2001 Lexus GS300 - Lexus Nexus

Nowhere is this philosophy more evident than in the sumptuous, leather-swathed cabin. The front seats are Recaro Specialists (size M), renowned for their ergonomics. Note the Garson neck pads on each. The rear seats are a custom creation by Autofashion. The showy Garson brand is also represented by the obligatory VIP black curtains, shift knob, a VIP front table, and deep-pile carpets. And those aren't nunchaku dangling from the rear-view mirror, but a Garson Mink Crystal chain.

Peverill's is an approach that's appreciated by show judges. The car has been a repeat winner and placer in many Hot Import Nights and Spocom events. "I've learned a lot and gained a lot," says Peverill. "Most of all, patience. Waiting for the parts, the late-night efforts into getting this done. I won't forget any of it when I do another project." Another project? "I have some ideas, but I'd rather keep them secret for the time being."

Behind The Build

Name.
Kevin Peverill

Age.
23

Hometown.
San Diego, CA

Occupation.
Quality assurance analyst

Build Time.
Four and a half years

Hobbies.
Cars, video games, photography

Quote.
"My older brother used to take me to car shows. That's where my passion started."

'01 Lexus GS300
Output: N/A

Engine. Procharger supercharger; HKS cam gears, pulley, blow-off valve; Koyo aluminum radiator; Earl's oil cooler; Apex'i overflow tank; Aimgain exhaust system; Toyomoto headers; Autofashion air intake; custom-dipped valve cover

Suspension. Air Runner suspension; KYB dampers; Daizen anti-roll bars; Cusco front strut brace

Wheels/Tires. Weds Kranze Vishnu wheels (19x9.5 -5mm offset front, 19x10.5 -5mm offset rear); Falken FK452 tires (225/35 front, 235/35 rear)

Brakes. Project Mu six-piston calipers (front), four-piston calipers (rear)

Exterior. Aimgain Cygnus front bumper, rear bumper, side skirts; Artisan Spirits fenders; Junction Produce three-piece wing; Autofashion puddle lights; OEM Mercedes-Benz hood vents

Interior. Recaro Specialist front seats (size M); Garson carpet, shift knob, rear table; Pioneer head unit; Sony monitors; Memphis Car Audio speakers, 12-inch subwoofer, wiring; custom-made leather-covered rear seats

"A lot of us would be confused without the guidance of Freddie Fernandez," says Kevin Peverill, who cites Freddie as his main influence. Both were involved with Autofashion, the operation (along with Elroy Paule, the third musketeer, as it were) responsible for getting this featured GS into the shape it is today.

It was established in November 2003, because each of the three founders shared a vision of the ideal shop, and none of them knew of such a place already in existence. The company sells a lot of high-end Japanese gear from its 2,424-square foot facility, specializing in the VIP style. "We're kind of a boutique," says Freddie. "We only import authentic parts. No copies."

And don't think they only build large-body J-rides. In conjunction with Ford and Falken Tire, Autofashion created a Flex that had a "Lowrider" air suspension but also a PlayStation 3, mixing elements of old and new. It won the Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement in Design at the 2009 SEMA show (with such a long name, the award probably took up most of the Flex's cabin space), not to mention our Suzuki Kizashi with which you'll soon be familiar.

In the Autofashion workshop at the moment is a Lexus LS460 and a right-hand-drive Toyota Crown. Keep an eye out for something on those. For the future, Freddie wants to "move forward to keep the scene going." Freddie, long may you run.