DRIVERS is a series highlighting influential individuals in the HYPEBEAST sphere and their passion towards all things automotive. The approach is simple: what is car culture to you, and why do you have a passion for it? Each contributor is given a chance to shine light on their personal vehicle or vehicles, and asked to remark on how they are driving culture forward, both metaphorically and literally.
Often times, as drivers grow older you’ll see specific tastes mature beyond big rims, ridiculous camber angles, and “stancelife.” That may be the case, but that doesn’t mean you’re not into cars anymore or the lifestyle around it, and John Pangilinan is a great example.
John’s career for the last two decades spans the HYPEBEAST gamut – cars, fashion, art, lifestyle. If we’ve ever posted about it, chances are John has worked with the brand before. His agency JP+CO is like a hypebeast’s dream firm, with clients ranging from large corporations like Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo franchise and eBay, to fashion brands Stance, Period Correct, Pelican cases and more. John also works with a slew of automotive brands from Toyo Tires and KW Suspension, to giants like Hyundai, Lincoln and Ford.
But let’s move past what he calls work and focus also on his passions, as John is also an accomplished photographer, having shot for the automotive industry, sports leagues, lifestyle fashion brands and more. John also produces work with notable individuals within the HYPEBEAST sphere in cross-category ways – his most recent powerhouse collaboration was with contemporary artist Joshua Vides and Toyo Tires, decking out Vides’ own personal BMW M3 E30 in his signature outlined paper styling.
And let’s not forget, cars are still in the picture personally for John and with his network and knowledge of the auto industry, his creations are not only a thing of beauty, but award-winning even. Take his 2020 Ford Bronco for example – not only is it his own personal world-conquering truck for all occasions, its design and execution actually won him the Ford Design award in 2021 at last year’s SEMA. Its throwback color, subtle additions, and 100% functional modifications could very well make this one of the cleanest, most-properly-executed modified Ford Broncos on the road today. And with the functionality John needs the Bronco for – yes, it comes with child seats in the back – it’s the perfect example of a car that gives a matured driver some much needed fun.
Check out John Pangilinan’s slick 2020 Ford Bronco Outer Banks edition feature below and in case you missed our last DRIVERS entry, it was with Peaches co-founder Intaek Ryo and his six-speed gated manual 2003 Lamborghini Murciélago.
Make, model, year of your car?
2021 Ford Bronco Outer Banks.
When did you acquire it?
October 2021.
What made you choose this car specifically?
When Ford announced that they would be reviving the iconic Bronco, I was excited by the news. In many ways, it checks off all of the boxes in what I was looking for in a new vehicle with capability, aftermarket support, and style.
I pre-ordered the truck with the intent of modifying it and ultimately opted for the Outer Banks model with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine, LUX package, and a host of factory off-road parts. Originally, the order was with a hardtop, but due to delays in manufacturing, I made a few changes during the waiting period to get the vehicle sooner, which included swapping to a soft top. I’ll probably get an aftermarket hardtop at some point.
As I’ve gotten older and started a family, my priorities have shifted. Gone are the days of driving an extremely lowered car. The thought of slowing to a crawl for a speed bump or driveway makes me cringe.
What is the main purpose of this car for you?
This is my daily driver. I wanted a vehicle that would be comfortable enough for everyday commutes and capable of weekend excursions with the family. I have two younger kids and the truck is great for road trips, trail runs, and camping adventures with them.
The new Bronco also became a great opportunity to build a vehicle that could be showcased at various events and feature new products. I’m able to use the Bronco as a platform for some of my clients as well, including Toyo Tires.
What has been done with this car? Where has it gone?
Once I received the vehicle, I had about three weeks to modify it and have it featured at SEMA, the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the world. Thankfully, I work with some great brands and friends that helped support the project to help it get done in time.
The Bronco debuted in the Toyo Tires Treadpass area at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas where it actually received a Ford Design award. I’ve showcased the truck at a few community events including the HYPEBEAST Car Club x Purist Group “Cars & Charity” event, Leen Customs holiday toy drive, and the Toyo Tires x Ancillary Studios canned food drive. The first real trip was out to Joshua Tree with more trips planned in the near future.
Any details? Modifications? Changes?
I wanted to give a nod to the rich history of the Bronco and was inspired to build it with a throwback theme. This includes the Boxwood Green paint which is a classic Ford Bronco color and contrasting Alpine White on the roll bar and Badlands grill painted by Strasse Sport. The interior was reupholstered with Katzkin Tuscany leather to complete the look.
I kept the build simple in terms of accessorizing it for overlanding and off-road driving. The suspension was raised with an Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2 Coilover System for extra clearance for the white 17-inch fifteen52 Analog wheels that are wrapped in 35×12.5R17 Toyo Tires Open Country A/T III tires that not only look great but perform. Baja Designs LED lights were installed for more visibility and a Borla exhaust system to improve performance.
