A Russian auto upholstery shop has taken luxury customization to a whole new level — one that has sparked both admiration and outrage.
Medved Auto Interiors, a high-end upholstery workshop in Yekaterinburg, has just unveiled its latest project: a fully upholstered truck interior made from genuine grizzly bear fur, complete with mounted bear heads affixed to the headrests.
The extravagant commission was requested by Anatoly Petrov, a wealthy businessman and avid hunter who wanted his 2023 Ford F250 to reflect his passion for the wild. “I wanted something that speaks to my love for nature and my respect for the animals I’ve encountered,” Petrov told reporters. “Medved Auto Interiors has done something no one else dared to do.”
The shop, known for its meticulous craftsmanship, spent over six months sourcing, treating and fitting the grizzly fur throughout the vehicle. The result is a dramatic, primal aesthetic: deep brown fur envelops the seats, center console and dashboard. Meanwhile, the bear heads, taxidermied to retain their ferocious expressions, rest ominously over the headrests, which swivel so the driver and passengers can sit comfortably.
“Our clients always want something unique,” said Igor Mikhailov, the owner of Medved Auto Interiors. “We’ve worked with exotic leathers before — crocodile, stingray, even python — but nothing compares to the challenge of working with a full grizzly. It’s thick, coarse and required extensive reinforcement to ensure durability.”
When asked about the ethical concerns surrounding the project, Mikhailov emphasized that the furs were legally sourced. “The bears were obtained through legal hunting permits. We do not condone poaching or illegal wildlife trade. Every material used in our shop meets regulatory standards,” he insisted.
Still, the project has drawn sharp criticism from animal rights activists. Natalia Volkova, a representative from the Russian chapter of the World Wildlife Protection Society, condemned the modification, calling it “a grotesque display of excess.”
“Just because something is legal does not make it ethical,” Volkova said. “Turning a majestic creature into car upholstery is a disgrace to wildlife conservation efforts.”
Despite the controversy, Petrov remains pleased with his one-of-a-kind vehicle. “It’s not just about luxury,” he said. “It’s about power, about history — about bringing a piece of the wild into the modern world.”
For Medved Auto Interiors, this is just another day at work. “We have inquiries coming in from all over,” Mikhailov said with a smirk. “Let’s just say, this won’t be the last time you see something like this.”
The grizzly F250 is currently parked at Petrov’s private estate, but he plans to debut it at an upcoming car show in Moscow, where crowds of April Fools will be able to see it for themselves.
Recent Comments