The Chunkies Car: Built for a Lifetime of Adventure (Why Quality Matters)

What makes the Chunkies Car the ultimate durable wooden toy?

We all know the sound of plastic wheels scraping across a wooden floor. Or the disappointment when an axle bends after just two crashes. Too often, toys seem made for the moment: fun for five minutes, but quickly forgotten or broken.

But a truly favorite toy? That doesn’t stay in the toy box. It goes everywhere: in the backpack, over to Grandma’s, and sometimes even into bed. That is exactly why it needs to withstand more than just a little bump. At Chill Pepper, we believe a wooden toy car should be built for a child's real life. The Chunkies collection is the result of an obsession with quality, playability, and aesthetics.

How is the Chunkies design created, from sketch to perfect proportion?

It starts with hundreds of sketches

Before a Chunkies car makes its first move, it has gone through an intensive design journey. It doesn’t start behind a computer screen, but with pencil and paper. Hundreds of hand sketches are drawn just to find that one perfect shape.

When translating these sketches into 3D designs, we rely on classic mathematical principles. We search for the Golden Ratio in the bodywork. This might sound heavy for a toy, but it’s what makes the car ‘click’. The proportions feel natural and harmonious. It’s the reason why a Chunkies car isn’t just great to play with, but also looks stunning on a shelf in your living room.

From prototype to tangible quality

A digital design can look beautiful, but you can’t hold a drawing. And toys need to feel right. That’s why the digital phase is followed by dozens of physical prototypes.

We sand and refine until the curves are exactly right. Is it too heavy? Too light? How does a child’s hand grip the car? The model needs to feel robust, yet refined. Only when we find that perfect balance is the design ready for production.

Why do we exclusively use European Maple wood?

The design is one thing; the material is just as important. For the body of the Chunkies, we exclusively use sustainable European Maple wood. Why Maple? Because this wood is known for its incredible hardness and that beautiful, pale, clear color. It withstands intense play and has a pure, honest look.

We don’t hide this beautiful wood under thick layers of glossy lacquer. We consciously choose a water-based finish that soaks into the wood. This allows the material to breathe, feeling warm and tactile—rather than like cold plastic—while keeping the natural grain visible. Safe, child-friendly, and free from harmful substances.

Real skate bearings: How does this tech from the skate world improve the rolling experience?

Let’s be honest, though: a car is meant to drive. And that’s where Chunkies make the real difference. While standard toy cars often roll poorly, we looked to the skating world for a solution.

Every Chunkies car is equipped with high-quality skate bearings. Combined with indestructible stainless steel axles and precisely placed inserts, this creates a rolling experience you have to feel to believe. They are whisper-quiet, roll endlessly, and are virtually unbreakable.

Chunkies: Heavyweight champions for stable play

All these choices—from the solid wood and large wooden wheels to the steel hardware—result in a car that surprises you the moment you pick it up. A Chunkies car is bigger and heavier than you might expect at first glance.

Weighing between 500 and 650 grams each, you are literally holding quality in your hands. These are robust powerhouses. Their weight keeps them stable on the 'road', offers a satisfying grip, and is perfectly tuned to the motor skills of enthusiastic children. No lightweight plastic here, just solid reliability.

Where are the Chunkies cars made and assembled?

Quality also means knowing where your stuff comes from. The parts for our Chunkies are produced with German precision before heading to the Netherlands. Here, in our workshop in Soest, we assemble every car by hand. We inspect the bearings, check the finish, and ensure every car leaves our door in perfect condition.

A Chill Pepper Chunkies car isn’t bought for just a moment. You buy it for today’s adventures and for tomorrow’s memories. Sustainable toys built to race for generations.

Want to join our journey? Let’s get in touch.

Written by:
Wouter Haine
Designer and founder
November 2025 for Chill Pepper