Bulgarian Firm Builds Widebody PT Cruiser Pickup Conversion
A Bulgarian custom shop has transformed a Chrysler PT Cruiser into a two-door widebody pickup, featuring bespoke bodywork and a reworked interior.
A Bulgarian custom shop has reimagined the Chrysler PT Cruiser as a two-door widebody pickup, replacing the familiar retro-styled hatchback with a radically modified utility vehicle. The project, carried out by Carbon Motors, strips away the rear seats and boot in favour of a bespoke truck bed and matching tonneau cover. Chrysler PT Cruiser production ended in 2009, yet this build gives the model a renewed presence on the road.
Chrysler PT Cruiser Widebody Pickup: A Unique Bulgarian Creation
Conversion Details and Exterior Modifications
Bulgarian company Carbon Motors led the custom build, transforming the PT Cruiser into something entirely new. The conversion starts with a full widebody kit, which includes new bumpers, extended wheel arches, and side skirts. The rear section is cut away, with a custom load bay fabricated in place of the back seats and hatch. The result is a two-seater with a profile closer to a coupe utility than a traditional American pickup.
The exterior is finished in a camouflage wrap, further emphasising the new proportions and making the car stand out even more. The widebody kit gives the car a much broader stance compared to the original PT Cruiser. The transformation is striking, with the bodywork modifications giving a more aggressive and purposeful look. The truck bed, complete with a tonneau cover, is seamlessly integrated, demonstrating the craftsmanship involved in the conversion. This is not a factory option but a one-off, tailored to the client’s vision.
Interior Overhaul and Features
Inside, the build features a two-tone leather interior, with premium trim extending across the seats, dashboard, and door panels. The client chose a bespoke design, resulting in a cabin that matches the car’s unique exterior. A custom centre console and leather-wrapped A-pillars complete the cabin overhaul, making the interior just as distinctive as the outside. These details highlight the attention given to both comfort and style in this custom build.
Drivetrain and Technical Details
No information has been released about changes to the engine or running gear. The original PT Cruiser was offered with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, producing up to 230bhp and 245lb ft. There is no confirmation that the Bulgarian build deviates from these factory specifications, so it is possible that the mechanicals remain standard. The conversion focuses primarily on visual and practical modifications rather than performance enhancements. This PT Cruiser widebody pickup is a one-off custom and not a Chrysler production model.
PT Cruiser’s Continuing Appeal and Cultural Impact
Although the PT Cruiser was often criticised for its build quality, its distinctive retro design has attracted an enthusiastic following. Custom builds like this widebody pickup show that the platform still inspires creativity well after production ended. The PT Cruiser’s unusual proportions and styling make it a favourite among car customisers who want to create something different from the mainstream.
Chrysler never offered a PT Cruiser pickup from the factory, so conversions like this fill a niche for collectors and fans who want a utility vehicle with a distinctive look. The combination of a widebody kit, custom interior, and pickup bed ensures that this build stands out not only among PT Cruisers but also in the broader world of automotive customisation. It also highlights the global reach of the PT Cruiser’s fan base, with unique projects emerging far from the car’s original American home.
For those interested in Chrysler’s evolving line-up and other custom projects, the PT Cruiser widebody pickup is a reminder of how discontinued models can find new life through creative vision and skilled craftsmanship.
