Loyalty: Gabe Gonzalez's 2014 Scion tC

Vehicle Features
Photography by Shane Hunter

Gonzalez is no stranger to building. Having first helped his father with race cars at the age of five, the process has quickly become a passion. When he first brought the 2014 Scion tC home, purchased after totaling his 2011 model, he wasn’t too sure if he had made the right pick. He was sure of one thing, however, and that was his vision: to build the hottest daily driven show car on the lot.

There are two brands that Gonzalez calls to attention – APR Performance and Racing Solutions. One of his first modifications on the tC was an APR front lip kit, a brand that quickly became a loyalty when Gonzalez went back for a second part, saying the company “has been the most amazing to work with on getting a splitter kit made for my 2014 tC.” Then there’s Racing Solutions, which Gonzalez says is the most supportive of the entire tC community. They’re responsible for the duck bill spoiler and the new RS lip for the ’14 and ’15 models.

Gabe Gonzalez Scion tC TBGLIVE PASMAG 2

Being part of the tC community comes with its own challenges. Trends continue to change and it becomes an ongoing battle of being the first to show off new parts. Having a low, stanced, uniquely set-up daily driver is Gonzalez’s goal, which he says has managed to keep up with the community. This is supported by his communication with various companies and their interest in building body kits and other parts that aren’t readily available.

Gonzalez draws much of his inspiration from the Scion’s 2013 Tuner Challenge. He says the potential for a build illustrated by those champions helps motivate his efforts of making ongoing improvements. Moving forward, Gonzalez has plans to duplicate the stylings of R35 GT-Rs and Kei Miura’s Rocket Bunny.

Gabe Gonzalez Scion tC TBGLIVE PASMAG 9


Prev 1/3 More »

Related Articles

Powered by a Subaru EJ25 Engine Swap: Austin Barnett’s 1976 Porsche 911 Powered by a Subaru EJ25 Engine Swap: Austin Barnett’s 1976 Porsche 911
One of my Top 10 favorites of SEMA 2022 is Austin Barnett’s 1976 Porsche 911 in the Toyo Tires Treadpass. Sporting a rare TBK front bumper, a la Mid-...
Craziest Skyline at SEMA in Years: Devin Mariannino Driver Motorsports' 1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Craziest Skyline at SEMA in Years: Devin Mariannino Driver Motorsports' 1991 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R
This Vibrant Performance booth car was an easy pick for Editor Adam Gordon’s Top 10 Cars of SEMA 2022. The R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R built by Devin...
OMG Miata: Dione Mascunana's 1994 Mazda Miata OMG Miata: Dione Mascunana's 1994 Mazda Miata
One of the internet’s most popular - and polarizing - Miata builds. If you’ve been a reader of PASMAG for a few years, there’s a good chance you’re...
A Phoenix Risen: Luke Skalisius' 2004 Subaru WRX STi A Phoenix Risen: Luke Skalisius' 2004 Subaru WRX STi
How Luke Skalisius turned tragedy into gold, winning him the title of 9th Annual Tuner Battleground Champion. Subaru’s GD chassis holds a special...
Proper Execution: Max Caroca’s 2007 BMW 335i Proper Execution: Max Caroca’s 2007 BMW 335i
These days you need a cohesive theme throughout your entire vehicle if you want to stand out on the show floor. The build must have a clearly executed...
A Cinderella Story: Raymond Tsang's 1993 Mazda RX-7 A Cinderella Story: Raymond Tsang's 1993 Mazda RX-7
Due to network black-out, Raymond Tsang was denied access to his 1993 Mazda RX-7 because the storage facility was a wireless garage. Instead of two...