If you're looking for something a little more unique than the standard automobile, you've got lots of options for creating a car that really reflects your personality. The Internet makes it easy to customize cars before and after you buy.
Companies to Help Design Your Car
You don't have to be an automotive engineer to design your own vehicle. There are a number of great companies that are dedicated to helping regular people design unique vehicles.
Kindig It Design is a Utah-based company that specializes in customizing classic cars and adding unique touches to existing automobiles. You can get custom paint jobs, flat door handles, and any other type of major or minor modifications.
Kaucher Kustoms
If you have an idea for a custom car but aren't sure how to make your dream a reality, Kaucher Kustoms has the solution. They work with clients to create actual buildable blueprints and three-dimensional models from sketches. You can then take those blueprints to a custom car builder and see your dream car in person.
Deco Rides
If you're hoping to design a retro car with modern appeal, Deco Rides could be a great choice. This company specializes in cars that meld the sleek lines and vintage glamour of the 1920s and 1930s with the modern technology and performance tools of today. You can work with them to bring your dream car to life.
Dusold Designs
Dusold Designs specializes in air brushed paint jobs, custom body panels and accessories, and other unique touches. They can help you completely change the look of an existing car or create a custom car from scratch.
Free Customization Tools from Manufacturer Websites
If you're in the market for a new vehicle and don't want something totally unique, you may be able to customize your car using a manufacturer website. Several major manufacturers offer a free shopping tool that allows you to choose the features, colors, and accessories for your new vehicle.
Toyota
If you want to buy a new Toyota, you can use the Build Your Toyota tool to choose the model, including hybrid options like Prius, you have in mind. From there, you can select trim levels, options, interior and exterior colors, and accessories.
General Motors
For those planning to buy a new GMC vehicle, the Build Your Own feature lets you design your dream truck or car. You can choose your favorite model, select a paint color, add options, and more.
Ford
Whether you're interested in a Ranger truck, a zippy Fiesta, or one of the other popular Ford models, you can use the virtual Ford Vehicle Showroom to build and price your new car. Add the accessories you want, and select the colors and features you love.
Honda
The Build and Price Your Honda tool lets you choose the model you have in mind, add accessories and options, select your favorite color, and more. The tool is easy and fun to use.
Kia
For Kia fans, there's the Kia Build and Price tool. You can choose your favorite model, including hybrid options, and then select all the features and custom choices you have in mind.
Mazda
If you're in the market for a new Mazda, you can use the Build & Price Your Vehicle center to create a custom ride. Choose from the many models, and then select all the options you want.
Tesla
If you'd like to try your hand at designing an electric car to meet your needs, check out the Tesla Design Center. You can choose the model, options, colors, and more.
Other Brands
Virtually every major car manufacturer has a similar tool. If you're interested in another automobile manufacturer, all you have to do is visit their website to create the custom car of your dreams.
Designing a Car with Aftermarket Parts
You can also create your own custom vehicle with aftermarket accessories. This is a great way to change the look your current vehicle without investing in a whole new car. Accessories can be as simple as seat covers and car organizers or as complex as souped-up exhaust systems and custom paint jobs. Depending on how much time and money you want to invest in this project, you can dramatically change the appearance and performance of your vehicle. Here are some of the big changes you can make as you design your own car with aftermarket parts:
Dashboard trim kits allow you to change the look of your car's interior entirely. Some of the options include exotic woods, carbon fiber, or attractive colors.
Vertical door conversion systems let you give your car gull-wing or vertical doors like the Back to the Future car.
Spoilers add an instant sporty appearance to your vehicle. You can select a spoiler as an option when you buy a new car, or you can buy one from the dealer or an aftermarket parts supplier.
Undercar lighting allows you to add neon lights to the bottom of your vehicle. This provides an eye-catching custom appearance.
Special exhaust systems can change the sound of your car and even enhance your vehicle's performance.
"Frankenstein" Cars
Another increasingly popular option for designing a custom vehicle is building a "Frankenstein" car. If you have a background in auto repair or bodywork, this may be a great choice for you. To create a "Frankenstein" car, auto enthusiasts look for car parts online, in junk yards, and in classified ads. They then combine parts from various automobiles to create a unique vehicle. The result might have the swooping front end of a Lamborghini Gallardo and the luxurious interior of a Jaguar.
If you don't have an auto repair background, you may be able to hire someone to help your create your "Frankenstein" car. This type of car design lets you choose your favorite parts from your favorite cars and combine them to create the ultimate automobile.
Your Custom Design
You spend a lot of time in your car, and it's a great way to express your personal style. Whether you build your own car on the manufacturer's website, create a custom vehicle with interior and exterior accessories, or make a "Frankenstein" car out of discarded auto parts, it's possible to create a car that is unique and completely your own design.
