Latest news with #customcars
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Mini but mighty: Malaysian artist turns tiny cars into collector's dreams
KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 — No larger than a thumb, the 1:64 scale miniature cars crafted by Mohd Jaidin Mustafa showcase intricate and captivating details — resembling scaled-down versions of real vehicles. The 40-year-old printing machine technician spends his nights in his room, armed with brushes, magnifying lenses, and acrylic paints, carefully colouring the miniature car bodies — including the emblems, tyre rims, exhausts, and the most challenging parts like the lights and door lines. Since taking it seriously in 2020, Mohd Jaidin began using Hot Wheels cars as a base before switching to miniature cars made of resin — a special type of plastic created via 3D printing. Printing machine technician Mohd Jaidin Mustafa details a 1:64 scale miniature car using tools. — Bernama pic According to him, the resin car bodies are sourced from two other local designers, after which he carries out the detailing process — meticulously painting to highlight fine features and make the model resemble a real car. 'In the beginning, I just used spray can paints. But when I saw Thai customisers doing detailed hand-painted work, I was instantly hooked. They hand-drew the door lines, lights, and emblems,' he said. 'Since then, I've practised and taught myself until I mastered the art of detailing using acrylic paints and fine brushes,' he told Bernama at his home in Kampung Changkat, Gombak, recently. Starting seriously in 2020, Mohd Jaidin Mustafa uses Hot Wheels brand miniature cars as a base before switching to miniature cars made from resin, a special kind of plastic that is produced through 3D printing. — Bernama pic Mohd Jaidin's precision and finishing touches have made his work popular among miniature car collectors both locally and internationally — including from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Singapore. To date, over 800 units have been sold. As one of the local pioneers in custom miniature car design, Mohd Jaidin often receives special orders from customers wanting to gift miniature cars to their partners — as birthday surprises or wedding mementos. Beyond iconic models like the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86, Nissan Skyline GTR R34, and Volkswagen Golf Mk7, he also creates local car models such as the Perodua Myvi, Proton Wira, Proton Satria Neo, and Proton X50 — custom-designed based on his customers' preferences. Mohd Jaidin Mustafa at his workstation. — Bernama pic With prices starting at RM250 per unit, depending on complexity and detail level, Mohd Jaidin can produce around 20 units a month, with each car taking about two days to complete. Further explaining, Mohd Jaidin said that 3D-printed resin miniature cars offer greater realism in elements like lights, spoilers, side mirrors, and door lines compared to die-cast Hot Wheels cars. However, the father of three believes the true value of his creations lies not in the materials but in the handcrafted fine details. 'I'm not just selling 'models' — I'm selling craftsmanship. Many can 3D print, but few can hand-paint with the realism I aim for. That's the real value of my work,' said Jaidin, who goes by the social media handle @jdm164_custom. On the detailing technique, Jaidin said he begins by sanding uneven surfaces with sandpaper before applying primer, base coat, and using masking tape to paint intricate areas. 'Only then do I add detailing on small parts like the lights, grille, signal lights, and brake discs — and finally finish with a 2K clear coat to ensure the paint lasts, looks clean, and stays glossy,' he said. — Bernama
Motor 1
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Man Shows How AutoZone Workers React When They Buy Parts for ‘a 98 Jeep Wrangler With an 08 Ford Dana 60 and a 05 Chevy 14 Bolt'
An AutoZone customer posts a relatable meme about how he feels employees act when you come in with an unusual part request for a custom car. Instagram user Zach Guptill (@project_keeper_tj), who seems like a Jeep modder, posted a meme of a group of shocked-looking cats with AutoZone caps pasted onto their heads. 'When you tell the AutoZone employee you just need a belt, front wheel bearing, rear rotors, and a pinion seal,' the on-screen text reads. 'But it's a '97 Jeep Wrangler with an '08 Ford Dana 60, and an '05 Chevy 14 Bolt with a pinion seal from a 73' truck.' Viewers Can Relate to the Meme 'Always love when I give them the exact part number I need and they hit me with the 'What vehicle is it' and my only explanation is the VIN claims it's a Jeep [Wrangler] TJ but the part is for a custom stroker motor and the u joint is for a bigger driveshaft,' wrote one person. 'And I need two batteries because it takes two even when the computer says one.' A second person joked, 'Just watch the wheels turn.' 'The best is when you're buying axle parts and they hit you with a 'Which engine' and you have to hope to god it doesn't change what part you're about to get,' offered a third person. A former auto parts worker even weighed in. 'I can honestly say after previously working in auto parts for 16 years,' they wrote. 