Shaquille O’Neal is known for his larger-than-life personality both on and off the court. His love for cars is no secret, but what truly sets him apart are the wild and imaginative remodeling requests he makes. Recently, Ryan Friedlinghaus, the founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, shared some of the most outrageous demands Shaq has made over the years, leaving car enthusiasts and fans alike in awe.
One of the most jaw-dropping requests came when Shaq asked Friedlinghaus to build a Mustang that could function as a boat.
“Shaq, he still calls me to this day, like: ‘Hey, I found this, we need to build this.’ He sent me these links: ‘Build me one of these,’ and it’s like a Mustang that you see in the water. It looks like a car but it’s a boat,” Friedlinghaus revealed.
Despite the ambitious nature of this request, it was beyond the capabilities of even the renowned West Coast Customs.
Shaq’s sentimental attachment to his cars is evident in his request to modify a Bentley Azure gifted by his father. Due to his size, Shaq couldn’t drive the car comfortably. Friedlinghaus and his team had to perform major modifications, including moving the seat back and creating a custom Superman logo for the steering wheel. This project highlighted the personal significance of the car to Shaq and his desire to make it drivable despite his towering frame.
Another memorable request involved Shaq’s Ferrari. He wanted to turn it into a convertible, a task that is no small feat given the high-end nature of the car.
“He buys a Ferrari. He’s like, ‘I wanna make this Ferrari convertible.’ I’m like, wait, what? He’s like, ‘Cut the roof off the Ferrari.’ So we cut the roof off a Ferrari,” Friedlinghaus recounted.
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This project pushed the boundaries of what was possible and showcased Shaq’s willingness to take risks with his prized possessions.
Shaq’s extravagant requests have not only challenged Friedlinghaus and his team but also played a significant role in the rise of West Coast Customs. The relationship with Shaq helped the company land a deal with MTV, leading to their feature in the first four seasons of “Pimp My Ride”. This exposure catapulted West Coast Customs into the spotlight, making them a household name among car enthusiasts.
Shaquille O’Neal’s passion for cars and his wild remodeling requests continue to captivate and inspire. His willingness to push the limits of car customization reflects his larger-than-life persona and his unrelenting pursuit of uniqueness. Whether it’s a Mustang-boat hybrid or a Ferrari convertible, Shaq’s car adventures are as legendary as his basketball career.
