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From the Editor: Welcome to the February 2025 issue of Drive Magazine! This month, we’re celebrating the art of automotive individuality. From daring modifications to timeless classics, the stories in this issue are packed with passion, innovation, and a deep love for all things on wheels. 1. Ehtesham Sajid’s Tesla Model 3: Standing Out in an Electric Crowd Tesla’s Model 3 has become a common sight on the streets, but for Ehtesham Sajid, blending in wasn’t an option. His 2021 Model 3 started as a blank slate and has since transformed into a vibrant showcase of creativity and electric power. Sajid’s journey reminds us that even the most cutting-edge EVs can become personal works of art, turning heads for all the right reasons. 2. Velocity’s Adventurine Green 1971 Ford Bronco:…
EXPANDED WHEEL STUD SELECTION FROM ARP Industry-leading fastener manufacturer ARP is best known for its vast lineup of engine-related bolts and studs, it’s important to note that the company has also invested a considerable amount to engineering and manufacturing technology to an ever-expanding collection of high performance wheel studs for competition and street applications. All are manufactured from 8740 chrome moly steel and precision heat-treated in-house to a tensile strength of 190,000 psi. The threads are rolled after heat-treat to provide significantly improved fatigue strength. All studs are cadmium plated for extra protection —with the unique bullet-nosed Speed Studs™ given a baked-on dry film lubricant. Replacement press-in wheel studs are available for over three dozen OEM axles and hubs — including longer studs that facilitate use with aftermarket wheels. Screw-in…
EHTESHAM SAJID’S JOURNEY INTO TESLA OWNERSHIP BEGAN IN JANUARY 2021, AT A TIME WHEN SPOTTING A MODEL 3 ON THE STREET WAS STILL A NOVELTY. But as these electric rides became more common, particularly in their stock white finish, Sajid knew he wanted something that would stand out because nobody dreams of driving the automotive equivalent of plain yogurt. His 2021 Tesla Model 3 has now become a vibrant showcase of creativity and electric power. ”THE EXTERIOR IS MORE THAN JUST EYE CANDY. IT’S A CAREFULLY CURATED BLEND OF FORM AND FUNCTION. The project began modestly enough with lowering springs and new wheels—simple upgrades to give the car a unique stance. But for Sajid, “unique” was never going to be a one-and-done deal. Dissatisfied with the initial ride height, he…
FROM CAR SHOWS AND CRUISE-INS TO OFF-ROAD ADVENTURES, EARLY FORD BRONCOS (1966-1977) ARE THE PERFECT CLASSIC CAR FOR ANY ADVENTURE. With more than 500 Bronco restomods under its belt, Velocity is the leader in creating world-class builds that balance vintage style and modern performance. This Adventurine Green 1971 Ford Bronco from Velocity is a perfect example, but before digging deeper into this build, here’s a little backstory detailing why the classic Ford Bronco is one of the coolest 4×4s around. Debuting in 1966, the classic Bronco was Ford’s answer to the popular International Scout and Jeep CJ-5. Smaller than the Scout, the Bronco’s compact size made it great for off-roading or farm work, but it was about a foot longer than the CJ-5, allowing for added passenger or cargo space.…
“ALMOST EVERYTHING ON THE CAR HAS BEEN MODIFIED, BUT, EVEN MORE CUSTOM THAN NOT, THE ORIGINAL FRAME OF THE CAR IS STILL RECOGNIZABLE TO THOSE WHO KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR.” HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU SEEN A 3RD-GEN CELICA ROLLING ON 27-INCH MTS? Probably never. But by now you’ve probably learned to always expect the unexpected. That’s exactly what Jon Rood’s 1984 Toyota Celica named “Carlos” is: Unexpected, in the best way possible. Almost everything on the car has been modified, but, even more custom than not, the original frame of the car is still recognizable to those who know what to look for. Seeing a Celica rip up in the desert like you’ll see on these pages is certainly unexpected, too. “Toyota never meant the Celica to be…
Below is a list of additional items Jon carries with him in Carlos. • 3 ft shovel strapped to the cage (found on the car’s first off-road run, jumped in deep that day, 150 miles round trip with only road testing prior to that.) • Bow saw, for branches and small down trees along trails • Hatchet, same reason • 20-ft tow rope • Spare tire nestled into the cage where the back seat used to be, for good balance and out of the way • 3-inch ratchet straps, two holding down the spare that double as super-slow hand winching ability • Tool kit that has a full array of hand tools for any bolt on the car • ARB tire plug kit • 12V portable air compressor (Costco twin…
