Whereas many automotive reveals try to outdo themselves with every annual occasion, gatherings like Kustomfest in Indonesia stay targeted on celebrating the colourful {custom} automotive and bike tradition distinctive to their area.
This pageant fosters native scenes and elevates smaller retailers and builders. It’s harking back to the Mooneyes Scorching Rod Customized Present in Yokohama, which, for many years, has showcased the very best Japan has to supply.
Mooneyes occasions have lengthy impressed different Southeast Asian automotive reveals, notably on the subject of methods to promote and showcase {custom} automotive tradition.
After a yr spent attending and judging a number of massive occasions, it was refreshing to simply chill and see how the native scene has grown in Kustomfest’s hometown, Yogyakarta (Jogya).
Over three years of attending this occasion, I’ve met and chatted with native builders, witnessed their creativity, and admired how they regularly push their limits. However most significantly, I’ve seen how they’ve pushed the boundaries. The inspiration right here is palpable; away from the larger budgets of different reveals, it’s astonishing to see what will be crafted with restricted assets, all infused with the distinct fashion that makes Jogja so particular.
This yr, my expertise started proper exterior the venue, the place I met the homeowners of three rat rods parked in entrance of the exhibition corridor.
Whereas every was custom-built with love and ingenuity, the smaller creation instantly captured my consideration.
As a substitute of a typical automotive or truck powerplant, it featured a Piaggio Vespa engine. That’s proper – this rat rod is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder motor from an outdated Vespa scooter, proudly displayed within the open engine bay, driving the rear wheels by way of a series drive into slightly gearbox after which a prop shaft.
If that isn’t an ideal instance of resourcefulness, I don’t know what’s.
After testing the new rods and the plenty of scooters – Indonesia’s main mode of transport – it was time to go contained in the air-conditioned venue.
I began by exploring a piece stuffed with air-cooled awesomeness, together with this gorgeous Sort 34 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. This second-gen magnificence boasted a glossy Italian design, shifting away from Beetle underpinnings to the extra fashionable Sort 3 1500. Slammed and painted in a novel colour, I used to be mesmerized for fairly a while, particularly with its Porsche 365 steering wheel inside.
Final yr, I highlighted a VW Beetle celebrating Janis Joplin with a novel livery, and this yr, the identical builder showcased a Sort 14 VW Karmann Ghia, lowered on Porsche wheels.
The true showstopper was the modified engine setup, full with a 4-into-1 center-exit exhaust system.
Sticking with the air-cooled theme, it’s at all times cool to see the Retro 3-wheeler, constructed solely in Jogja.
Drawing inspiration from the Morgan three-wheeler, it options an S&S V-twin engine. However as a substitute of powering a single rear wheel, it powers each entrance wheels, providing a extra spacious cabin for consolation. Every construct permits patrons to customise the appear and feel.
The love for VW in Indonesia extends properly past the Beetle and the Factor, as evidenced by this meticulously restored Sort 412 four-door.
Nevertheless, I used to be most stunned by the massive turnout of American vehicles on this yr’s lineup. I had no concept that Indonesia was dwelling to so a lot traditional Detroit iron!
The combination was spectacular to say the least.
This 1950 Studebaker four-door sedan stunned me with its rear-hinged again doorways.
Representing Indonesia’s ardour for Australian muscle vehicles was this GM Holden Torana. The massive blower guarantees to ship loads of torque to annihilate the rear tires.
After wrapping up the primary show, I moved to the opposite aspect of the venue, navigating by way of lots of of {custom} bikes, scooters, and even bicycles.
With a lot of the inhabitants on two wheels, it’s no shock that Indonesia is a hotbed of motorbike tradition, and Kustomfest at all times showcases exceptional creativity and craftsmanship. Hopefully, the few bikes I’ve chosen spotlight this.
At Kustomfest, I’ve the glory of choosing one automotive for the annual Speedhunters’ Decide award. Whereas this gigantic Cadillac was amusing, I sought one thing that exemplified top-notch execution.
I in the end selected this Chevy truck for its meticulous consideration to element.
Beneath the hood, a contemporary LS engine is enhanced by a single Precision turbocharger, including loads of enhance for severe energy.
The fantastically appointed cabin options leather-based upholstery and Autometer gauges, complemented by harness belts as a nod to its under-hood efficiency.
The reworked mattress homes a brand new suspension structure and air-ride system, all cleverly hid when the hinged middle part is closed.
The stance was essential for this present truck, so air suspension was a should, nevertheless it additionally boasted a contemporary, performance-spec brake setup.
These mission vehicles present what Indonesian builders can do, mixing worldwide inspiration with native imaginative and prescient.
One other standout was this Porsche Sort 64-inspired creation, hand-built in aluminum by native motorbike store AMS. It recreates what was to be the first-ever Porsche on the finish of the Nineteen Thirties, however by no means was. Delivered to life from drawings, it was mind-blowing up shut. The aerodynamic proportions and coated wheel arches are fairly wild.
Whereas I might like to see the automotive phase of Kustomfest increase within the coming years, it’s cool to see the constantly excessive caliber of automobiles each time I attend.
Kustomfest is at all times a pleasure, and yr by yr, it reaffirms Jogja as a vibrant hub for {custom} automotive and bike tradition. I actually can’t wait to return to Indonesia in 2025!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
[email protected]
