customs

Houston Auto Show Tuners - RSV Forged Wheels, Hoosier Drag Mustang GT and ADV1 911 GT3 19

Insider: Top Mistakes to Avoid When Modifying Your Vehicle

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Customizing a vehicle is something that many people have been doing for years, from the good old days of men tinkering away in their garages to update new tires and exhausts to the modern modifications carried out by specialist repair shops passionate about the model and wanting to see it living its best life.   Your wheels, after all, are a hefty investment, and you want to enjoy every second spent driving around. If making aftermarket modifications is necessary to make your car purr like a kitten and give you a smoother, more enjoyable ride, then why not?   But …

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Auto Industry Insider: 10 Questions to Answer Before Customising Your Ride

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Customizing a car may seem like the ultimate way to turn your vehicle into something completely unique, but it can also be a complete headache. So many questions need to be answered before you start customizing your ride. This blog post will answer ten essential questions that all car owners should consider before starting their project.   1) What Exactly Do I Want to Change on My Car? Customizing a vehicle can be an extremely long process, so you need to know what you are getting yourself into. Think about the paint job first and choose your own colors carefully …

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Insider: The Right (and Wrong) Ways to Upgrade Your Classic Car

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Why do we buy classic cars?   You’ve all got a handful of reasons that made you buy yours, but it largely boils down to the fact that classic cars have a unique look and feel to them that modern ones can’t replicate. The car is different – it’s one of a kind.    With that being said, driving a classic car is a completely different experience from driving a modern one. Your vehicle could be decades old, meaning it doesn’t function as well as it once did. As such, classic car owners tend to do some upgrades to make …

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Range Rover VELAR SV600 By Manhart Performance

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Germany has such a powerful set of OEM automakers that it is easy to forget the country also has a thriving and world-leading car customization industry.  Manhart Performance is part of this crew taking the hottest vehicles from Europe and the world and making them even faster, louder and sexier than stock. In typical German fashion, these customs are typically executed with a finesse and holistic approach that is much more thorough than simple part-by-part upgrades.  In US tuner terms, they go right to stage two or stage three right off the bat. This new Velar SV600 is a perfect …

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AC Schnitzer Launches Upgrades for Toyota GR Supra

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AC Schnitzer just brought their BMW tuning wizardry to an extended family member…: the new Supra! These stage one mods consist of a reprogrammed ECU taking power up 60 ponies to an even 400 and torque up by a similar amount.  Carbon aero details, a variety of wheels and special suspension tunes are also in the offering. Clearly more mods down the road.  Going with such an expert in this engine’s internals is a trusty way to more power — and the ACS Supra’s even have an extra three-year warranty!  The parts are available worldwide from the AC Schnitzer site.  …

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Auto Industry Insider: Should You Ceramic Coat Your Car?

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Ceramic coating is a form of paintwork protection that is increasingly being used in the automotive industry. More and more drivers, whether casual consumers or professional drivers, are deciding to coat their vehicles in ceramic material for a better aesthetic finish and improved longevity of their car’s bodywork. This article will explain what ceramic coating is, the key benefits for its use, and how it is applied to vehicles. The Benefits of Ceramic Coating If you’ve never heard of ceramic coating before, it’s understandable that you may be a bit lost as to what it is and how it’s used …

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Houston Auto Show Customs - Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS 25

Insider: 5 Amazing Truck Mods

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Trucks are the workhorses of the vehicle world. They may not have the speed and responsiveness of sports cars, but they are dependable, multi-functional, and flexible in the terrain that they can master. They are undemanding and, more often than not, the pride and joy of their owners. It’s debatable whether you can boost your truck’s performance with freer-flowing exhausts or cold-air intakes, but one thing is for certain, you can boost its aesthetic appeal. The good news is that there are inexpensive ways that you can modify your truck’s look without having to break the bank. Lift kits So, …

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Insider: Modifying Your Car On The Cheap

