Daily driver — two words with a currency all their own. How you convey them depends on what they mean to you.

For some, the term implies something other than a show car. In these circles, it might be known as a “beater.” This car spends its life running errands, grabbing groceries or picking up the kids. It would never be confused with the owner’s pristine show vehicle.

For others, a daily driver is also that person’s show car. While the owner might not have the funds to sponsor a “toy” vehicle, the same might argue a car is meant to be driven. But given the very real fact that their vehicles are subject to normal wear and tear on the roadways, those who own dual-capacity vehicles often can’t compete with the trailer-driven toys whose only road time is from the gate rails to the show floors.

Enter Mike Kile.

This story continues below
Advertisement

Kile himself is unassuming, mild-mannered, and shy; his car is worlds apart. The blustery, bright orange Subaru Impreza with custom artwork by DPO Airbrushing is not only a show-stopping beast, but truly is a daily driver and can be observed traveling the Route 40 corridor, spiriting its owner to and from work.

Kile owns and operates Magic Customs in Middle River, a full-service customization shop which is truly a one-man show. Much of his business comes by word of mouth or from his own efforts, which take him to numerous local car shows to publicize his vehicle and advertise his services. Kile’s car speaks volumes about the quality work he does.

Yet running a business has its share of challenges. Kile hoped to garner work through insurance companies, but says he is often shut out due to his operation’s small size. Of course, the tradeoff for the consumer is that those who go to him get the type of attention to detail they might not find elsewhere.

What are your wheels?

A 1997 Subaru Impreza.

Why do you drive it?

Because I love it.

What makes this car special?

All the fabrications done to it, I guess you could say. A lot of molding. All the modifications done … there’s not another car around like it. DPO Airbrushing came up with the idea of doing all the skulls and the Ghost Rider. There’s a lot of other cars out there. The best I can do is make it look like no other Subaru out there.

What’s your most memorable experience driving this car?

Everyday … everyday. Best thing is getting in and driving it. It’s like nothing else.

What was your first vehicle?

A 1988 Honda CRX.

What’s currently in your CD player?

I like Linkin Park.

And your first ticket? What was it for?

Speeding.

Check out my stats

» Car: 1997 Subaru Impreza

» Engine: 2.2 L 4 cylinder 16-valve SOHC boxer engine

» Horsepower: 137

» Wheels: 18” Katana wheels

» Interior/Exterior: molded body kit, custom orange paint, custom airbrushing, shaved door handles and trunk, fiberglass accents, custom seat coloring, Kicker amplifier, Orion speakers, Directed LCD monitors on dash, Pixelon headrest LCD monitors