The cargo area was outfitted with a Goose Gear rear plate system, which beefs up the stock floor so it can take a little more abuse, especially when lugging around camera or camping gear. A Goose Gear Ice Box was added to allow for a Dometic CFX3 45 powered cooler to be installed securely with easy access. One of my favorite accessories is the Goose Gear tailgate table, which is useful for camp cooking and even working with a laptop while on the go. A Goal Zero Yeti 1500 portable power station and Boulder solar panel provide power anywhere for anything from my MacBook Pro, camera, and even my portable Traeger Ranger.
A few additional accessories include a Next Base 422 Dash Camera, a Pelican Cargo BX50 case that can safely store items from camping gear to tools, an OVERLVND x Toyo Tires OS strap, and a pair of Diono Radian 3QXT+ car seats for the kids. Finding the right car seats was tricky; the rear seats of the Bronco aren’t large and feature stadium seating where the passengers sit up higher to be able to see through the small front windshield, so the space was extremely limited. And despite my kids being small they still had no leg room with their previous car seats, as well as it being a chore to get them in and out. These seats are highly safety-rated and comfortable for the kids.
I’ve always combined my other passions and hobbies into my car projects, and with this project, I worked with Super 73 and my brother, who designed the livery, to create a matching S2 electric bike that attaches with a 1UP hitch-mounted bike rack. Which is super fun riding through town or even more off the grid. A color-matched Almond R-Series surfboard can be attached to the Thule roof rack with the top down. I’m looking forward to this summer and taking the truck out on a couple of surf trips. I also had a Kidtrax Bronco powered ride-on vehicle painted to match for my kids.
“I believe there is a shift in consumer habits [to electrical vehicles] that will continue to drive everything forward with the need for sustainability.”
What is a car to you: aspirational achievement, functional tool, stress-reliever, etc?
A vehicle has always served many different purposes during different stages of my life. When I was heavily into the car show scene in the early 2000s, it was all about the awards and recognition. Through the years, cars have become a career whether it’s working with aftermarket brands, motorsport projects, or building vehicles with manufacturers.
One thing that has always remained constant is that vehicles have become an extension of my personality and a creative outlet. The ability to customize and design a wide array of vehicles for different purposes has been an incredible experience. I have never and don’t think I will ever own a stock vehicle.
What was your dream car growing up?
Growing up I didn’t really have a dream car I was happy to just pile into my dad’s minivan with my brothers and friends to go to the beach or to a new skate spot. One that comes to mind is a classic Mini Cooper. I fell in love with them after watching the original Italian Job movie.
What have you owned before? What would you like to have?
I’ve owned several diverse vehicles over the past 20 years. The first show car I owned was a BMW E46 sedan in the early 2000s that really changed my perspective of what customizing a vehicle could be. As anyone that has modified their vehicle knows it’s extremely satisfying to see your ideas come to life. I’ve had the opportunity to build vehicles with manufacturers including Scion, Ford/Lincoln, and Hyundai along with having worked on special project vehicles with various brands.
Vehicles I’ve owned:
2000 BMW E46
2002 VW Eurovan
2004 Scion xB
2012 Hyundai Veloster
2013 Hyundai Santa Fe
2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
2014 Hyundai Sonata
2015 Hyundai Tucson
2020 Hyundai Santa Fe
2021 Ford Bronco
Vehicles I’ve worked on:
Pioneer Electronics Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
Undefeated Lincoln MKX
Ford Focus for SEMA
Alpinestars x Scosche Electronics Subaru WRX
Hurley x Scosche Electronics Toyota FJ Cruiser
2008 Scion tC for the Scion Tuner Challenge
2010 Scion tC for the Scion Tuner Challenge
Infiniti G35 for Motegi Racing
BN Sports Nissan 240
My wish list for vehicles changes constantly, but includes an Audi RS6 Avant, classic Mini Cooper, Ford Transit van (work in progress), Land Rover Defender D90, and the Rivian R1S.
What is the future of the automotive industry? Car culture?
There’s no denying that the future of mobility is changing with electrical vehicles (EV) becoming more prevalent, rideshare services, and other forms of transportation rising i.e. electric bikes. Companies are heavily investing in the technology and progression of automobiles along with the infrastructure to support EVs. I believe there is a shift in consumer habits that will continue to drive everything forward with the need for sustainability. I’m a fan and have already placed my order for the new Rivian R1S.
Car culture will always be that bond that connects a wide array of people and that will never change. The vehicles, the type of driving, and even the experiences may shift but the love for all things automotive will always be there as it’s something passed down through generations.
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