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You want to modify your car, by adding a few decorations here and there, and maybe even a couple of little upgrades to engine system. You’ve been all over the internet, and in and out of your local hardware/DIY stores, to find something that’s fun and practical to add to your vehicle. You want to be able to add some personality to your vehicle, and to make it a little more comfortable to ride around in, especially if it’s an older model. But you haven’t been able to find anything yet. Because modifying your car can get really expensive. And …

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BRABUS 800 Mercedes-AMG E63-S and Widebody AMG GTS in Emerald Green by Fostla.de

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Had to post this beaut because the E63 is one of my all-time favorite cars.  And one cranked up to 800 by Brabus and wrapped in green?  It just pushes all my buttons! As a bonus, also including one of Fostla’s other recent greenies: a widebody AMG GTS!   BRABUS 800 Mercedes-AMG E63-S by Fostla.de A BRABUS 800 IN EMERALD-GREEN-MATTE by FOSTLA.DE Photos: fostla.de concepts  Vehicles from the noble tuner BRABUS – by the way, a neologism from the two founders’ names Klaus Brackmann and Bodo Buschmann – in Bottrop one usually sees in black, and mainly Mercedes-Benz models. Fostla.de …

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DAHLER Tunes Up New BMW 5-Series Touring – ECU, Remote Exhaust, Wheels and Bodykit

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The new BMW 5 series is a huge game-change of a car for the roundel brand.  It is so, so new in how it drives, feels and… looks? The new 530, 540 and 550 in the USA definitely look new.  It is just that they look, at first glance, to be exactly the same in traffic as the 7 series. This is probably a good thing, as it harks back to the long-successful BMW strategy: one bratwurst, three lengths. But what about those who want hot street style to go with that fab new interior and steering feel? Switzerland’s Dahler …

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LARTE Design Launches Carbon Kit for MASERATI LEVANTE

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Larte Design has a new set of carbon-fiber goodies to dress up one of the world’s hottest new trucks: the Maserati Levante. These make perfect gifts – even to yourself! — for DIY car guys and gals.  Why?  No heavy lifting here or intense bodyshop skills needed to mount these properly. The extra CF bits and bobs (about nine in all) extend the factory spoilers just a touch deeper for added sporty coolness.Sounding like a fanboy here but nobody does stick-on carbon fiber as nicely as Larte Design.  The chin spoiler, side spats and mirror caps are elegant and appear …

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Houston Auto Show Customs - Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS 1

Four Things to Consider When Choosing a Lift Kit for a Truck

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A lifted truck never fails to get a second glance from other drivers on the highway. Many car drivers look at a driver of a lifted truck and envy them their view of the road. Lifted trucks are both sturdy and powerful as well as a heck of a lot of fun to drive! If you’re thinking about getting a lift for your truck, there are some things to think about before making the plunge. Checkout five things to consider when selecting a lift kit that will transform your truck into an awesome driving machine. The Type of Truck You …

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TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS 8

TechArt Goes Carbon Crazy on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS!

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TechArt just revealed their latest hot mods for the Porsche 911 GT3 RS: a comprehensive carbon sport package! This swaps all the exterior’s matte grey plastic for pure, exposed-weave carbon fiber. The TechArt pieces are lighter, stronger and much more eye-catching.  Favorites include the CF splitter and sills, plus the front fender outlets and rear fender intakes.  Swapping these for carbon pieces dramatically ups the wow factor of this track-attack Porker.   TECHART Carbon Sport Package for the 911 GT3 RS Leonberg, April 20th, 2016   For a striking appearance and motor sport accents, TECHART carbon fiber parts set distinct exterior …

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1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera 12

Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs

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This amazing one-off Bronco has a special ops / Lambo Rambo vibe in all the best ways. That’s no accident: this beaut by Chimera Customs was made to taise money for the Armed Forces FOundation. ANd did it deliver! A cool half-mill bought this desert jackal in 2013. The 2016 estimate is a snip then, at just $125k. Mecum 2016 – 1969 Ford BRONCO by Chimera Customs Lot T205// Kissimmee 2016 // Jan 15-24 1969 Ford Bronco Built by Chimera Customs   Engine 406 CI Trans 5-Speed Color Black Interior Black ESTIMATE: $100,000 – $125,000 Chimera Customs of North Palm …

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Best of NAIAS – 2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior Concept – Nightclub Cool + Baja-Tough Mods for Raptor-Killer

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Update: We’re slightly confused now about the Titan Warrior Concept.  All the below still applies… but the Warrior is so different from the production truck. Much more-so than the Raptor is than the standard F-150.  So perhaps the Warrior is more of a dream-truck than a realistic Raptor hunter/killer.  It is still cool as fahk regardless., though. =] The Ford F-150 Raptor is so hot that no other brand can resist trying to beat its baja chicness on showroom floors. A solid basis for a real Raptor-killer from Nissan?  The 2016 TITAN XD — a full-size pickup so strong that it makes …

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MANSORY Bugatti VEYRON Linea d’Oro and Vincero Are Iconic Customs

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MANSORY Linea Vincero   LINEA Vincerò d’Oro – The ultimate Bugatti Veyron 16.4 from MANSORY remains one of a kind. With the LINEA Vincerò d’Oro, MANSORY has completed its strictly limited series for the refined Bugatti Veyron 16.4. After the specialist for exclusive luxury vehicles raised the bar for highperformance sports cars by another level in March 2009, MANSORY is now placing the crowning glory on the art of refinement. Using targeted changes, MANSORY first transformed the Bugatti Veyron into the LINEA Vincerò and then, using a special gold-colored alloy, into the unique LINEA Vincerò d’Oro. MANSORY Linea d’Oro Compared with the standard Veyron, …

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BRABUS StarTech Bentley Flying Spur and GTC Are Seriously Fresh and Sexy

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We’d wager you’ve seen a few gorgeous Continental GT and GTC super-tunes in your time. The machine really adds aggression and exclusivity with ease — almost as easy as a romp up to 100-mph anytime your toe gets itchy. But HOT makeovers of the Flying Spur? They are a rare sight indeed. Looking through these images, it is hard not to be impressed with the StarTech customization. The new nose, wheels, lowered ride, rear bumper and quad pipes all work together to create a damn sexy limo. Check out how light and lean the tails look with those contrast-carbon diffusers …

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Amelia Island Customs – POSIES 1935 Aeroliner Sport Is One-Off ChopTop Dragster

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The photos of this custom-built Posies Aeroliner do not really do the vehicle justice. In the flesh, it is impossibly long, unbelievably low and seriously seductive. Loosely based on a 1935 Ford Roadster chassis, the Posies Aeroliner is now twice as long, runs giant exposed tires up front with no fenders, and drag-racing rubber in back under its elegant bodywork. The ultra-low roofline is a true chop-top dream come true, with almost zero daylight opening and a windshield small enough to fit in your back pocket. Overall, the impact of the car is undeniable! But the style is only half …

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Amelia 2015 Customs – 1970 Porsche 914-6 GT – Rally Rescue Pickup Truck

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A surprise and delight to see thrumming up the Ritz Carlton driveway for the Amelia Island Concours? This extremely cool, one-off pickup truck Porsche. Originally a 914-6 GT, the rear of the truck has been lengthened, the suspension upgraded to full safari rally specification, and the Dakar-ready racing equipment added. What might fit in this rather compact pickup truck bed? You name it!  Wheels, tires, Porsche engines, and perhaps even an injured road-warrior in a pinch. The wide-body style and fenders bring a dramatic width extension to accommodate big off-road rubber and those hardy new suspension components. With almost no …

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Houston Auto Show Customs - Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS 21

Houston Auto Show Customs – Top 10 LIFTED TRUCKS!

