FYI: The evolution of car customization in 2025 showcases how easily accessible aftermarket modifications have become, while OEMs like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota expand their customization options. Explore the extravagant world of the 1000 SEL era and the dedication of enthusiasts like Mr. Higuchi in keeping the spirit alive.
In 2025, the car customization landscape is nothing short of extraordinary. It’s hard to fathom there was ever a time when acquiring aftermarket parts wasn’t just a click away. This evolution extends beyond the aftermarket realm, as virtually every top automaker now offers bespoke customization packages beyond standard options. Brands like BMW’s M Performance, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG Line, and Toyota’s GR Series allow car enthusiasts to tailor their vehicles to unprecedented levels. You can even choose an unpainted carbon fiber bonnet for the Range Rover Sport if you’re feeling adventurous—though such choices can be hotly debated.
A Flashback to Customization Roots
Back in time, it would have seemed absurd for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to delve so deeply into customization. However, the high demand and the ability to offer tailored parts without compromising warranties paved the way for manufacturers to dive into this profitable segment of the automotive industry.
Travel even further back in history, long before the pages of Max Power and Super Street had popularized tuning culture, bespoke car modifications were a luxury few could afford. Moneyed enthusiasts could opt for exclusive upgrades either through specialized local garages or bespoke coachbuilders.
The Golden Age of Coachbuilders
In the early 1900s, coachbuilding emerged as the ultimate expression of opulence. Brands like Alvis Cars provided skeletal chassis that patrons could transform with entirely custom bodies. This was a time when wealth could be flaunted through one-off masterpieces, reminiscent of limited editions today. As the primary demand for such intricate personalization waned over the decades—especially through two world wars—coachbuilding saw a renaissance in the 1970s and 1980s as a status statement for the ultra-rich.
Enterprises like ABC Exclusive, SGS Styling, Carat by Duchatelet, and Trasco flourished in this era, creating some of the most unique and extravagant cars. Their work often equaled the splendor of the famed collection owned by the Sultan of Brunei, and not just in style but also in in-car luxury. Companies installed early CRT screens and comprehensive audio systems, making each vehicle a glittering testament to excessive indulgence—quite fitting for clientele that included royalty and oil magnates.
The 1000 SEL Era: A Cultural Phenomenon
Dubbed the "1000 SEL" era, this period left an indelible mark on automotive history. BMW’s S-Class, especially the high-ranking W126 models like the 500 SEL, inspired elaborate conversions. An iconic anecdote from this time involves a Middle Eastern client claiming his modified Mercedes was "twice as good as a regular 500 SEL," demanding a "1000 SEL" badge. This unrecognized title became synonymous with the zenith of luxurious modifications, spreading throughout the burgeoning oil economies as a prelude to today’s social media vanity.
Reviving a Classic: Higuchi’s Masterpiece
Fast forward to the present, where aficionados like Mr. Higuchi pursue their passion for classic Benz restoration with vigor. A notable enthusiast, Higuchi has spent years restoring and remodeling a W126 500 TE—a Mercedes that never officially came in a wagon variant.
This car, once owned by a Japanese comedian and originally converted by the renowned Styling Garage Japan, had seen better days when Higuchi acquired it. Years of neglect had left it in need of thorough refurbishment, from rusted frames to shattered custom interiors. Nevertheless, Higuchi transformed the vehicle through an arduous three-year restoration process, where he carefully reimagined its aesthetics while retaining its historical essence.
Wagon Wonders: Higuchi’s 500TE Exemplar
This diligent process involved meticulous restorations with parts common in the 1000 SEL era, like the bespoke HWA Asteroid wheels and Brabus brakes, which marry form with enhanced functionality. Higuchi’s dedication to maintaining the car’s authenticity while infusing a modern flair reflects his deep understanding and reverence for automotive history.
In summary, Higuchi’s 500 TE resurrection is a testament to the timeless allure of vehicular art. His dedication is clear; this is not just about owning a piece of history. It’s about contributing to it, one painstaking restoration at a time. This illustrates how, even in an era where immediate gratification is prevalent, there remains an undying appreciation for craftsmanship and enduring artistry.
Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
