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While many car shows strive 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 fosters local scenes and elevates smaller shops and builders. It’s reminiscent of the Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, which, for decades, has showcased the best Japan has to offer.
Mooneyes events have long inspired other Southeast Asian automotive shows, particularly when it comes to how to promote and showcase custom car culture.
After a year spent attending and judging several large events, it was refreshing to just chill and see how the local scene has grown in Kustomfest’s hometown, Yogyakarta (Jogya).
Over three years of attending this event, I’ve met and chatted with local builders, witnessed their creativity, and admired how they continually push their limits. But most importantly, I’ve seen how they’ve pushed the boundaries. The inspiration here is palpable; away from the bigger budgets of other shows, it’s astonishing to see what can be crafted with limited resources, all infused with the distinct style that makes Jogja so special.
This year, my experience began right outside the venue, where I met the owners of three rat rods parked in front of the exhibition hall.
While each was custom-built with love and ingenuity, the smaller creation immediately captured my attention.
Instead of a typical car or truck powerplant, it featured a Piaggio Vespa engine. That’s right – this rat rod is powered by an air-cooled single-cylinder motor from an old Vespa scooter, proudly displayed in the open engine bay, driving the rear wheels via a chain drive into a little gearbox and then a prop shaft.
If that isn’t a perfect example of resourcefulness, I don’t know what is.
After checking out the hot rods and the masses of scooters – Indonesia’s primary mode of transport – it was time to head inside the air-conditioned venue.
I started by exploring a section filled with air-cooled awesomeness, including this stunning Type 34 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. This second-gen beauty boasted a sleek Italian design, moving away from Beetle underpinnings to the more modern Type 3 1500. Slammed and painted in a unique color, I was mesmerized for quite some time, especially with its Porsche 365 steering wheel inside.
Last year, I highlighted a VW Beetle celebrating Janis Joplin with a unique livery, and this year, the same builder showcased a Type 14 VW Karmann Ghia, lowered on Porsche wheels.
The real showstopper was the modified engine setup, complete with a 4-into-1 center-exit exhaust system.
Sticking with the air-cooled theme, it’s always cool to see the Retro 3-wheeler, built entirely in Jogja.
Drawing inspiration from the Morgan three-wheeler, it features an S&S V-twin engine. But instead of powering a single rear wheel, it powers both front wheels, offering a more spacious cabin for comfort. Each build allows buyers to customize the look and feel.
The love for VW in Indonesia extends well beyond the Beetle and the Thing, as evidenced by this meticulously restored Type 412 four-door.
However, I was most surprised by the big turnout of American cars in this year’s lineup. I had no idea that 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 back doors.
Representing Indonesia’s passion for Australian muscle cars was this GM Holden Torana. The big blower promises to deliver plenty of torque to annihilate the rear tires.
After wrapping up the first display, I moved to the other side of the venue, navigating through hundreds of custom bikes, scooters, and even bicycles.
With much of the population on two wheels, it’s no surprise that Indonesia is a hotbed of bike culture, and Kustomfest always showcases remarkable creativity and craftsmanship. Hopefully, the few bikes I’ve selected highlight this.
At Kustomfest, I have the honor of selecting one car for the annual Speedhunters’ Pick award. While this gigantic Cadillac was amusing, I sought something that exemplified top-notch execution.
I ultimately chose this Chevy truck for its meticulous attention to detail.
Under the hood, a modern LS engine is enhanced by a single Precision turbocharger, adding plenty of boost for serious power.
The beautifully appointed cabin features leather upholstery and Autometer gauges, complemented by harness belts as a nod to its under-hood performance.
The reworked bed houses a new suspension layout and air-ride system, all cleverly concealed when the hinged center section is closed.
The stance was crucial for this show truck, so air suspension was a must, but it also boasted a modern, performance-spec brake setup.
These project cars show what Indonesian builders can do, blending international inspiration with local vision.
Another standout was this Porsche Type 64-inspired creation, hand-built in aluminum by local motorcycle shop AMS. It recreates what was to be the first-ever Porsche at the end of the 1930s, but never was. Brought to life from drawings, it was mind-blowing up close. The aerodynamic proportions and covered wheel arches are pretty wild.
While I would love to see the car segment of Kustomfest expand in the coming years, it’s cool to see the consistently high caliber of vehicles every time I attend.
Kustomfest is always a joy, and year by year, it reaffirms Jogja as a vibrant hub 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