To learn more about car modifications and why so many auto aficionados find them fascinating, we reached out to Gianni Lamanuzzi. He is a dedicated car enthusiast and founder of Status Error, a place to find clothing and merchandise for people who love the automotive, skate, and BMX lifestyle and culture. He told Bored Panda that he managed to make a career from the modified car scene, so he owes it a lot.
His Instagram account is dedicated to celebrating beautifully upgraded and altered cars. Lamanuzzi mentioned he often feels inspired by them, which allows him to create captivating designs of stickers, clothing, and accessories for his website.
Lamanuzzi explained that a car mod (modification) is when you make a change to a car that doesn’t come from the factory as standard. "From something as simple as changing out some interior light bulbs to glow a different color, to going all out and cutting up the car to add a body kit or even changing an engine. If it changes the car from standard form, it’s a mod!"
#6 Today Was My Last Day At Work And This Is What Greeted Me In The Car Park. I Work In Automotive Engineering
When asked what is considered a good car modification, he guessed that everyone is going to have a different opinion on this. "For me, the first modifications I look into doing are usually adjusting the ride height (coilover suspension, air bags, shorter springs) and changing the wheels. Be it a color change, a better-looking tire, or even a whole new aftermarket wheel, I personally think these are good places to start."
He added: "If I was being sensible though, I’d probably look more into starting with engine mods. Make sure the engine is running the best it can, which can be something as simple as upgrading your air filter."
The founder of Status Error mentioned that when people come up with improvements that will damage the car or put other people in danger, modifications like these are downright useless and even harmful. Questionable appearances of such alterations also prove that some have a complete lack of understanding of what’s considered tasteful or safe. "From experience, I wouldn’t recommend chopping your suspension springs to lower your ride height," he jokingly added.
"I think [taste] is subjective because people absolutely love different things in the car mod scene, it’s like fashion for cars," Lamanuzzi noted. "For example, I once had a Porsche that I painted a non-factory color. I thought it was the best thing I’d ever done and all of my friends really loved it."
However, the Porsche community was up in arms: "It wasn’t something that Porsche would do. I’d say 90% of them would have burned it if they had the chance!"
Well, auto enthusiasts sometimes seem obsessed with seeing ambitious car projects and discussing how impressive (or not) they are. Well, at least that seems to be the case with the 1.2M members of this Reddit community in question. Users there applaud and celebrate sleek car modifications and laugh at the most ridiculous ones. According to Lamanuzzi, we enjoy looking at this content because we love to see what new things people are up to.
"The car scene has some seriously talented people among it and it’s always moving forward fast," he continued. "Most days you will see something new that has never been done. It also gives you inspiration and ideas to work on your own car if it’s something you’re doing."
He also guessed that there could be a bit of a nostalgia thing going on too. "A lot of cars I spend my time around are from the 90s and early 2000s, so it’s great to see them as it brings back some great memories from being a kid. Even if it was just because a friend or family member had that car and it gave you great memories."
While it’s always refreshing to share opinions, ideas, and laughs about your interests, Lamanuzzi advised you to always go with your gut. "Don’t let other people’s opinions alter the goal you have in your head. Sure, take some ideas and a little advice, but if someone is downright negative about what you’re doing, then just ignore them."
"If you listened to what other people had to say each time, then everything would be the same, and nothing would stand out. Never shy away from putting your crazy ideas out there on social media because it absolutely works both ways. If people are complimenting you on what you’re doing, then it can give you the biggest buzz to get out there and do more modifying," he concluded.
