While many car shows try to outdo themselves with each annual event, gatherings like Kustomfest in Indonesia remain focused on celebrating the vibrant custom car and bike culture unique to their region.
This festival stimulates local scenes and takes smaller shops and builders to the next level. It’s reminiscent of the Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, which has showcased the best Japan has to offer for decades.
Mooneyes events have long inspired other Southeast Asian car shows, especially when it comes to promoting and showcasing custom car culture.
After a year of attending and judging several major events, it was refreshing to kick back and see how the local scene has grown in Kustomfest’s birthplace, Yogyakarta (Jogya).
Over the three years I have attended this event, I have met and chatted with local builders, witnessed their creativity and admired how they continually push their boundaries. But most importantly, I’ve seen how they’ve pushed the boundaries. The inspiration here is palpable; Regardless of the bigger budgets of other shows, it’s amazing to see what can be created with limited resources, all infused with the distinct style that makes Jogja so special.
This year my experience started just outside the venue, where I met the owners of three rat rods parked in front of the exhibition hall.
Although each was custom built with love and ingenuity, the smaller creation immediately caught my attention.
Instead of a typical car or truck engine, it had a Piaggio Vespa engine. That’s right: this rat rod is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder engine from an old Vespa scooter, proudly displayed in the open engine compartment, which drives the rear wheels via a chain drive into a small gearbox and then into a driveshaft.
If that isn’t a perfect example of ingenuity, I don’t know what is.
After checking out the hot rods and crowds of scooters – Indonesia’s main mode of transportation – it was time to head inside the air-conditioned venue.
I started by exploring a section full of air-cooled awesomeness, including this stunning Type 34 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. This second-generation beauty featured a sleek Italian design, with the Beetle underpinnings moving to the more modern Type 3 1500. Beaten and painted in a unique color, I was fascinated for quite some time, especially with the Porsche 365 steering wheel in it.
Last year I highlighted a VW Beetle in honor of Janis Joplin with a unique paint scheme, and this year the same builder presented a Type 14 VW Karmann Ghia, lowered on Porsche wheels.
The real showstopper was the modified engine setup, complete with a 4-into-1 exhaust system with center exit.
Sticking with the air-cooled theme, it’s always cool to see the Retro tricycle, completely built in Jogja.
It is inspired by the Morgan three-wheeler and has an S&S V-twin engine. But instead of driving a single rear wheel, it drives both front wheels, offering a more spacious cabin for greater comfort. With each build, buyers can customize the look and feel.
The love for VW in Indonesia extends far beyond the Beetle and the Thing, as evidenced by this carefully restored Type 412 four-door.
However, I was most surprised by the large turnout of American cars in this year’s lineup. I had no idea Indonesia was home to so much classic Detroit iron!
The mix was impressive to say the least.
This 1950 Studebaker four-door sedan surprised me with its rear-hinged rear doors.
This GM Holden Torana represented the Indonesian passion for Australian muscle cars. The big fan promises to deliver enough torque to destroy the rear tires.
After wrapping up the first exhibit, I moved to the other side of the venue and navigated through hundreds of custom bikes, scooters, and even bikes.
With a large portion of the population riding two wheels, it’s no surprise that Indonesia is a hotbed of cycling culture, and Kustomfest always showcases remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. Hopefully the few bikes I selected highlight this.
At Kustomfest I have the honor of selecting one car for the annual event The choice of the speed chasers award. While this gargantuan Cadillac was entertaining, I was looking for something that exemplified premium performance.
I ultimately chose this Chevy truck for its meticulous attention to detail.
Under the hood, a modern LS engine is backed by a single Precision turbocharger, adding enough boost for serious power.
The beautifully appointed cabin features leather upholstery and Autometer gauges, complemented by harness belts as a nod to the performance under the hood.
The reworked bed houses a new suspension layout and a new air suspension system, all cleverly hidden when the hinged center section is closed.
Stance was crucial for this show truck, so air suspension was a must, but it also featured a modern, performance-oriented braking setup.
These project cars show what Indonesian builders can do, combining international inspiration with local vision.
Another highlight was this Porsche Type 64-inspired creation, hand-built in aluminum by local motorcycle shop AMS. It recreates what was supposed to be the first Porsche ever in the late 1930s, but never was. Brought to life from drawings, it was breathtaking up close. The aerodynamic proportions and covered wheel arches are pretty wild.
While I would like to see Kustomfest’s automotive segment expand in the coming years, it’s cool to see the consistently high caliber of vehicles every time I attend.
Kustomfest is always a delight, and year after year it reaffirms Jogja as a vibrant center for custom car and bike culture. I really can’t wait to return to Indonesia in 2025!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com