1994 Honda Civic

“El Borrego”

Owned by: Jose Cazares

Photos by: Chromey

When you first see Jose Cazares’ 1994 Honda Civic, you know it isn’t your average import build. This one has a soul. Nicknamed “El Borrego” in memory of Jose’s late brother, the Civic blends style, engineering, and a deep sense of personal meaning. For Jose, this build wasn’t just about creating a show-stopping ride—it was about fulfilling a childhood dream and honoring family.

Like many in the custom scene, Jose started small. “As a kid, I was building model cars, then lowrider bikes, and eventually full-size cars,” he explained. The Civic was always the dream platform, and when the opportunity came, he jumped on it.

Purchased for just $2,500, Jose poured nearly $35,000 and two years of work into transforming the 1994 Honda Civic into the pearl white masterpiece you see today.

The Club Connection

Jose proudly reps Severed Ties, one of the most respected clubs in the custom automotive world. The build reflects that reputation—clean, detailed, and different from the rest.

Engine & Performance

Under the hood sits a D16 VTEC engine, true to the Civic’s heritage. While Jose kept the internals simple with bolt-ons, the car breathes easier thanks to an intake and exhaust setup. Built with help from Addictive Fabrication, the engine bay is destined for even more custom work in the future—Jose plans to fully tear it down, add tube work, and redesign it for maximum show appeal.

Addictive Fabrication also handled the frame mods, including cut front towers and rear custom cantilever arms. John at Trademark Designs stepped in to modify the spindles, while a custom four-link and Slam valve system keep the ride height dialed in. Air is managed by dual Viair 485c compressors, giving the Civic an adjustable stance that tucks cleanly over its wheels.

The car sits on 18×9 Lexani Crystal wheels wrapped in 215/35/18 rubber. Combined with the suspension work and polished details, the wheels make a statement without taking away from the smooth lines of the shaved body.

Body & Exterior

Speaking of smooth—the Civic’s body is fully shaved, giving it a clean, flowing look. A pearl white paint job enhances the simplicity, while a billet grille adds just enough flash. Every inch of bodywork was carefully crafted by Addictive Fabrication, resulting in a timeless show car finish.

Interior Details

Inside, the theme continues with full black tweed and white suede upholstery, complemented by white carpet for contrast. The dashboard features tweed and color-matched trim, billet gauge inserts, and a billet steering wheel.

Audio comes courtesy of Audiotistics, with a Pioneer head unit powering a full Rockford Fosgate system, making sure El Borrego sounds as good as it looks.

Special touches like shaved vents and shaved seat belts keep the theme clean and custom, while Fox Upholstery in Victorville, CA tied everything together with expert craftsmanship.

Personal Touches & Thanks

Jose dedicated this build to his late brother, giving it not only a name but a spirit that connects his passion for cars with his family history. He’s quick to credit those who helped bring his vision to life:

• His wife and kids for endless support

• Dan at Addictive Fabrication for countless hours on fabrication and bodywork

Future Plans

Jose isn’t done yet. Next up, he plans a full custom engine bay with tube work, a rag top conversion, and a completely redone trunk setup. Like all true builders, he sees El Borrego as a constant work in progress.

Final Thoughts

The 1994 Honda Civic “El Borrego” is more than just another clean build—it’s a personal tribute, a dream realized, and a showcase of creativity. With its pearl white finish, shaved body, slammed stance, and club-level attention to detail, Jose Cazares created a Civic that stands tall among today’s custom import builds.

It’s proof that passion, patience, and inspiration can turn a childhood dream into an unforgettable reality.