autoevolution's Custom Builds Month

Sometimes confused with coachbuilt vehicles, custom builds are the essence of personal creativity in the quest of individuality for some people. For others, they are simply not worth it or as seen as an insult to the engineers and designers that created the original vehicle. 

No matter which side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying that custom cars and bikes will always have a special place in the gearheads’ world.  

The consensus is that the custom culture, which was soon to be spelled ‘Kustom’ thanks to a certain George Barris, was birthed after World War II, when people started modifying stock pre-war cars to their liking.  

The first so-called ‘gow jobs’ evolved into hot rods, with four different 'gow job' cars evolved into hot rods, which then got separated into four rather disctinct lineages: street rods, street machines, restomods and the peculiar-looking rat rods.  

Over the years, the custom build movement has changed to also encompass cars that are specially made by American or European tuners, with the Japanese jumping on board as well.  

The motorcycle industry wasn’t left aside either, with a variety of aftermarket shops now specializing in creating literal works of art on wheels.  

Despite the controversy spawning from such creations, which are mostly based on mass-produced vehicles but take the styling and/or performance to new distinctive heights, there is a huge market and even larger fans base nowadays for tailored means of transportation. 

The entire month of July we’ll strive to bring you the most interesting examples of custom builds on autoevolution, whether on four or only two wheels, as we celebrate this flamboyant automotive sub-culture.

Editor's note: This special feature by autoevolution was not sponsored or supported by a third-party.