When you’re Shaquille O’Neal, towering at 7 feet 1 inch, fitting comfortably into a standard vehicle is simply not in the cards. The NBA legend and Hall of Famer, who significantly surpasses the average American male height by 16 inches, recently addressed this challenge in a characteristically grand way. O’Neal commissioned a bespoke, one-of-a-kind Lucid Air sedan, transforming the luxury electric vehicle into a unique two-door coupe tailored to his colossal frame. This isn’t just about celebrity car customization; it’s a necessity born from exceptional stature, resulting in a truly unique automotive creation.
The Inside the NBA analyst took to Instagram to share glimpses of his personalized ride, revealing the masterful work of Burbank, California-based West Coast Customs. This renowned customization shop, previously tasked by Mark Zuckerberg to modify a Porsche Cayenne SUV, has once again demonstrated their expertise in automotive transformations. For O’Neal’s Lucid Air, West Coast Customs undertook a more refined approach, subtly yet significantly altering the vehicle’s architecture to accommodate the basketball icon.
While the Lucid Air is exclusively available as a four-door sedan from the factory, West Coast Customs expertly reimagined it into a seamless two-door design. The modification involved relocating the B-pillar further back and replacing the front doors with substantially larger ones. The rear doors were completely eliminated, resulting in a sleek coupe silhouette. These are far from minor tweaks, yet the modifications enhance, rather than detract from, the original Lucid Air’s inherent elegance and aerodynamic profile. The result is a vehicle that appears as though it could have been a factory option directly from Lucid Motors, showcasing the seamless integration of the custom work.
Details regarding the interior modifications remain undisclosed, as neither O’Neal nor West Coast Customs have released images of the customized cabin. However, it’s a reasonable assumption that the front seating area has been significantly expanded to offer Shaq optimal comfort and legroom. If the rear seats are still present, they are likely considerably more compact than the standard sedan configuration.
Beyond the structural changes, O’Neal’s personal touches are evident in other aspects of the vehicle. The standard Lucid badge has been replaced with a “Diesel” emblem, a long-standing nickname synonymous with Shaq throughout his illustrious career. Adding another layer of personalization, the rims are adorned with Superman logos, further reflecting O’Neal’s larger-than-life persona.
The specific Lucid Air model chosen by Shaq remains unconfirmed. Considering his well-documented penchant for both custom and high-performance vehicles, it’s plausible he opted for the top-tier Sapphire variant. This flagship model boasts a formidable quad-motor powertrain generating 1,284 horsepower and an impressive 427-mile driving range. The Lucid Air Sapphire is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 1.89 seconds and reaches a top speed of 205 mph. With a starting price of $249,000, and factoring in the extensive custom work by West Coast Customs, O’Neal’s unique Lucid Air likely commands a significantly higher value, reflecting its bespoke nature and celebrity ownership.