'Most of the customers don't even know what year their vehicle is or what engine it has, and the majority don't even know what they need. The ones with projects that actually tell you what the parts are needed from are the real MVPs.' What Does This Even Mean? You don't need to be an AutoZone worker to tell that Guptill's caption refers to a Frankenstein's monster of a Jeep Wrangler equipped with hand-picked parts from across different decades and manufacturers. From what we can tell: '97 Jeep Wrangler (TJ) – The vehicle's original body and frame. But why stop there? '08 Ford Dana 60 Axle – A heavy-duty front axle designed to withstand off-roading. '05 Chevy 14 Bolt Axle – A rugged rear axle that is known for its durability. Also, not something you'd find on a Jeep straight from the factory. '73 pinion seal – A pinion seal is what keeps gear oil from leaking where the driveshaft connects to the axle—and this one is super old. Motor1 reached out to Guptill via Instagram direct message and AutoZone via website contact form for comment. Now Trending 'Holy Cow:' Woman Goes to Pump Gas. Then She Shows How to Save $1/Gal at BP, Amoco, AMPM Using Amazon Prime 'I Got Scammed:' Man Buys Volkswagen From Italy. Then He Sees the Sticker Over the Check Engine Light Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Globe and Mail
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
ECD Automotive Design Wins Dual Awards for Custom Jaguar E-Type and Mustang Builds
KISSIMMEE, Fla., July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ECD Automotive Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), the industry leader in reimagined British classics and bespoke performance vehicles, is proud to announce two major victories on the national automotive stage. The company's highly acclaimed Jaguar E-Type 'The Wellesley Commission' earned First Place at the Larz Anderson Auto Museum's British Car Day, while its first custom Ford Mustang build, Project Ghost '67, took home Best of Class at the 2025 Route 66 Road Fest in Tulsa, Oklahoma. View images or video of The Wellesley Commission View images or video of Project Ghost The Wellesley Commission: A Jaguar Triumph Commissioned as a one-of-one build for a private collector, The Wellesley Commission is a handcrafted Jaguar E-Type Series III, extensively reengineered for modern performance while retaining the soul of the original 1960s icon. Finished in the beautifully classic British Racing Green with a rich Spinneybeck Veluto Pelle interior and powered by a modern LS3 V8, the vehicle wowed judges and attendees alike at the prestigious British Car Day, hosted by the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. 'To have one of our builds honored at a museum so closely tied to British automotive heritage is incredibly rewarding,' said Scott Wallace, Co-Founder and CEO of ECD. 'The Wellesley Commission represents everything we strive for — craftsmanship, individuality, and timeless design.' Project Ghost '67: A New Chapter for ECD Marking a bold expansion beyond its British roots, ECD's Project Ghost '67 is the company's first fully bespoke Ford Mustang build. Completed earlier this year, the 1967 fastback Mustang merges classic American muscle with ECD's precision approach to performance and personalization. Featuring a small-block 465 HP Roush V8 engine, Rambler Chrome wheels, custom heated Recaro seats, and a stealth high gloss mineral white, the vehicle earned Best of Class in the Modified Muscle Car division at the 2025 Route 66 Road Fest, a national celebration of American automotive culture. In recognition of its design and engineering excellence, Project Ghost has also been invited for display at a special launch event at the Roush Museum in partnership with the Roush Automotive Collection in Livonia, Michigan on July 11th. The exhibit will celebrate standout custom and performance Mustangs, placing ECD's debut American muscle build alongside some of the most iconic names in the industry. 'Winning Best of Class with our very first custom Mustang validates our vision to expand beyond Land Rovers and Jaguars,' said Elliot Humble, ECD Co-Founder and Chief Technical Officer. 'Project Ghost represents the next evolution of ECD — applying our proven craftsmanship to the most iconic American nameplates.' The Wellesley Commission Model — Jaguar Series 3 Powertrain — GM LS3 Suspension — Road Performance - Damping Adjustable with Fast Steering Rack Brakes — High Performance Paint Color — British Racing Green Full Gloss Wheels — Upgraded 16 Inch Wire Wheels & Knock-Off Spinners Tires — Pirelli Cinturato Dash Style — Wrapped in Approved Black Leather Steering Wheel — 15" Original Wooden Wheel Gauges — Moal Bomber Radio — Classic Style Stereo with Bluetooth Project Ghost '67 Model — 1967 Mustang Fastback Engine — 465-HP ROUSH 347 IR Small Block Ford V8 Chassis — Roadster Shop RS Spec with Adjustable RS SV Fox Coilovers Brakes — 11" Drilled & Slotted Rotors, 4-Piston Red Calipers Paint — High Gloss Mineral White with Gloss Santorini Black Metallic Rally Stripes Wheels — 17' Rambler Chrome Wheels Tires — Nitto NT555 Dash Style — Heated Recaro Seats in Black Leather About ECD Automotive Design ECD Automotive Design (NASDAQ: ECDA), ECD, is a public company trading under ECDA on the Nasdaq, is a creator of restored luxury vehicles that combines classic beauty with modern performance. Currently, ECD restores Land Rovers Series, Land Rover Series IIA, the Range Rover Classic, Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Toyota FJ, and highly specialized vehicles from its Boutique Studio. Each vehicle produced by ECD is fully bespoke, a one-off that is designed by the client through an immersive luxury design experience and hand-built from the ground up in 2,200 hours by master-certified Automotive Service Excellence ('ASE') craftsmen. The company was founded in 2013 by three British 'gear heads' whose passion for classic vehicles is the driving force behind exceptionally high standards for quality, custom luxury vehicles. ECD's global headquarters, is a 100,000-square-foot facility located in Kissimmee, Florida that is home to 105 talented and dedicated employees that hold combined 80 ASE and five master level certifications. ECD has an affiliated logistics center in the U.K. where its seven employees work to source and transport 25-year-old work vehicles back to the U.S. for restoration. For more information, visit For press inquiries, high-resolution images, or to schedule an interview, please contact: ECD Media Relations
