Australian Builder Creates Half-Scale GR Yaris WRC in Garage, Toyota Flies It to Monte Carlo

Most garage projects end with a half-finished engine on a stand and a marriage on the rocks. This one ended in Monte Carlo.

While many settle for diecast scale models or hobby-grade RC cars, Australian DIYer Justin White spent 13 months building a half-scale, single-seat Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 that he could climb into and drive. The result is a fully functional WRC tribute car, scaled to 50% of the original.

The man behind the build documented the entire process on his YouTube channel, Garage Avenger. Toyota Gazoo Racing took notice and flew White and his creation to the Monte Carlo WRC season opener earlier this year—a rare honor for a shed-built project.

How the Mini GR Yaris WRC Was Built

A 3D-Printed Bodyshell with 123 Parts

The bodywork of the mini GR Yaris was entirely 3D printed, with 123 individual parts glued and sanded together to form the aggressive wide-body design of the real WRC car. The half-scale model lacks doors, but the removable roof provides easy cabin access. It also features functional headlights, taillights, and sliding plexiglass windows. The finishing touch was a professional vinyl wrap in the official 2026 Toyota Gazoo Racing livery—white, red, and black—supplied directly by the team.

Powered by a Motorcycle Engine

Beneath the printed exterior sits a cross-kart chassis, with the wheelbase extended by 580 mm (22.8 inches) to achieve the correct proportions. A high-revving motorcycle engine powers the rear wheels, producing approximately 118 hp (88 kW / 120 PS). Despite its lightweight construction, the car weighs almost nothing.

Early testing recorded a top speed of 94 km/h (58 mph), but White claims the car is capable of reaching 150 km/h (93 mph)—a remarkable feat for a vehicle assembled in a domestic garage using printed plastic.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Not everything went smoothly. Excessive mechanical grip caused handling issues in early tests, so White replaced the sticky rubber with trailer tires and reworked the roll cage to allow the chassis to flex properly. These adjustments ensured the mini-Yaris could handle the demands of real WRC stages.

Proving Its Worth in the French Alps

Following Toyota’s official invitation, the mini GR Yaris was put through its paces on WRC stages in the French Alps, proving it was far more than just a toy. It was also displayed alongside the real GR Yaris Rally1 at the Monte Carlo season opener, drawing admiration from team principal Jari-Matti Latvala and WRC driver Oliver Solberg, who were both charmed by its appearance in the service park.

The lesson? With limited resources and a year of stubborn determination, even the most ambitious garage projects can achieve the extraordinary.