the real rides story

What started as a one-man panel and paint shop in a small block garage has grown into one of New Zealand's leading specialist workshops, bringing ambitious muscle car builds and custom projects to life. 

Along the way, Real Rides has earned multiple industry awards, including the internationally recognised Mothers Shine Award.

Alongside decades of hands-on experience, we've expanded our capabilities to include CAD design, 3D scanning and 3D printing, allowing us to solve complex challenges and deliver even better outcomes for our customers.

Today, we help customers turn ideas into roadworthy, driveable street machines — whether that's a simple upgrade, a major rebuild or the muscle car you've always dreamed of. 

The workshop may have grown, but the philosophy hasn't changed: build it properly, pay attention to the details, and create cars that are meant to be driven and enjoyed.

our team

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Kayton

BOSS & PARTS GUY

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Al

DESIGNER/FABRICATOR

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Jake

CAD DESIGNER

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Rob

FABRICATOR/METAL POLISHER

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Kevin

MECHANIC

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

SHANAN

ASSEMBLY

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

SHANE

AUTO ELECTRICIAN

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

RIAAN

PANELBEATER

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

LARRY

PAINTSHOP MANAGER

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

Don

BODYWORK & PAINT PREP

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

KURT

PAINT

Real Rides team member working on a vehicle

KAYLAN

BODYWORK & PAINT