The Mavericks of Custom Car Interiors: Carlex Design's Revolutionary Approach
The art of car tuning has reached unprecedented heights. Nearly every car on the road today features some level of customization, whether through new wheels, added tinting, or aftermarket components. But within this expansive industry, some names stand taller than others. Brabus, Novitec, TechArt, RUF, Liberty Walk, Hennessy, and Mansory are among the few that have made a permanent mark. Add to this prestigious list Carlex Design, a name increasingly gaining traction with each project they unveil.
The Magnificent Carlex G-Falcon
Our recent trip to Poland brought us face-to-face with Carlex Design's latest masterpiece: the Carlex G-Falcon, a bespoke Mercedes-AMG G 63. This project is a game-changer for several reasons. Not only is it Carlex Design's first self-initiated project (rather than a commissioned job), but it also represents four years of intricate craftsmanship. An artist spent years engraving the roof attachment using a tool akin to a dentist's drill to create a mesmerizing falcon pattern. The design, chosen from several proposals, is a testament to the team's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering dedication.
The Heart of Carlex's Craftsmanship
Walking through Carlex's facility is akin to entering a high-end art gallery. Their workshop for precious metals could easily be mistaken for an upscale jewelry store. This is where their jeweler works on components that inspire future products, providing a glimpse into the luxurious touches that may grace their upcoming automotive projects. The design studio, equally impressive, showcases a variety of exquisite materials. Carlex Design sources its unique hides from an undisclosed Italian company, retaining all the crafting processes in-house to maintain impeccable quality.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Great Heights
Carlex Design began with one employee and one car, growing into a multi-million dollar business over the past 16 years. The experience garnered over these years enables them to produce interiors that rival, and sometimes surpass, OEM quality. The company's expertise isn't limited to cars alone; their skills extend to airplanes, boats, and even motorcycles.
Exploring the Workshop
The first impression you get when entering the Carlex Design headquarters is one of luxury and dedication. The iconic Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG greets visitors as they walk through large glass doors. Inside, the cozy reception area is adorned with paint finish samples and exotic hides that invite tactile exploration. Further back, the workshop hums with activity as skilled craftsmen bring designs to life, transforming ideas into stunning automotive realities. Unique touches, such as planned integrations of meteorite fragments into future builds, exemplify the company's innovative spirit.
Meet the Man Behind the Magic
Damian Skotnicki, the founder and CEO of Carlex Design, spoke candidly about his passion for the business. When asked about the origin of the company's name, he explained that 'CAR' and 'LEX' evoke a sense of strength and sophistication, akin to brand names like Rolex or Lexus. Skotnicki himself drives a customized E24 BMW 6 Series, a vehicle so intricately enhanced that it captured my attention more than some of the projects under development.
Beyond Interiors: The Future of Carlex Design
Carlex Design's future involves creating custom interiors that are so exquisite, manufacturers like Mercedes might feel envious. Their offerings include various exotic hides available in multiple hues, fine paint finishes, and custom wheels. However, they have no plans to venture into body kits, suspension components, or performance upgrades. Instead, their long-term vision is to become the premier interior tuner. Their medium-term goal includes launching more one-off projects, like the G-Falcon, as well as luxury limited edition cars showcased in major city showrooms worldwide.
A Vision for One-Off Luxury Projects
In their ambitious future plans, Carlex Design hopes to introduce more unique projects akin to the G-Falcon. The Himalaya Collection, an idea comprising seven of the finest luxury SUVs, encapsulates this vision. Damian Skotnicki's affinity for the number seven stems from its universal significance—seven days in a week, seven continents, and so forth.
Can one man and his team revolutionize the tuning game? Perhaps not entirely, but Carlex Design is undoubtedly paving a unique path in the automotive world with their unmatched craftsmanship and visionary projects.
Keep your eyes on Carlex Design—they're just getting started.