Amidst the bustling streets of the university where academia thrives and dreams are nurtured, there’s one person who stands out, not only for his academic pursuits but also for his passion for automotive artistry.
Antonio Gonzales, a senior psychology major, whose hands mold more than just equations and theories; they shape the very essence of driving pleasure and mechanical finesse.
Gonzales’s journey into the realm of car customization began with two iconic vehicles: a 1996 Montego Blue Miata named “Zenitsu” and a 1992 Chevy 1500 fondly referred to as “Big Blue.”
These vehicles are not just modes of transportation for Gonzales; they are canvases upon which he expresses his ingenuity and craftsmanship.
Reminiscing about his childhood fascination with lowered trucks and the influence of his father’s Chevy, Gonzales says that he always loved OBS Chevys growing up and seeing how popular they were on the West Coast made him eager to have one.
“When I got the opportunity to buy one, I took it and now I have big blue with me,” he says.
Gonzales also garnered a love for Hot Wheels as a kid, growing his obsession with cars.
“My love for Hot Wheels has influenced my car builds because each one has a different design, even if it’s the same casting,” he says.
His blue Miata embodies the spirit of drifting, inspired by his admiration for YouTuber Taylor Ray and the car’s exceptional handling capabilities.
“I would watch this guy who had a built Miata drift car and he ranted and raved about it and that just solidified my desire to own a similar car; I have had 4 Miata’s now thanks to that,” he says.
The modifications Gonzales has made to his vehicles speak volumes about his meticulous attention to detail. From Meister R coil overs and aftermarket wheels on the Miata to a 5/8 lowering kit and upgraded differential on the truck, every alteration serves a purpose, enhancing both aesthetics and performance.
Acquiring and building these cars wasn’t without its challenges. It marked Gonzales’s third ownership of a Miata, a purchase he made at the start of 2020.
Previously owned by a friend, Gonzales felt the urge to acquire another Miata following an accident with his previous one. While the vehicle was sound, he encountered minor engine issues that urged for a rebuild.
However, when Gonzales purchased the truck, it remained in its original state. At the time, he was employed at CarMax, where it arrived as a trade-in. Instantly captivated by its naturally aged patina, Gonzales fell in love with the truck.
“I loved the patina look it had just from aging naturally and all I wanted to do was lower it. It had 94k miles on it and it was a well taken care of truck,” he says.
Juggling the demands of full-time studies and work, Gonzales faces the daunting task of balancing his passion for automobiles with his responsibilities. He works at a rehab facility with children and another mental health facility with adults, which leaves him with limited time to dedicate to his cars.
However, whenever he manages to find free moments, he devotes them to working on his vehicles. To sustain his love for automobiles, he buys more Hot Wheels; having a collection of over 3,000.
“Being a full time college student and working full time does not allow much time to work on your car,” says Gonzales. “I have been building both over the years of school and the Miata now is a graduation gift to myself.”
As he prepares for the 2024 drift season, Antonio remains grounded, offering advice to budding enthusiasts eager to embark on their own automotive journeys.
“Have patience,” he advises. “The internet will make it seem as though it’s easy and quick to build a car, but it is not. Piece by piece your car will come together and having it driving is the most important part.”
For Gonzales, each vehicle tells a unique story, reflecting his evolving tastes and aspirations. While the Miata embodies the thrill of drifting and the allure of open-air motoring, the truck exudes a timeless charm, reminiscent of a bygone era of American automotive culture.
Aside from his blue Miata and his Truck, Gonzales possesses one blacker Mazda Miata. In 2020, he undertook a coast-to-coast trip to California and back, igniting a desire for a reliable Miata. Consequently, he acquired his black Miata.
“I remember I met someone at the Grand Canyon and went off roading to get a closer look and a picture there. That is one of the most memorable experiences I had when doing that trip back in 2020,” he says
His parents and friends marvel at his creation, while strangers on the street can’t help but admire the sleek lines and pop-up headlights of his Miata.
“My parents and friends love my car and with the Miata regular people love it. I enjoy driving it and seeing people tell me to hit the lights and they pop up and down,” he remarks.
To him, cars represent more than just transportation; they embody a lifestyle—a way of connecting with others and forging lasting memories.
“My cars bring me a lot of happiness and comfort. I love driving and have since I was younger, so I constantly just go on drives to relax and such,” he reflects. “My cars have also brought me a lot of connections to other car people because people know what I drive and love having conversations about them.”
Looking towards the future, Gonzales envisions further enhancements for his beloved Miata and truck, driven by a relentless pursuit of perfection. Whether it’s cosmetic refinements or mechanical upgrades, his quest for excellence knows no bounds.
As Gonzales prepares to graduate, his passion for cars remains undiminished, a testament to the enduring allure of automotive craftsmanship.
“Owning and building cars to me is everything,” he declares. “I grew up working on cars and being around cars 24/7. So now as an adult having three cars, I think about how I always dreamed of it. The Miata is the first car I built myself and I feel proud to say that I built it with my own two hands.”
