveiling and Public Reception

A project as unique and personally significant as the Lanark DS deserved a grand introduction, and it received just that. The finished car, a culmination of Drew Scott's vision and dedication, was featured in a prominent episode of "Jay Leno's Garage." This appearance on a show renowned for showcasing extraordinary vehicles, from rare classics to cutting-edge customs, instantly elevated the Lanark DS to a national spotlight.

The episode, which highlighted the car's intricate details, its personal story, and Drew Scott's journey in building it, allowed a vast audience to appreciate the craftsmanship and passion behind the project. Jay Leno, himself a passionate car enthusiast and collector, provided the perfect platform for the Lanark DS to shine. The fact that the car was deemed "certainly unique" by Leno and his team underscores its innovative design and execution. This exposure not only validated Scott's ambitious undertaking but also inspired countless viewers who might have similar dreams of creating their own bespoke vehicles.

The public reception to the Lanark DS has been overwhelmingly positive. Enthusiasts appreciate the blend of classic design with modern EV technology, while fans of Drew Scott admire his versatility and dedication to a project outside his usual domain. The car has become a talking point, a symbol of what's possible when creativity, engineering, and personal passion converge.

The Legacy of the Lanark DS: Inspiration and Impact

The Lanark DS is more than just Drew Scott's personal tribute; it serves as a powerful source of inspiration for the custom car community and beyond. It demonstrates that the world of bespoke automotive design is not limited to traditional internal combustion engines but is rapidly embracing electric powertrains. This shift opens up new avenues for creativity, performance, and sustainability in custom builds.

The impact of the Lanark DS can be seen in several ways:

• Pioneering EV Customization: It showcases the viability and appeal of integrating advanced EV technology, like the Tesla motor, into unique, one-off builds. This encourages other builders to explore similar electric conversions or ground-up EV creations.
• Celebrating Personal Narrative: The deep personal connection to Drew Scott's father and Scottish heritage highlights how vehicles can become powerful extensions of identity and memory. This encourages a more meaningful approach to customization, moving beyond mere aesthetics to incorporate personal stories.
• Bridging Design Eras: The harmonious blend of classic European sports car lines, Corvette scallops, and Mini headlights proves that diverse design influences can coexist beautifully. It challenges conventional design thinking and encourages experimentation.
• Inspiring DIY Spirit: For fans of "Property Brothers," seeing Drew Scott, known for homes, tackle a complex automotive build, can be incredibly motivating. It reinforces the idea that passion and dedication can lead to extraordinary achievements, regardless of one's primary field.

In essence, the Lanark DS is a beacon for innovation in the custom automotive world. It's a vehicle that transcends its components, becoming a symbol of personal dedication, technological foresight, and timeless design. Its presence on channels that upload daily walkaround videos of cars and motorcycles, allowing viewers to take a close look at its exterior and interior, further cements its status as a significant and inspiring creation.

Conclusion

The Lanark DS stands as a remarkable achievement, a truly unique custom electric vehicle born from the vision and personal history of Drew Scott. From its powerful Tesla motor providing 300 miles of range and a lightweight 2,600 lbs (1200 kg) chassis, to its harmonious blend of classic design influences and tartan-upholstered interior, every aspect of this car speaks volumes about thoughtful engineering and heartfelt tribute. It’s a vehicle that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of innovation, bridging the gap between automotive heritage and the future of electric mobility.

Drew Scott's Lanark DS is more than just a car; it's a moving testament to a father's influence, a celebration of Scottish heritage, and a bold statement on the possibilities of custom EV design. Its feature on "Jay Leno's Garage" cemented its place in automotive lore, inspiring enthusiasts and aspiring builders alike. We encourage you to delve deeper into the story of this incredible machine, perhaps by watching its feature on "Jay Leno's Garage" or exploring other custom EV projects. What aspects of the Lanark DS resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and consider exploring other articles on our site that delve into the fascinating world of bespoke automotive creations and the personalities behind them.