What got you into cars?
It all started by playing with remote- controlled cars when I was little. Then curiosity struck and I began to break them open to see how they worked. I learned the basics about gear ratios, engines and steering systems by doing this. I have two RC cars now — one is battery operated and the other runs on petrol. It’s a hobby of mine.
RC cars are great fun! Tell us about your first proper car…
I got the real one when I was 16 years old. It was a black, 1991 Honda Civic hatchback. It was a great old car. As I was young and it being my first car, I went overboard in customising it and explored every wheel and colour combination possible. I changed the rims on numerous occasions, got a new exhaust and added HID lights not to mention a thumping sound system. I was lead guitarist of a band and it was perfect for carrying all of our kit.
That explains your rock-star looks. You have a soft spot for muscle cars. Which ones in particular?
I like Mustangs, Camaros and Chargers but I love exotic cars too and my favourites are anything by Ferrari and Lamborghini. Just look at the power they make, it’s enough to drive anyone crazy. However, my dream car is the Audi R8.
Audi is building some fine cars, none better than the R8. Anyway, you don’t drive your average Chevy Cruze do you? When did you buy it?
I remember the date like it was yesterday. I bought my ‘baby’ on April 19, 2010. It was completely stock then but I had a dream of modifying it into looking sportier and wanted it to somehow replicate the R8. Gradually, I added all sorts of parts to it and its looks began to change until it was difficult to tell what car it was. I added a spoiler, a nice set of rims, leather seats and some cool lights on the interior and exterior. I laid the black sticker on the bonnet myself and it was a long process, which I did bit by bit. It took me a month to do it right.
You did a nice job. But a body shop took care of the bigger jobs, right?
Yes, I had to take it to a garage to get the spoiler on and I was so scared while they drilled holes into the boot. I just didn’t want them to scratch or damage the car by mistake. The blue LEDs were easy to add to the exterior, while the leather interior was fitted by an upholstery shop. I have spent a lot of money on personalising my car and I keep all the bills and receipts — but I don’t ever want to tally up the total.
Your Cruze is upsetting your other half isn’t it?
My girlfriend gets jealous and tells me I spend more time with the car than I do with her. She might be right. If we have a fight, the first thing she does is hide my car keys because she knows I would rather go out in the Chevy than stay in with her. I’m usually out cruising around until 2am, maybe even later. Everyone tells me I am crazy about my car — I won’t argue with them.
Not crazy, just passionate, which we like. And we also like those rims. What size are they?
They are 18in but I was planning on getting 20in wheels. However, after much thought, I decided they would be too heavy so I went for the smaller size. And yes, I have scratched them. It was so painful. I was parking and didn’t realise how close I was to the kerb and the sound of the wheels rubbing against the pavement felt like my skin was peeling off. I felt as if I had stabbed myself. Don’t ask how I felt when I damaged the right-front wing… I do my best to avoid parking next to other cars now to avoid getting any more little nicks and scratches.
Do you get any problems with the authorities because of the modifications?
Thankfully, no and that is because I went through the proper channels before undertaking any jobs on the car. I had to take it to the CID headquarters before I added the sticker. They ran some routine checks on the car and then gave me permission to go ahead. I had the registration card changed to state that there are two colours on the car (black and white) and that was it.
But you thought you were in trouble once, right?
I won’t forget that day. I was driving along, not speeding, when a guy behind me flashed his headlights and requested me to stop. I thought he was the police and I began wondering what I could have done wrong. I was very nervous by now but when the guy approached me and asked me what model year my car was and if it was for sale, I realised then that he was not a cop. He was just interested in my car. What a relief!
Close call. What do you like best about it?
I love the 1.8-litre motor; it has just enough power and torque to make it really fun to drive. The steering’s crisp while the brakes are strong. It’s not a top-of-the-line car. But it makes me feel as if I have my dream ride — the R8. OK, it’s nowhere near as fast but it’ll do for me.
Bio
- Name: Hernando Balibay
- Job: Visual merchandiser
- From: Manila,Philippines
- Wheels: 2010 Chevrolet Cruze LT
- In the UAE: Four years
