By Valerie Milano
Photos THT
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The West Coast Customs Collection – Mecum Auctions
Burbank, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/16/25 – Mecum Auctions and West Coast Customs have united for a powerful cause, bringing the worlds of collector cars and custom craftsmanship together to benefit the next generation of automotive professionals. Earlier today, The Hollywood Times was on scene as the two iconic brands announced a philanthropic partnership aimed at supporting students of the West Coast Customs Academy.
In an exciting development set to rev up the charity auction scene, a selection of customized vehicles from Ryan Friedlinghaus’s personal collection will hit the block during Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic this May at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Friedlinghaus, the visionary founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, is donating five unique vehicles to the event, with 100% of the proceeds dedicated to funding education at the West Coast Customs Academy—a nonprofit institution based in Los Angeles.
Founded by Ryan Friedlinghaus, the visionary behind the globally renowned West Coast Customs brand, WCCA offers students a rare opportunity to learn the art of custom car building directly from some of the industry’s best.
What sets the Academy apart is its nonprofit status and community-driven focus. WCCA is committed to offering opportunities to individuals who may not otherwise have access to specialized training or career pathways in the automotive world. By removing financial and educational barriers, the Academy fosters a diverse learning environment where talent and passion are the main prerequisites.
Since its inception, WCCA has already graduated several classes of skilled students, many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in custom automotive work, design, and engineering. The program culminates in a Capstone project: a fully customized vehicle built by the students themselves, showcasing the skills they’ve acquired and the creativity they’ve developed.
By investing in education, mentorship, and hands-on experience, West Coast Customs Academy is helping build the future of the custom car industry—one student at a time.
Designed to equip aspiring automotive artists with real-world skills, its curriculum is built around hands-on training in various custom disciplines, under the guidance of West Coast’s own Master Craftsmen.
Speaking about the initiative, Friedlinghaus shared his enthusiasm with THT: “I am honored to be collaborating with the amazing team at Mecum Auctions. This partnership will provide valuable funding that will make a difference in the lives of many students looking to learn the trade of custom auto work who would otherwise not have the opportunity to do so.”
The cars heading to auction aren’t just any vehicles—they’re bold expressions of creativity and engineering. The standout lineup includes:
- 2012 Volkswagen Passat – Featuring red accent lighting in the headlights, grille, and an underglow setup, this car is built to shine.
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1997 Toyota 4Runner – Built by the West Coast Customs Academy Class of 2024, this SUV features a custom air suspension system, 18-inch billet wheels, and a flame-and-pinstripe paint scheme.
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Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic 1997 Toyota 4Runner Custom -
2022 Toyota Camry 23XI Street Legal Race Car – A true one-of-one, equipped with a unique aero package inspired by high-performance racing.
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2006 Dodge Charger “General Lee” Tribute – Complete with a custom chassis and the legendary “Dukes of Hazzard” livery, this car is muscle and nostalgia wrapped into one.
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Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic 2018 Polaris Slingshot Custom 2018 Star Trek-Inspired Slingshot – Modeled after the U.S.S. Discovery, this futuristic ride includes a 3D-printed hood, side wings, and 20-inch Lexani airbrushed wheels.
Since 1988, Mecum Auctions has built a reputation as a leader in collector car and memorabilia sales. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and impressive vehicle offerings, the company is proud to add West Coast Customs Academy to its growing list of charitable partners.
For automotive enthusiasts, collectors, and supporters of hands-on education, the upcoming auction presents an unmissable opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind vehicle while giving back to a meaningful cause.
For more details on Dana Mecum’s 38th Original Spring Classic and to view vehicle listings, visit Mecum.com or contact (262) 275-5050. The site is regularly updated with photos, descriptions, and the full auction schedule.
The Academy, operating out of West Coast Customs’ cutting-edge 60,000 square-foot Burbank headquarters, offers a one-of-a-kind educational experience for aspiring automotive pros. During our visit today, we not only toured the impressive facility but also had the pleasure of enjoying lunch prepared by some of the talented staff of West Coast Customs. And let’s just say—the smashburgers were a smashing success.
Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly seared, these burgers stole the show almost as much as the custom cars. The West Coast Customs crew clearly puts the same level of craftsmanship into their cooking as they do into their vehicles. There’s even more exciting news for foodies: these smashburgers will soon be available to the public at Burbank Airport, giving travelers a tasty new reason to arrive early.
Whether you’re there for the custom car magic or the mouthwatering burgers, West Coast Customs continues to prove it’s all about creativity, passion, and quality—on every level.
