Custom-made cars at their best

For any car lover, the sight of a beautiful vehicle – new or vintage – simply draws attention and makes heads turn.

This is exactly what Ricky’s Custom Car Shop (RCCS) aims at whenever they take a car under their scalpel to modify exactly to the owner’s expectations.

RCCS earlier this month hosted the RCCS Showfest in Windhoek which attracted hundreds of custom and modified cars, as well as car enthusiasts.

Ranging from old mobiles to modern cars, the event catered for young and old, with lots to do and see, including custom work like spray painting, upholstery, lights and even sound systems, which held visitors in awe.

Ranging from various brands like Honda, VW, BMW, Nissan, a few vintage Fords and an immaculate Mercedes dating back to 1965.

Not one single car stood in the shadow of the other, with each attracting their fair share of attention.

Speaking to some of the proud owners, well known sports personality and businessman Amos Shiyuka, whose bright blue 1965 customised Mercedes displayed a level of attention to detail and effort that could only be described as a crowd stopper, his passion for this blue baby was clear.

The avid Mercedes enthusiast related that he could speak for many hours about the joy and pride this Mercedes gives him and his family.

Shiyuka said the 1965 gem was in one family for many generations, but now belongs to the Shiyuka family.

After he acquired the car, he said it took the best part of five years at RCCS to get it into the immaculate condition it is in today.

“Every one waves at me. I get many compliments when driving this car, even older men want to buy it from me and have made me some offers, but it is not for sale,” he said.

Well known racer and motor sportsman Basil van Rhyn also showed off his drifting car and the Nissan R35 GT R drew many visitors to a standstill, as this car is not only one of a few but an icon in the industry.

“It is all about building cars and to be there from step one. This is my life,” Van Rhyn said about his motivations as a petrolhead.

“The sounds of engines, the smell of fuel is what motivates this young man.”

Joshua Chetty, a South African visitor to Namibia who also assisted and advised fellow car customisers said it is all about passion.

The owner of a customised and equipped VW Caddy is a chartered accountant by day and a motor builder by night.

He said he was impressed with the event in terms of preparation and planning.

Chetty’s wisdom was endless when it came to considerations around owning, buying and customising cars.

When asked what makes a custom car unique and what are some of the main features when it comes to customisation, he said every pocket has a budget.

“As a business owner building cars, for me a car that has a good drop, spending time modification here and there, a little bit of sound and at the end of the day that suits your bill is what makes you happy,” he said.

In general, all the cars on display spoke of high workmanship, attention to detail and uniqueness. Until the next RCCS event, many owners will come up with new ideas and as long as the automotive industry is alive, so will dreams to be better, smarter and shinier.