Jonathan Golden - 2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430

Jonathan Golden

2005 Ferrari F430

Instagram: @lbwk430

Photographer: Merrick Harding / @merrick_media

Growing up in a car-loving family fueled my passion for everything automotive. My mom, a car enthusiast herself, took me to race tracks and even the occasional street race (pre-Fast and the Furious days!). My wife, also a car fanatic (we met in the car scene!), and I have enjoyed a wild ride with cars throughout our lives. 30 cars later, from Integras to a Nissan R35 GT-R, we've experienced the joy (and sometimes stress) of car ownership and modification.

The Inspiration: Liberty Walk's Ferrari Magic

One car captured our hearts – the Liberty Walk Ferrari F430. Wataru Kato's renderings and builds, particularly the 360 Modena and F430, left a lasting impression. While owning a Ferrari, let alone modifying one, wasn't initially in the cards, those cars became our inspiration. Fast forward to late 2016.  Scrolling through Instagram, I stumbled upon a post showcasing an F430 receiving a Liberty Walk kit in the US. We knew then, one day, we'd have one. In 2017, we started saving for a 360 Modena with the intention of adding a Liberty Walk kit.  Then, in August 2018, a business trip took an exciting detour to Wekfest LA. Rows of Liberty Walk masterpieces, including the very F430 from the Instagram post, later known as "The Red Car," ignited our passion.

The Hunt for "The Red Car" Begins

By December of that year, The Red Car was up for sale. The decision to buy it was a big one – it deviated from our original plan and was our first pre-modified car. However, it was The Red Car! The supercar buying process, especially for such a heavily modified car, was lengthy, but we eventually secured a deal sight unseen (except for the Wekfest encounter and Instagram photos).

In early January 2019, the car arrived. The initial awe quickly faded. While designed to be a showstopper, the car's functionality was severely compromised. Interior buttons malfunctioned, panels were loose or improperly installed, the exhaust leaked, and suspension components rattled. Buyer's remorse hit hard, but there was only one path forward.

Reaching out to the original builder yielded no solutions. Local shops lacked the expertise for such a complex project. Our search led us to Bobby at Sadistic Iron Werks in California. Two months into ownership, The Red Car was on a transport truck, headed for a complete overhaul – new air suspension, a custom titanium exhaust, a proper Liberty Walk kit installation, and addressing the plethora of other issues. Behind the beautiful paint, even more problems surfaced, extending the project timeline.

Months later, with a new air suspension system, fixed issues, and newfound drivability, The Red Car was ready for its next chapter. A bold Wasabi Green wrap replaced the original red, Bride seats replaced the ill-fitting Sparco ones, and custom Rotiform wheels with Toyo tires completed the transformation. The Red Car, now christened the Wasabi Warrior, made its SEMA debut with Accuair, finally experiencing extended drives under the bright lights of Las Vegas.

Post-SEMA, The Red Car returned to Sadistic Iron Werks for a custom chassis-mounted wing and overdue maintenance. Two years into ownership, the car had spent almost a year and a half undergoing modifications, repairs, and attending SEMA. Most people would have called it quits, but not us. The Wasabi Warrior's journey continued to San Antonio for a gated 6-speed manual conversion by European Auto Group. After all, a gated shifter is a must-have in a driver's car like the F430!

The Wasabi Warrior Rises: Rebuilding the Dream 

We wouldn't trade this experience. The challenges and triumphs have connected us with amazing people and resulted in a car that is not only stunning but truly one-of-a-kind. While buying a stock F430 and building it from scratch might have been easier and cheaper, the journey of transforming The Red Car into the Wasabi Warrior has been an unforgettable adventure. Here's a glimpse into what the future holds for this one-of-a-kind Liberty Walk Ferrari:

• Interior Redefined: The current black interior, though functional, lacks the bespoke feel we envision. A complete re-upholstery in black Alcantara is planned, adding a touch of luxury and sportiness that complements the car's aggressive exterior.

• Wheel Evolution: Rotiform has already begun crafting a new set of wheels for the Wasabi Warrior. This ongoing collaboration ensures the car stays fresh and reflects our evolving taste.

• Driving, Not Just Showing: The car may be a head-turner, but it's also a driver's car. We plan to take the Wasabi Warrior on road trips and track days, experiencing its capabilities to the fullest.

The story of the Wasabi Warrior is a testament to the transformative power of car culture. It's a story of passion, perseverance, and the joy of creating something truly special. This car is more than just a collection of parts; it's a rolling embodiment of our love for cars, a symbol of the incredible experiences it has brought us, and a reminder that the journey of car ownership can be just as rewarding as the destination.

2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 Exterior:

• Liberty Walk full F430 body kit
• Scuderia-style front bumper
• Scuderia-style rear bumper
• Scuderia rear grille
• Custom Chassis Mount wing
• Evasive Motorsports GTLM mirrors custom door mount

2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 Interior:

• Bride Vorga seats
• Bride Seat brackets
• Gated Six-Speed Manual Conversion

2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 Wheels/tires:

• Rotiform VDA
• F-20x9
• R-20x12
• Toyo T1R tires
• F- 245/30
• R- 315/25

2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 Suspension:

• Crafted Suspension Company air struts with custom valving
• Accuair Elevel+ management
• Accuair CVT
• Hardline Frunk design by Sadistic Iron Werks

2005 Liberty Walk Ferrari F430 Performance:

• Fabspeed headers
• Fabspeed carbon air boxes
• Fabspeed air filters
• Sadistic Iron Werks custom Titanium Test Pipes
• Sadistic Iron Werks custom Titanium rear exhaust section
• Tune

-Thanks To-

• My wife Lisa
• My mom Linda
• Bobby & David at Sadistic Iron Werks
• Jason and Brian at Rotiform
• Stan at Toyo Tires
• Ryan at Accuair
• Art, Dave, Matt, Phillip and all the people at European Auto Group/GatedSix
• Merrick Harding at Merrick Media
• Toshi and Kato at Liberty Walk
• Diego at Low-Class Militia
• Tito Perez
• Maverick Sherrill
• Alfredo De Luna
• Joette Etchegoincelhay

Read our Article On What Is Liberty Walk

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