Customising Rides with Ricky Hill

This coming Saturday is set to be an exciting one, especially for those who’ve been waiting for Ricky’s Custom Car Show to return.The show is returning to the Trustco United Sports Field, where Ricky’s Custom Car Shop will be entertaining car lovers with an array of beautiful customised rides.

Though many may be familiar with the annual car show, not everyone know’s the man behind it all – Ricky Hill.

Ricky’s passion for cars wasn’t an overnight phenomenon, but a seed that was planted when he was a young boy.

“My dad was a mechanic, and he always had that thing of us helping him to work on cars. My older brother and I always helped with this type of work. It was something that was just always there,” Ricky said.

However, his life took a different route before returning to the garage. After completing high school, Ricky went on to Damelin to study accounting and then worked as an accountant for three years.

Sitting in an office must not have been Ricky’s thing, as the auto stylist then went on to work for Waldo’s Auto Styling, a company where he stayed for seven years.

In 2007, Ricky first registered his own company – Ricky’s Custom Car Shop. But it was only after a few years that Ricky had his first car show in 2011.

“When I had my first car show, there were absolutely no custom car shows in Windhoek. After I had my first show, cars shows started popping up, left and right. My car show was the original one,” Ricky said.

“What I want to achieve with my shows is to give the guys who spend a lot of time and money on their cars the opportunity to showcase them, and to give them a day where it is appreciated by the public,” Ricky said. “When you see a car driving by, you say ‘wow, that car is beautiful’, but you don’t really see the car, to appreciate all the details, and work that went into the car,” he added.

Ricky also mentioned that the show gets better every year. But what can be expected this time round?

Well, Ricky and his team will be customising a brand new Toyota Hilux double-cab right in front of everyone’s eyes, after which the car will then move to the show room. This spectacular part of the car show will kick off at 14h00.

He also stated that the car show influences many car-heads to work on their cars.

“Many of the guys who come back every year improve their cars for every show. And the others who just come to view also get inspiration from those who put time and work in their cars.”

“I want my car show to be done professionally. I want an equal playground, not for certain cars to be favoured and some to be not. There will be judges who have no influence from me whatsoever.”

Ricky said that cars get judged on three categories, namely interior, exterior and performance.

Interior would be everything that is on the inside of the car. The judges will look at the seats, the sound, the mats, the neatness, how well the participant prepared for the show and all the detailing. “The small things play a big role,” Ricky said.

Exterior would be the opposite. The quality of the paint will be looked at, also whether it is a custom paint job or a standard paint job, body kits, and rims. The judges will also look at the cleanliness of the car, Ricky said, so be sure your ride is spotless.

When it comes to performance, the judges will look under the bonnet, whether the engine is clean, and if it has a custom job done.

This year at the show, in collaboration with Streethouse, Sneakerheads Namibia will be launching their sneaker buy and exchange programme where customers can trade and buy shoes as they please. On the day, Streethouse will also be offering shoes at 50% discount, to give the initiative more steam.

There will be a variety of prizes given away on the day, which includes 19-inch refurnished RS rims for the ultimate winner of the day as well as many other small prizes courtesy of different sponsors.

“I would like to thank my main sponsor, Windhoek Draught, for making this show possible every year. And also a special thanks to everyone who assists me every year to make this thing happen,” Ricky said, expressing his gratitude.

Make your way to the Trustco United Sports Field this Saturday, 17 September, to enjoy the day with your family and friends. The gates open at 08h00.

Entrance is N$50 for adults, N$20 for children under 13 and N$10 enter your car or bike. Contact Ricky at 0812403581 for more information or visit his new workshop at 5 Noble Street, Southern Industrial.