workshop
What started as a one-man panel and paint shop in a small block garage has grown into one of New Zealand's leading muscle car restoration and custom build workshops. Along the way, Real Rides has earned multiple industry awards, including the internationally recognised Mothers Shine Award.
After 20 years in business, we've built our reputation on honest advice, quality craftsmanship and a commitment to continually evolving with the industry. 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.
THE BUILD JOURNEY - FROM VISION TO FIRST DRIVE
VISION
We help shape your vision.
PLAN
A clear roadmap, budget and build strategy is formed.
BUILD
Every stage completed is documented and shared with you along the way.
COMPLIANCE
Engineered and certified to meet all required standards.
AFTER CARE
Ongoing support, advice and fine-tuning to keep your vehicle performing at its best.
CAD & DESIGN
Some projects require more than great craftsmanship—they require careful planning. Using CAD design, 3D scanning and 3D printing, we can visualise ideas, reverse engineer components and solve complex fabrication challenges before work begins.
PARTS
Finding the right project vehicle can be just as challenging as building it. We help customers source suitable vehicles while drawing on decades of experience sourcing quality components for our own in-house builds.
MECHANICAL & PERFORMANCE
Whether you're chasing more performance, improved drivability or modern reliability, we build mechanical packages around how you want to use your vehicle—not just the biggest horsepower number.
FABRICATION
Sometimes the part you need no longer exists. Sometimes it never existed at all. Our fabrication team handcrafts steel panels, custom components and one-off solutions that allow ambitious projects to become reality while maintaining the integrity of the build.
PAINT & PANEL
Exceptional paint starts long before colour is applied. Careful panel preparation, attention to detail and premium PPG products help produce finishes that stand the test of time.
COMPLIANCE
Ambitious builds often raise big questions. Can it be certified? Will it meet the required standards? By considering certification from the beginning, we help avoid costly surprises and keep projects moving forward with confidence.
