This week, photos of Shaquille O’Neal’s distinctive two-door Lucid Air surfaced, showcasing a formidable transformation. West Coast Customs launched a behind-the-scenes clip detailing the customized fabrication course of, which included chopping the B-pillar and creating new doorways and quarter panels. This challenge piqued my curiosity, prompting a dive into Shaq’s historical past of modifying automobiles to accommodate his top. Should you suppose this Lucid represents the primary time he is made such alterations, you clearly aren’t acquainted with Shaquille O’Neal.
Screenshots from West Coast Customs’ promotional video reveal the electrical sedan being expertly reshaped right into a coupe. Though the usual Lucid Air inside affords appreciable area, it is nonetheless not constructed for somebody of Shaq’s stature, standing over seven ft tall and weighing 325 kilos; he requires extra than simply common seating choices.
The modifications to the Lucid Air did not appear to have an effect on its powertrain or wheelbase. Nevertheless, it now stands out as Lucid’s solely coupe. Notable customized touches embody the “DIESEL” label throughout the entrance and Superman-themed wheel heart caps, which mirror Shaq’s fondness for superhero icons and considered one of his many nicknames. Though it might appear odd to proclaim “Diesel” on an electrical car, it is undeniably becoming.
The redesign has its compromises; with the deletion of the B-pillars, driving a strong automobile like this would possibly elevate some security considerations. That stated, given the automobile’s battery placement and Shaq’s appreciable weight, the coupe ought to have a low heart of gravity, minimizing the chance of rollovers. Nonetheless, warning stays important for Shaquille.
The price of this alteration remains to be unknown. I reached out to West Coast Customs for particulars and can replace this text if additional info is obtained.
Past the Lucid, Shaquille O’Neal has amassed a various assortment of modified automobiles over time. This consists of not solely Hummers and Bentleys but in addition unconventional decisions like a Ford F-650. A memorable phase from MTV Cribs showcases the breadth of Shaq’s automotive tastes, together with two modified Ferraris, which he known as “endlessly convertibles” after eradicating their gentle tops to create additional area. Certainly one of these, a silver F355, bought for $65,000 in 2020, with the customer appreciating the car’s lodging for tall drivers.
His assortment additionally encompasses a stretched Lamborghini Gallardo, which required substantial modifications to suit him comfortably. Combining new and outdated fashions, the challenge price round $600,000, reflecting the in depth modifications made to the automobile’s construction.
Extra just lately, Shaquille has been noticed in a putting Vaydor, a equipment automobile constructed on an outdated Infiniti G35. Whereas distinctive, it does have a much less typical look. His assortment even consists of modified three-wheel automobiles just like the Polaris Slingshot and Vanderhall Venice.
One other lesser-known car in Shaq’s lineup is a personalized two-door JK Jeep Wrangler, which West Coast Customs modified from a four-door Wrangler Limitless. Paradoxically, this challenge came about across the time the four-door fashions had been launched, leading to a putting and weird design that maintains practicality.
Within the spirit of humor, Shaq has demonstrated his capacity to suit into smaller vehicles, as evidenced in a YouTube clip the place he squeezes right into a Good Fortwo, showcasing his adaptability and sense of enjoyable.
Have you ever encountered some other automobiles specifically modified for taller drivers? In that case, be happy to share your insights.
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