Hedley Studios, formerly known as The Little Car Company, is a luxury brand that occupies an innovative space in the automotive world. Specializing in creating licensed, precision-scaled replicas of iconic vehicles, the brand blends craftsmanship, heritage, and cutting-edge technology for a unique offering. With its fully functional, zero-emission electric models, Hedley Studios has carved out a niche that merges automotive engineering with high-end artistry, captivating collectors who seek both beauty and performance.
The brand’s Founder and Creative CEO, Ben Hedley, had always dreamed of being a car designer, yet felt he lacked artistic flair for execution and instead focusing on the academic elements of automotive design. After studying engineering at Cambridge University, pursuing a masters degree in manufacturing engineering, and even enjoying a stint on British Ski team—and competing in the sport’s World Cup—his successful entrepreneurial endeavors led him back to his roots: his love of cars. Shortly after, he founded The Little Car Company, which is now Hedley Studios.
What began as a passion for cars has evolved into a groundbreaking venture that produces scaled-down masterpieces in collaboration with legendary brands such as Bugatti, Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Bentley. These pieces are not just replicas but re-imagined works of art—perfectly crafted, fully functional, and designed to capture the essence of the originals while offering a new dimension of automotive craftsmanship.
How Hedley Studios Was Formed
Bugatti, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
At the heart of Hedley Studios is Ben Hedley, the Founder and Creative CEO. With a background rooted in both engineering and high-level athletics, Ben’s journey into the world of automotive art is as unique as the brand itself. His dream of becoming a car designer led him to study Engineering at Cambridge University, where he completed his Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering. Though lacking the artistic flair often associated with car design, Ben chose to hone his skills in the technical and academic aspects of automotive engineering.
After a brief but intense career with the British Ski Team and competing in the World Cup, Ben turned his focus back to his true passion—cars. This drive to create ultimately led him to found The Little Car Company (now Hedley Studios) in 2016. The brand’s breakthrough moment came when Bugatti approached Ben to recreate their iconic 1920s Bugatti Baby for the brand’s 110th anniversary. This marked the start of an extraordinary journey, resulting in the creation of high-performance, scale-model automobiles that have redefined automotive design.
From Passion to Precision: The Evolution of Hedley Studios
Hedley Studios was born out of Hedley’s lifelong passion for cars, but it quickly grew into something more impactful. The company specializes in reinterpreting legendary cars for a new generation of collectors, with every piece meticulously crafted in its Bicester atelier, using 80 percent British materials.
The brand’s evolution took off when Bugatti invited them to create the Bugatti Baby II, a 75 percent scale recreation of the legendary Bugatti Type 35. This was not just a replica; it was a reimagining of a piece of automotive history with unparalleled craftsmanship. From there, other iconic brands like Ferrari, Aston Martin, EON Productions, and Bentley followed suit, commissioning Hedley Studios to recreate their most iconic vehicles, each with the same devotion to authenticity and innovation.
Ben and his team work closely with each brand to ensure every model is crafted to exacting specifications, involving thorough collaboration with classic design departments and test pilots to ensure the pieces feel as much like the originals as possible.
A New Kind of Collector’s Item
Aston Martin, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
Hedley Studios creates more than just scale models; it creates automotive art. Each limited-edition piece is not just a static display item, but a fully functional, zero-emission electric car, designed to deliver the joy of driving while capturing the essence of classic luxury vehicles. These pieces are highly collectible, with each item being numbered and signed by the artist, and equipped with an official chassis plate from the brand.
For example, the No Time to Die Aston Martin DB5 Junior is a spectacular tribute to the iconic car from the James Bond films. Fitted with gadgets like a quick-release steering wheel, a smoke screen, and a skid mode—just like in the movie—it’s a perfect combination of playfulness and luxury.
The appeal of Hedley Studios extends to a wide range of collectors: from classic car enthusiasts and design aficionados to James Bond fans and art collectors. Whether displayed as a work of art or driven around estates, Hedley Studios’ creations blur the lines between engineering and art, inviting collectors to enjoy them in whichever way they see fit.
Limited Edition with a Personal Touch
Hedley Studios pieces are not mass-produced—each model is a limited edition with only a certain number made per design. This exclusivity, paired with the ability to customize each piece, makes each car a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
The brand’s collectors are as diverse as the cars themselves. Some prefer to display their pieces in their homes or private galleries, while others take them out for a spin, showcasing the craftsmanship on the road. Regardless of how they are enjoyed, Hedley Studios’ creations continue to captivate the imagination of luxury collectors worldwide.
Hedley Studios in the Spotlight: Pop-Ups and Global Appearances
In 2024, Hedley Studios made waves with its pop-up showcases in some of the world’s most luxurious locations, such as Monaco, Palm Beach, and St. Barths. This summer, the brand appeared in the Hamptons, last month popped up in Hudson Yards in New York, and just a few weeks ago made a presence at the Faena Hotel in Miami during Art Week. These pop-up galleries allow collectors and enthusiasts to experience the intricacies of Hedley Studios’ work up close, engage with product experts, and even see these magnificent machines in action.
For 2025, the brand’s global presence will expand further, with exciting activations planned for St. Barths, Aspen, and Manhattan. As the world continues to embrace the intersection of luxury, art, and automotive design, Hedley Studios redefines what it means to collect and appreciate iconic vehicles.
