Where to have your car customised
When it comes to personalisation, the automotive world is more than willing to cater to your needs. We’re not talking about early 2000s Pimp My Ride vibes (thanks, Xzibit), but more along the lines of custom colours, rare wraps and inviting interiors
If you’re the type of vehicle owner who likes to stand out from the traffic crowd, there’s a cornucopia of individualisation choices to transform your pride and joy. Whether you drive a jalopy or a seven-figure luxobarge, there are customisation options that are tasteful without being kitsch
Ranging from inexpensive to priceless, the lengths owners go to drive bespoke vehicles can sometimes be mind-boggling. Nonetheless, you don’t have to be a sheikh to turn heads.
Your car’s colour is the first impression people get, so make sure it’s a positive one. If you’re willing to spend that little bit extra, you can have any hue you desire. Thanks to specialised programs such as Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and
Bentley Mulliner, automakers will gladly paint your car to match just about anything – whether that’s your Gucci jacket or rose gold iphone.
A slightly cheaper, less exclusive option than a custom paint job is a wrap. Professional wrappers use laminated plastics to make it look as if your car just came back from the paint shop, fooling even the sharpest eye.
Artists heat films of specially printed plastic wrap, then slowly stretch and mould it over any panel shape, from rear bumpers to wing mirrors. What’s even better is that this practice doesn’t harm the original coat of paint, meaning you can wrap (and unwrap) your baby as many times as your heart desires. Confuse your friends by going from shiny metallic to a smooth matte finish in no time.
Lately, automakers and customisers have started playing with decals instead of a full wrap. These give a more modern and edgy appearance than an otherwise blank sheet of metal. In 2019, Mini introduced the Modern African Gentlemen edition, whereby their popular Clubman model featured unique detailing on its roof and wing mirrors. The designs, inspired by local artists such as Baba Tjeko and Langa Mavuso, resulted in seriously exclusive and soughtafter models.
Considering you spend most of your time inside your car
‘Personalise your car in a way that says “exclusivity but make it tasteful”’
driving it, why not make it a nice place to be? When customising the interior of your ride, you’re spoiled for choice: leather, suede cloth, wood, metal, you name it. (As long as you stay away from faux-sheepskin seat covers and fuzzy dice dangling from the rearview mirror – no judgement, though.)
Take a page out of Rollsroyce’s book by having a gander at what its team’s achieved. Last year, R-R collaborated with
Esther Mahlangu to create a bespoke one-off Phantom that featured her iconic artwork, the interior elements of the ultra-luxe limousine adorned with unique designs created exclusively for the Rolls.
Don’t fret if you missed out on that collab as Rolls Royce’s parent company, BMW, would be more than willing to assist in creating your bespoke creation. Luxury
Cape Town hotel Ellerman House recently asked the Bavarians to create a unique 7-Series intended as a courtesy car. Designed by BMW Individual in collaboration with South African artist and botanical sculptor Nic Bladen, plaster casts and liquid gold, silver or platinum were used to create detailed sculptures of leaves, flowers, roots and twigs, modelled on indigenous plants.
In 2002, having 12 screens and a popcorn machine in the boot would’ve been the height of custom culture, but in true GQ style, standing out today means customising with class. Most high-end car brands now offer specialised programs where you can personalise your ride in a way that says “exclusivity but make it tasteful”.
Want those sheepskin seat covers? Just make sure they’re sustainably sourced.