Driving around in a tricked-out Scion might be old news for some.

In reality, the Scion marquee was founded as late as 2003.

Its initial offering included the xB — a boxy “mini” multipurpose vehicle that, love it or hate it, became an immediate hit with the tuner crowd and can be seen at virtually any car show around the country featuring late-model vehicles.

Why did such an unlikely vehicle take off in this market?

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Along with an attractive sticker price, the xB comes with plenty of aftermarket support.

And that equals sales.

Although Scion might not have created a rakish body line with sophisticated styling, what it did create was a buzz using clever advertising campaigns aimed at a target crowd that is notoriously selective.

For reasons like these, the xB made all the sense in the world to Mike Baker.

The 24-year-old merchandising manager from Baltimore is also the president of Vivid Images, one of the largest car clubs in Central Maryland, and one of only a handful that appeal to late-model car enthusiasts.

Baker said he always wanted to be different, and the Scion xB gave him the means of expression to do just that.

Little did he know that the xB would become what it is today and that running against the grain would become so popular.

Now Baker says he rarely finds himself without company when he enters car shows, sometimes competing against as many as 10 other Scions in his class. The population increase has allowed him to hone his skills as a customizer, as he continues to “do things differently.”

What are your wheels?

A 2005 Scion xB.

Why do you drive it?

I drive it because I thought it would be different … so did everyone else who bought an xB.

What makes your Scion special?

Everything was done myself, from the headrest TVs, custom-fiberglass enclosure with Plexiglas and mirror to the JDM window visors. I try to keep my car “clean” for the most part with subtle modifications and nothing too extravagant.

What was your first set of wheels?

A 1987 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. I shared my first car with my mom. It had a custom faded burgundy paint job with a leather half-top and the slowest big motor ever produced. It came equipped with a fancy CD-to-tape deck conversion Walkman and 4-inch, 10-inch rear speakers and half-blown front speakers. I drove it like I was the coolest kid in the neighborhood.

What’s your most memorable driving experience — that you want printed?

The first road trip with the car club to the Ocean City show, rolling deep with over 20 cars! Needless to say, we took home quite a few awards that year.

What’s in your CD player?

Justin Timberlake.

And your first ticket? What was it for?

I was speeding — 80 in a 55 on Route 50 on my first trip to Ocean City in my new 1989 Z24 Cavalier.

Check Out My Stats

» Engine: 4-cylinder 1.5 L inline

» Horsepower: 108 @ 6,000 rpm

» Wheels: 18” gunmetal SportMax 962

» Engine mods: Injen Cold Air Intake, Strup Axle Back Exhaust V.2

» Exterior: Body kit, Carbon Creation carbon fiber hood, JDM “Bb” badges, carbon fiber grille w/ halo fog lights

» Audio: Clarion VRX935VD 7” in-dash monitor, Clarion 6-disc CD changer, Kicker 15” L7 SoloBaric Subwoofer, Autotek SX1700 Class D mono amplifier, two 7” Alpine headrest monitors.

Want us to check

out your ride?

Do you know someone who drives a unique vehicle? Call or e-mail us, and we’ll check it out:

443-573-5162, demanuel@baltimoreexaminer.com