Customiser: Arie Topan

Country: Indonesia

In the vibrant world of diecast In the vibrant world of diecast customisation, Arie Topan stands out for his imaginative and heartfelt creations. Hailing from Bali, Indonesia, Arie has a reputation for infusing personality into his models, often incorporating handcrafted figurines that bring his visions to life. His recent project pays tribute to four legendary Hot Wheels designers, each represented through meticulously customised vehicles and accompanying sculptures.

A Tribute in Miniature

Brendon Vetuskey, known for his affinity for Gassers and Muscle cars, is honoured through a customised '55 Chevy Gasser from Hot Wheels. Arie captures Brendon's dynamic design ethos, reflecting the raw power and nostalgia associated with classic drag racing. The accompanying figurine, sculpted from synthetic clay, portrays Brandon with characteristic flair, embodying his passion for high-performance vehicles.

In the world of custom diecasts, few artists bring characters to life quite like Arie Topan. Based in Bali, Indonesia, Arie combines diecasts with handcrafted figurines to create playful, personality-packed tributes, in this case, to some of Hot Wheels’ most legendary designers, in other cases... well, you will have to check in on his social media channels.

Jun Imai - The JDM Aficionado

Jun Imai's influence on the Hot Wheels JDM lineup is celebrated with a customised Datsun 510. Known for introducing some of the most beloved Japanese castings to the brand, Jun has had a profound impact on collectors worldwide. Arie's rendition pays homage to Jun's precision and appreciation for Japanese automotive culture, capturing the clean lines and performance-driven style that define his work.

Larry Wood - Mr. Hot Wheels

Larry Wood, affectionately known as "Mr. Hot Wheels," is represented through a customised Bone Shaker—one of his most iconic designs. With a career spanning over four decades, Larry's creativity helped shape the very soul of Hot Wheels, infusing the brand with a sense of fun, fantasy, and fearless imagination. Arie’s interpretation taps into that playful energy, using the Bone Shaker as a canvas to celebrate Larry’s own approach to design.

Phil Riehlman's contribution to Hot Wheels is immortalised through a customised Drag Bus. Arie's version showcases the sleek lines and vibrant colours synonymous with Phil's designs.

The accompanying figurine, detailed with precision, embodies Phil's innovative approach to diecast vehicles.

Phil Riehlman: The Drag Bus Maestro

His process involves manual sculpting (yes, by hand) using synthetic clay, allowing for intricate details in each figurine. He uses airbrushing techniques for base colouring, followed by fine detailing with manual brushes to achieve lifelike, but still cartoonish representations. This meticulous approach ensures each piece resonates with authenticity and artistic integrity.

Brendon Vetuskey: The Gasser Enthusiast (above)

The car itself features subtle detailing and a balanced stance, reminiscent of Imai’s own design ethos. The accompanying figurine, crafted with care and character, reflects Imai’s dedication to authenticity and design excellence—right down to the pose and facial expression. It’s a tribute that not only honours his contributions but celebrates the passion he continues to inspire within the customising community.

Craftsmanship and Technique

Recognition and Impact

Arie's tribute drew attention at the Indonesia Custom Convention VII in February 2025, highlighting his ability to blend artistry with homage, not only to these very worthy designers but all sorts of public and movie/TV figures. His work not only celebrates the individuals who shaped Hot Wheels here but also inspires fellow customisers to explore more narrative-driven creations, not too dis-similar to Ed Roth. Through his innovative approach, Arie continues to elevate the art of diecast customisation.

With a playful yet respectful approach, Arie captures not only the likeness of these icons but also the essence of their design legacies. The result is a series of models that feel as celebratory as they are artistic, merging car culture with character-driven storytelling.

The vehicle is bold and full of attitude, perfectly echoing the original’s signature style with exaggerated features and a gritty/gnarly finish. It’s an amazing tribute, not just to us, the individual, but to a legacy that continues to spark creativity in customisers around the world.