Mecum Auctions and West Coast Customs are teaming up for a special cause this May at Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis. Ryan Friedlinghaus, the creative force behind West Coast Customs, is putting five of his personal rides on the auction block, and it’s all for charity. The proceeds from the sales will go toward the West Coast Customs Academy in Los Angeles, a nonprofit that gives aspiring custom auto builders the training and tools they need to turn passion into a career. It’s not every day you see a world-renowned customizer donate some of his prized cars, but this is all about investing in the next generation of car builders.
The collection hitting the auction block is as absurd and diverse as you’d expect from the mind of Friedlinghaus. First up is a 1997 Toyota 4Runner built by the 2024 class of the Academy, showing off custom air suspension, billet wheels, and detailed pinstriping. Then there’s a street-legal NASCAR-style 2022 Toyota Camry 23XI with a bespoke aero package, a 2006 Dodge Charger that pays homage to the General Lee with a modern twist, and a 2012 Volkswagen Passat that glows red from every angle. The highlight is a Star Trek-inspired 2018 Slingshot customized with a 3D hood, custom Lexani wheels, and U.S.S. Discovery highlights.
What makes this event so meaningful is the mission behind it. West Coast Customs Academy gives real-world experience to students who dream of building wild rides like the ones on display. Mecum’s long-standing commitment to community causes pairs perfectly with Friedlinghaus’s goal to make automotive education more accessible. Whether you’re a collector, a fan of custom cars, or just into giving back, this auction brings it all together under one roof.
Source: Mecum Auctions
