Customiser Spotlight with Cristiano Capparelli

Shining the Light on Extraordinary Talent in the 1/64 Scale Custom Diecast Community…

It’s that time again – a collective favourite of not just myself but for all our readers – at least that’s what you guys keep telling me
That’s right, it’s time to shine the spotlight on one exceptional customizer in our ever growing community and an opportunity to not just ogle all the amazing creations but also to learn a little more about the customiser behind those afore mentioned creations. Today it is my genuine pleasure to introduce an Italian talent…Italient? (ahem, anyway…) who first came to my attention with his 3D printed Work SP1 wheels and amazing widebody work. He goes by @Garage71_Customs on Instagram but his real life and Facebook friends call him Cristiano. Because ummm, like calling him At Garage 71 underscore Customs is just stupid. I mean really, did I need to explain that?!?!
I would also like to say a huge thank you to Cristiano for sharing some of his best work and letting us know a little more about him. I thoroughly enjoyed getting some insight into the mind of this great customiser and I hope you guys do too. So yeah, I’ll just get out of the way and let Cristiano have the floor.

The Customiser Spotlight Featuring @Garage71_Customs

How long have you been customising hotwheels and diecast cars?

I started about three years ago, just for fun. I was looking for an alternative hobby since I had abandoned the 1/24 scale for reasons of time and this new world attracted me

How or What Got You Interested in Hot Wheels in the First Place?

I started about three years ago, just for fun. I was looking for an alternative hobby since I had abandoned the 1/24 scale for reasons of time and this new world attracted me

And How Long Before You Turned From Collector to Customiser?

Turning on the internet I ended up in a strange page called “Mycustomhotwheels” (I don’t know if you know it) and I was delighted by the models and details recreated in those small works of art, the rest is now history. As for collecting, the passion was born together with customs and still continues: I have about 200 models in 1/64 scale!

How old are you and what’s your family status – married? kids? serial killer on the run?

I’m 49 years old, i’m a policeman and i’m married and i’ve two sons. I’m not (yet) a serial killer, but in life, you never know …😁😁
*Alex note to self; Check if someone is a policeman before asking if they are a serial killer next time!*

Where (in the world) do you call home?

My home is where my family members are, especially where my sons are. There is no other place in the world where I would like to be …..

What is your favourite casting from hotwheels?

I am a huge fan of JDM therefore my favorite casting of Hotwheels are all those concerning the Japanese market of today and yesterday: the Japan Historic sets are my favorites even if lately I have turned my gaze to Porsche especially in the RWB casting

What sort of customs do you like doing the most?

Maybe I would first tell you the ones I don’t like! Seriously I like to customize everything that comes to mind even if lately, since I haven’t done one yet, I would like to try with some rat rod and I will almost certainly customize a VW T1 making it really special!

Do you have a favourite? Why?

I don’t think I have a custom favorite: every time I do one I say it’s my favorite but then it is systematically replaced by the new one! This is because every time I manage to correct the error made in the previous custom, making the new one better.

Where and How can people see more of your work?

I usually post my work on the weekend, usually on Friday, both on Facebook (in many groups including of course the MCH Facebook group) and Instagram @Garage71_Customs
Many customizers ask me to open a youtube channel, I would love it but I should find the time to manage everything in the best possible way.

I would like to add, for all those who look out on or want to look out into this fantastic world, that the beginnings will perhaps be a little complicated but only by trying and trying again, making mistakes and making mistakes again, will the desired result be achieved. Never stop at a finish line but look beyond and try new techniques: only in this way will you become real customizers! Thanks Alex for giving me this opportunity, I hope to be an inspiration for someone like in the beginning, you and your page have been for me…..

Thank YOU Cristiano! Especially loved how you went all Yoda on us at the end. Wise beyond measure you are, argue this I shall not. Now let’s see some customs!