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If there is one memory of the Houston Auto Show that really sticks with you, it is the dominance of lifted trucks. Tuners, custom shops and even new-car dealerships all are deeply into the custom truck business. We have little idea who the tuning companies are who created all these beasts, so we’ll just label them by the base machine they started as from the factories when tuner branding is not available. 1. RAM 2500 Bolt Locks If the challenge is to be tallest, this Ram definitely won. Seeing its handler come down from the cabin was shocking. He literally …

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Best of Houston Auto Show – Vorsteiner 2015 BMW M4 GTRS4 by ELITE Customs TX

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Let’s say you love the hottest and wildest customs from Germany, like the outrageous GTRS4 by Vorsteiner for the new BMW M4. But you do not live in Germany or near a Vorsteiner installer. What to do? You have to find a local customs shop with major bodywork and custom fabrication expertise. Elite Customs and Collision in China Bay, Texas is a go-to place for flawless execution of a major supercar upgrade like shown here. The parts arrive from Germany unpainted and without full instructions, so you want some proof that a shop can handle a job this big and …

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Latest G-Class Widebody by German Special Customs Is Classy and Subtle, But Still Super Lux

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When it comes to upgrading your G-Class Mercedes-Benz, the widebody exterior treatments from German Special Customs are some of the best and most realistically desirable. We love their latest bright blue over dark charcoal wheels. The monchrome exteior is much wider and far more modern than the factory model – but is not too over-the-top about becoming such a custom brute. The widebody fits the G400 CDI, G500, G550 , G63 and even the G65 AMG — or is also available on a per-piece basis. Installing all together is highly recommended so you can paint and color-match everything at the …

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2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars – Roundup of All Ten Official Wild Ponycar Customs

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Ford really dominated SEMA this year with about 10 custom F-150’s and Mustangs – not to mention a wicked pack of Transits, Fiestas and Expeditions. The downside of these customs being based on all-new, not-yet-available cars? Many appear not to have been ready until hitting the show glitz. So here is a recap of all the official Ford Mustang customs from SEMA 2014.   2015 Ford Mustang SEMA Showcars Roundup 2015 Ford Mustang by Forgiato   2015 Ford Mustang by Mountune 2015 Ford Mustang by Galpin Auto Sports     2015 Ford Mustang by DSO Eyewear / MAD Design 2015 …

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Best of SEMA 2014 – FORGIATO Wheels + Now Selling 3 Corvette C7 Widebody Demo Cars!

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Forgiato was a real stand-out at SEMA 2014 — and that is hard to do in an endless product and customization expo. Many of the coolest cars (and trucks) there were running Forgiato wheels – even far away from the actual booth of this custom wheel expert. After spending some time on Forgiato.com — we came away shocked and floored at how customized you can be with the wheel builder and the 1000-car visualizer. Very cool stuff for those seeking the absolute end-all in huge wheel style. Some of the wheels are so gigantic from Forgiato that they look best …

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5 New SEMA Ford Transit Vans Are Seriously Cool: From Drifters To Limo-Buses To Off-Roaders!

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  Okay, enough of my bad jokes about SEMA… These are all pretty cool and could feasibly find buyers in various big-van segments: everything from limo-bus to mountain rafting companies would all love to get their hands on these new Transit custom concepts for SEMA. Glad to see the Transit Skyliner made it over from the Paris show!         SEMA Ford Transit Vans         VANDEMONIUM: YOU WON’T BELIEVE HOW FIVE AFTERMARKET SHOPS DESIGNED THE FIRST FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM VANS FOR SEMA 30/10/14  Custom-built project vehicles from five coachbuilders will showcase different expressions of Ford …

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SEMA Ford Expeditions Are Menace II Society! Tjin, DUB and Vaccar Editions Suit All Drive-By Terrains

