Behind the nondescript facade of an obscure Oxnard, Calif.,
shop, Howard Becker transforms mundane SUVs and vans into ultraluxe
transport for the likes of Edgar Bronfman Jr., Tiger Woods and
King Abdullah of Jordan. His clients want the accoutrements
of a Rolls-Royce or a Maybach, but would rather do without the
attention those cars tend to attract-at least some of the time.
Almost nothing blends into the crowd more easily than a Ford
Excursion or E-350 Super Duty van-Becker's usual platforms-but
there is not anything ordinary about his interiors. The typical
layout of an SUV conversion calls for the removal of the second-
and third-row seats, replaced by two large chairs and up to
three-rear-facing jump seats, all upholstered in high-grade
leather. Beautifully finished wood trim accents the cabin.
A large flat-screen monitor doubles as a divider that can
be raised and lowered, and can be linked to entertainment
and computer systems. Satellite links, a wireless keyboard,
telephones and a collapsible desk allow us full connectivity
during our journey. For relaxation, the seats fully recline
and CDs and DVDs provide entertainment. (With the emergence
of Wi-Fi networking, in-car entertainment options are expanding.
We will soon be able to enjoy media downloads from our home
computers.) Thanks to proprietary suspension modifications,
the quality of the SUV's ride is much better than we night
expect, and it is unlikely we will be jolted awake from a
nap. Vans - generally Fords or Mercedes-Benz Sprinters - offer
an even greater measure of room and versatility - individual
chairs or sofas, for instance. And as they are lass fashionable
than SUVs, vans can also achieve an even lower profile.
Different levels of stealthiness can be achieved. Leave the
exterior of an Excursion or a GMC Denali completely stock
and no one will be the wiser. Specify an all-black exterior
with custom wheels and satellite equipment mounted on the
roof and other motorists will take notice. Most Becker cars
fall somewhere in the middle.
The importance of stealth often hinges on our security concerns.
Becker's priority is creating environments that feel as normal
as possible. Touches such as full operational windows all-around
mean that adults feel less claustrophobic and children might
not even realize they are riding in an armored car. We thought
the armored Excursion felt weightier that the standard car,
and was not nearly as confining as some armored sedans currently
on the market.
A Becker SUV or van with every luxury and armoring option can
top $365,000, about the price of an unmodified Rolls-Royce Phantom
or Maybach. Unarmored examples typically sell just north of
$200,000. (Becker Automotive Design, 805.487.5227, www.beckerautodesign.com)
