Predators on the Prowl
Picture yourself rolling with 5 heavily Modified Mitsubishi Lancers, sure one can start to break necks, but 5 whips out phones. We had a run in with Saber aka "Wrap God" a few weekends ago so we were acquainted with the idea behind Street Predatorz.
I went for a prowl with some Predatorz, I can't think of a cooler way to spend an afternoon! It really helped me to understand the desire to "Stance" a car. It's not about you alone, it's about your community, and I think these guys have the concept and execution in order. This side of Car Culture is about making a statement.
Jevon Lashley- J707 - Night Fury, Hugh Sealy- T4148 - Saber aka Wrap God, Joel Leacock - SA 2734 - Ghost, Danny Lashley - Viper - XK 501, Jabari Batson - Wolf - G 1070
Picture yourself rolling with 5 heavily Modified Mitsubishi Lancers, sure one can start to break necks, but 5 whips out phones. We had a run in with Saber aka "Wrap God" a few weekends ago so we were acquainted with the idea behind Street Predatorz. Actually being on a drive with them is a totally different experience. It's a goal of my inner 10 year old. I can check that off the list. Thanks guys! I can die a happy man!
Street Predatorz as a group was formed August 21, 2012 and it started with 2 members. Jevon Lashley the Driver of Fury and Jason Gamble. They shared a mutual love for this late model Mitsubishi Lancer. Over time the group grew rapidly. They stand at 28 members at the time of writing. They are persons who recognized the potential of this car and wanted to express that vision. They really have come a long way.
This group has been spearheading not just car modification but community. It's amazing how much they stick together it's not just about the car, it's about the culture you want to build behind them, and this bleeds out from their interactions with others to how they welcomed me into the group to photograph their cars.
James Skinner "Besocial"
That afternoon, I was behind the scenes of a video highlighting the cars and group. This was sponsored through Automotive Art, one of the leading brands in the Caribbean who deal with a wide range of car products, from aftermarket accessories to materials needed to rebuild or repair aspects of the car itself.
“It’s a bunch of friends who love cars!”
As a group, Street Predatorz has been turning the right heads and going in the right direction with how they meet and build the awareness of the group. We all know project cars are never ever finished, so don't believe the person who says "It's Finished", that's a lie! Street Predatorz are here as a facility for those who also own Lancers to help exchange ideas and give input on the direction to take with either the aesthetics of your car or performance.
They hosted their first Mitsubishi Owners Day, MOD, at Sky Mall in Haggatt Hall earlier this year which was a major success as it was well received by the community here on the island. Intentions are to host a bigger even better one. They are also looking to partner with brands in order to get this done. Reaching outside their immediate group, they are looking for ways to give back to the community as well through charitable events.
Without exception though, this group has faced and may face challenges in the future. Lancers are a dying breed and are slowly rising on the endangered list. Mitsubishi has not announced a new model or reiteration of the Lancer line of cars. This may prove a little problematic in terms of aftermarket support, but this works two ways, because these cars once well maintained will become a rarity, and a gem on the roads when you see them.
Alpha predators change and adapt to their environments, this is what keeps them at the top of their game and like alpha predators these guys will find a way to keep on changing and growing. So look out on the streets and make way when you see these cars coming.These guys are on a mission!
Until next time! Happy Motoring! - Alex
Enjoy the Gallery Below
Wrap God
Car wrapping is growing in popularity worldwide, and with companies like Autoderm we have access to this exclusive club. We covered a matte black Civic which rolled out of his shop a few months ago. You can check it out here! Daniel the owner of Autoderm is always trying new things, to push his boundaries and create one of a kind cars.
There's nothing like owning your own car. The feeling of freedom and responsibility are overwhelming, as well as the urge to customize it and make it unique. Some people tend to take it too far but we found a car that has found that great balance. Hugh and his 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer called "Saber". Hugh is one of the members of a car group here in Barbados called the Street Predatorz.
Street Predatorz is a prolific and growing group in Barbados. They are a Mitsubishi owners club, majorly made up of 2008 Lancers, but few earlier models are trickling into the group. They are car enthusiasts driven by the desire to modify their cars whether it's looks or performance or both.
Joining the group means you are ready to start working on your car and take positive steps in order to make your dream a reality. Each car in the group has a name taken from the Apex predators in the animal kingdom, hence the name Saber after the saber tooth tiger.
Hugh's car is beautifully wrapped.
Car wrapping is growing in popularity worldwide, and with companies like Autoderm we have access to this exclusive club. We covered a matte black Civic which rolled out of his shop a few months ago. You can check it out here! Daniel the owner of Autoderm is always trying new things, to push his boundaries and create one of a kind cars.
As a result of this Car culture benefits from these new upstart services, and with car groups competing with each other to make neck breaking rides on the streets Daniels innovative spirit goes hand in hand.
This is exactly what Hugh did. He had a goal to make a one of a kind car in the island and oh boy did he make something that's off the wall and innovative, it's actually very nostalgic of our younger days playing need for speed underground. Teaming up with Autoderm they drafted the design and Daniel went to work, applying his skill overnight and finishing with this spectacular vehicle.
This is Saber, it's a one of a kind piece of self expression.
Hugh's car started as a blank canvas. He's added a long list of modifications to the car, here's the list :
- Full Wrap
- Megan Exhaust
- DC air intake and piping
- Custom Body Kit
- Custom lights
- Tein Sport Racing lowering Springs.
The car is a work in progress as are all cars, I don't think you ever say you're finished building a vehicle. Small bits like changing the door handle colours still have to be ironed out but so far it's really amazing.
What I really love about this car is how it shows a clear distinction to the approach of car modification in the island. We shot this car in old Bridgetown, the traditional side of things, but this car is everything but traditional with the custom wrap, it's stance and cosmetic modifications. Times are changing here on the streets of our small island, and it's looking like a change in the right direction when it comes to car modification.
We want to say a huge thank you to Hugh, Big C and the Street Predators for letting us get up close and personal with these awesome rides.
-Maurice and Alex