Whitewall spoke with Hedley about his journey from engineer to automotive visionary, and how his pieces of art are created with and for the most enthusiastic craftspeople and collectors of our time.
Ben Hedley, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
WHITEWALL: You have a passion for cars that has evolved into a full-fledge business. Can you share with us how they’re made—in collaboration with the brands themselves?
BH: Yes, they’re all officially licensed by the OEMs, we’re very proud to say that. Our story really took off when Bugatti approached us to recreate their 1920s “Bugatti Baby” for their 110th anniversary. That moment was game-changing: we created a never-before-seen 75 percent reinterpretation of the iconic car, with an extraordinary level of detail. It was more than just a recreation—it was the birth of a new category of automotive art. When Bugatti comes calling, you rise to the occasion—and soon after, Ferrari, Aston Martin, EON Productions, and Bentley followed suit, asking us to reinterpret their legacy vehicles. Each piece we create is still meticulously crafted at our HQ in Bicester, using 80% British materials, and we’ve never wavered in our obsessive attention to quality and detail. That’s what makes these pieces so special—you’re capturing the essence of the originals in something entirely new. Rebranding as Hedley Studios in June 2024 was a huge milestone for us, both as a luxury brand and a personal journey I’m incredibly proud of. It honors our roots while propelling us into a future where art and automotive excellence collide.
Bugatti, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
WW: How does the brand work with brands like Bugatti and Ferrari to obtain design specs and re-create the models?
BH: It’s a highly detailed and collaborative process. We work with some of the industry’s most experienced engineers to ensure everything is as authentic—nothing on our creations is “fake.” At the design stage, we start with original drawings and painstakingly 3D-scan every part of the original car. These two elements form the foundation of our designs. Nothing on the pieces is there for aesthetics alone. If we don’t need a particular component anymore, we find a way to repurpose it. For example, on the Bugatti Baby II, the rear fuel filler cap is now the electric charging port, and the original fuel gauge has been transformed into a battery level indicator. Every prototype goes through rigorous reviews, involving stakeholders from the brand’s Classic Design departments to their test pilots, who sign off on the car’s performance and handling. It’s all about ensuring these cars feel—and drive—like the originals
WW: What niche do you think Hedley Studios fits into in the art scene? Who are collectors?
BH: Hedley Studios occupies a unique niche, blending automotive precision with art. Over the years, we’ve come to understand our clients and their vision for these pieces. Some are cherished as static art displays, while others are taken out for a drive—combining the thrill of the road with a collector’s eye for design. Our collectors are a diverse group: classic car enthusiasts, design aficionados, James Bond fans who love our DB5J “No Time To Die” special edition, and even serious art collectors. There’s something for everyone who appreciates beauty, craftsmanship, and heritage.
A Car for Collectors
Aston Martin, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
WW: What makes the Hedley Studios pieces such unique collectors items? What are some interesting design details to highlight?
BH: What sets us apart is that we’re the only studio globally authorized to create officially licensed, precision-scaled pieces like these. Each piece is limited edition, numbered, signed by the artist, and fitted with an official chassis plate from the brand. Produced at 66-85 percent scale, they’re fully functional, powered by zero-emission electric systems.
A great example is our No Time To Die special edition Aston Martin DB5 Junior, inspired by the 25th James Bond film. It’s a gadget-laden masterpiece, complete with “Easter Eggs” like a quick-release steering wheel for a speedy getaway, a smoke screen, and even a skid mode—just like in the movie. It’s these kinds of details that make every piece feel both playful and iconic.
WW: Will the quantity of Hedley Studios pieces made always be limited?
BH: Yes, every piece is a limited edition, and only a certain number of each model will ever be made. Plus, we offer customization options so that each piece is a one-of-a-kind work of art.
WW: While each piece has a working electric engine, is this really something you feel people can use or are they more meant for show and to decorate a space? How do you hope they are enjoyed by the collector?
BH: Both! Some of our clients drive their pieces around their estates or—depending on the market—on the road. I promise you, nothing attracts more attention than one of our products in motion. But others choose to display them as art in their homes. We’ve even had one mounted on the wall of a beautiful Manhattan apartment. Honestly, it’s up to the collector—there’s no wrong way to enjoy them
Hedley Studios Pop-Ups Around the Globe
Ferrari, courtesy of Hedley Studios.
WW: Hedley Studios appeared in the Hamptons this summer and Hudson Yards just last month. Why this location? What will the activation entail?
BH: Hudson Yards is the perfect location to showcase our pieces to an audience that appreciates luxury and innovation. We’re hosting one of our signature pop-up galleries there, where visitors can see the cars up close and speak with our product experts who can share all the intricate details. We’ll be there through January, and it’s open to everyone—it’s a brilliant opportunity to experience Hedley Studios in person.
WW: 2024 was a busy year for Hedley Studios, with pop-ups in some of the world’s most luxurious destinations, including Monaco, Palm Beach, St Barths, and more. Where can we expect to find Hedley Studios in 2025?
BH: 2025 is going to be even bigger. We’ll be at Le Barthelémy Hotel in St Barths from December through March. Imagine seeing one of our pieces on the beach of one of the world’s most stunning hotels. We’re also headed to Aspen for New Year’s, and Manhattan will definitely continue to play a role. Watch this space—there’s a lot more to come.
