Our very own Ivan Sentch, from Auckland, is printing himself a classic 1961 Aston Martin DB4, very similar to the one made famous by James Bond. Sentch is 72% through printing each individual plastic part, that will eventually fit together to become the car.

He has already printed over 2,500 different pieces, and he thinks he is still five years away from taking his dream car for a ride on the road. His project has an international following, full of people brought together by their love of cars, technology, or just sheer admiration for the awesome idea Sentch had, and his commitment to making it a reality.

This is coming from someone who has no experience with 3D printing. Ivan says he is learning as he goes along. We have covered some 3D printing stories in the past, and they get more exciting every time. This guy is literally downloading himself an Aston Martin through a computer. Think about that for a minute.

With 3D printing patents expiring next year, this technology is going to become accessible to all of us, with high quality 3D printers retailing at around $300, we will all have the ability to print virtually anything. No more going to the store to get nails. “Oh, I don’t have a water bottle to take to the gym, should I spend another $4.50 to buy a water bottle, or just print me one right now?”