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
Award-Winning Custom Car Builder Finds Solutions and Growth With U.S. Bank
Originally published on U.S. Bank company blog Dave Loparco has been interested in building and taking things apart since he was a kid. 'I've been building cars since I was probably 13 years old,' said Loparco, who co-founded Later Dayz Customz in 2018 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. 'I used to work on bicycles, tear them apart. I never was happy with a bike I had… and it kind of escalated from there.' That escalation took Loparco from working on hot rods and motorcycles in his driveway to a garage space that takes up half a city block, giving him space to work on everything from the guts of cars to custom paint work. Each car and truck is a passion project for Loparco's customers, he said, but it can be expensive. 'Everybody's like, 'Can I throw it on my credit card?'' said Loparco, who has banked with U.S. Bank for decades. 'At first, I was like, there's no way I possibly could but then BJ hooked me up.' BJ Pirie is a small business specialist with U.S. Bank. He helped Loparco set up a credit card processing machine at his shop through Elavon, a U.S. Bank payments subsidiary, to make it easier for Loparco to accept payments as well as cover the cost of parts needed for vehicles quicker. 'Being able to have money on hand from his customers accepting cards instead of waiting for a check to clear or potentially bounce, Dave has more security and peace of mind,' Pirie said. 'Having just one payments terminal was impactful to him and allowed him the flexibility he needed to grow his business.' Loparco, who became 100% owner of Later Dayz Customz last year and whose team has hundreds of car show awards to their name, is also thinking about the future. That might be an expansion into nearby Omaha in a few years, he said, but he's also thinking about what could be next for his industry. 'I'd like to bring in about another five employees to train them and teach them what we know [in the next couple of years],' said Loparco, not long before a local high schooler he and his team are teaching arrived at his shop. 'Nobody knows our talent unless we pass it on, so – by passing it on to the younger generation – hopefully it keeps these cars around.' Check out the video above to learn more about Later Dayz Customz. Visit 3BL Media to see more multimedia and stories from US Bank
The Drive
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
What the Heck Happened to Rezvani?
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Turn back the clock with me to a decade ago. It's 2015. Obama is still president, nobody has heard of COVID-19, and Corvettes still have their engines in the front. A nobody outfit called Rezvani is about to release the Beast, a custom car itself based on a kit with a Honda engine and a manual transmission. Was anybody asking for such a thing? Nope. But Rezvani managed to get the attention of enough buyers to sink its teeth into the automotive landscape, and it hasn't let go since. The original Beast was little more than a Double-Stuf Ariel Atom with a no-name custom body and an astronomically high price tag. The new, Lamborghini Urus-based Knight is no less ridiculous, but it's built on a far more ambitious platform and with a very, very different mission. What a difference a decade makes, eh? It was remarkable enough at the time for Jay Leno to set aside an example for his personal collection, and even invited Ferris Rezvani to promote it for Jay Leno's Garage, where he talked up the custom carbon fiber exterior and even received kudos from Jay for keeping the price of the Beast in check—a challenge for a 'boutique' builder. But now, it's 2025, and those early teething years are behind the custom builder. The Beast nominally survives, but it has transformed from a svelte, kit-car-based performance toy to a comparably massive, Corvette-based symbol of excess after a few years of Lotus-Elise-based shenanigans. But these days, Rezvani is far better known for its ridiculous trucks and SUVs. Enter the Knight. This monstrosity packs 800 horsepower and a zero-to-60 time to rival supercars, and you can ruin augment that with an armored package that includes a bug-out kit complete with a first aid kit, a hypothermia kit, gas masks, and a pepper spray dispenser—for the zombies, of course. Rezvani It's very on-brand for Rezvani in 2025, and far from the company's first apocalypse cruiser; that role has been filled by multiple offerings over the past few years. The company started with the Tank, which was Wrangler-based, before unleashing the Gladiator-derived Hercules 6×6 with a Dodge Demon's V8. Still, it's a little weird to think that this company came out of nowhere a decade ago with nothing but a kit car and a dream. Who will be the next Rezvani? And maybe more importantly, what will they pitch us first? Got a tip? Send it in: tips@ Byron is one of those weird car people who has never owned an automatic transmission. Born in the DMV but Midwestern at heart, he lives outside of Detroit with his wife, two cats, a Miata, a Wrangler, and a Blackwing.