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  Remember the last article where we noted that some SEMA concepts are so wild you might not want to drive them? One or more of these definitely applies in that category — but all are solid efforts overall. Ford is really showing GM and Chrysler how SEMA works this year! We love that Ford has various styles of many of its models, versus relying on one custom for each product line. If we had to pick one… it would be the widebody by Tjin with the wheels from the DUB edition? All are pretty wild, in truth, with the …

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SCION Thrills With Concept FR-S TARGA TURBO + xB Camper Conversion

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  Great ideas from Scion for SEMA! In a huge Vegas pavilion filled with unreal concepts and one-offs that you might (or might not…) even want to own, here comes Scion. The Cartel Customs Targa FR-S is brilliant and seems feasible both for current owners to pursue as well as for the company itself. The convertible FT86 Open concept looks to have been shelved for now, so why not the next best way to get wind in your hair? The xB conversion camper is also deeply charming throughout. Check out the cabin details and those plush leather seats!  Reminds us …

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AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S Is Seductive Style and Performance Makeover

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Have performance parts, will travel long distances at high speeds! The AC Schnitzer upgrade program for the Range Rover Sport is a dapper and subtle way to make the factory truck far more intense looking, sounding and feeling around corners. The various exhaust options let you pick the style that is just right for your RRSS. The key holder inside a cupholder insert of this and other AC Schnitzers is handy, but would be cooler there was somewhere on on the gearknob to mount the key. AC Schnitzer Range Rover Sport S

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2012 Cadillac CTS-V with Satin White Wrap by CAMSHAFT vs 2015 CTS-V Coupe Midnight

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Tastes are changing fast. In the latest Corvette C7 sales breakout for 2014, gloss black wheels took nearly half of the sales on the top Z51 trim level. Old staples like silver and chrome are now battling for the remainder of sales. This makes sense. Supercars and hypercars as far back as 2005 and 2006 started to appear with black wheels. This is a great top-down was to make a trend go mainstream. Similarly, brightwork is out. Chrome trims on the windows have long been ditched on M Sport BMWs, but it takes a custom touch to update your own …

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MANSORY Customs for McLaren 12C Up the Bling Quotient of First-Gen Supercar Dramatically

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Bling? Does anyone say that anymore?  Probably not – but the sentiment definitely holds for anything that comes out of the Mansory dream factory. Three years since the release of the MP4-12C — pre-name-change, and before McLaren Special Operations started doing factory customs — there are a large amount of second-hand supercars on the market. All they truly need to have the presence and curb appeal of the latest 650S is a little pizzazz outside and in! For cities like Miami, Monte Carlo or Macau – a factory supercar is a dime a dozen. Being unique is all about expressing …

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REGULA EXCLUSIVE Bodykits for Audi R8, Porsche Panamera and Porsche Cayenne GIF1

REGULA EXCLUSIVE Bodykits for Audi R8, Porsche Panamera and Porsche Cayenne Are Wild!

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The best way to really make a splash at Pebble Beach is to bring a car that no one has ever seen before. This can be a supercar that is not sold in the USA, a priceless classic, or a mad style upgrade to an existing performance car. When it comes to these hyper tuner cars – the louder the visual impact of the upgrades, the better. Germany’s Regula Exclusive is certainly aware of these facts. The actual products on sale here are the nose, sides and tail body kit upgrades. But the icing on the cake are the wild …

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MANSORY Rolls-Royce Phantom Limo and Phantom Drophead Coupe Are 7.5L, V12TT Purebreds

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  In honor of the Monterey and Pebble Beach Concours week – here is the first in a series of showcases of Ultra-High-Net-Worth vehicles from which to choose. The MANSORY customization program knows no limits, of course. But how to make a Phantom even more striking? Ditch the trad — and go for the rad. These three examples of Rolls Royce Phantoms by Mansory are sure to be waived right onto the Concours lawns with no questions asked. They are so intimidating, to be honest, that the driver would likely not even have to roll down the window to say …

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