Aben Dean is mostly known for owning and building performance cars which goes around wearing MONSTA number plates.

Mr Dean sells local used cars and has previously built cars like MR2s, Holdens, Nissan patrols, Land cruisers, Jeeps etc. However, his interest is to build cars that catch attention on road.

His current ride is a Jeep SRT8 which is 6.1 liter V8 Hemi powered which we recently took to drag wars and Subi car show last weekend.

Mr Dean is about to open a car detailing shop next month in which he will do full advanced vehicle detailing and the shop will be named MONSTA AUTO CARE based behind Sardar shop in Raiwai.

He hopes to do same work to others vehicles like what he does on his rides.

Sun Wheels caught up with the men behind the wheels on the Monsta to hear his story.

SUN INTERVIEW

What’s special about your vehicle?

Its a Hemi 6.1L V8! produces about 450hp after upgrades.

Tell us about all the vehicle upgrades you have done with your vehicle?

It’s got Cat back Exhaust system, intake mods, lowered suspension, exhausts cut-outs and tuned.

How have each of the upgrades boosted performance of your vehicle?

I carefully research and then do work on my vehicles so I get maximum performance with the money spent.

Are the parts for upgrades available locally?

No, locally you can’t get Jeep performance parts. Therefore I source it out from USA.

How much would you have spent on upgrading the vehicle?

Alot!

How long have you been racing for?

Since 2002

How many races have your participated in so far (if you can remember)?

Many honestly! I have raced in Nasese back in the days, old Pacific Harbour track and also in the current one and even participated in Lautoka race.

Tell us about your win at the last drags?

I took the Jeep to the Drag wars where I won my class and managed to overcome few Japanese turbo vehicles like MR2, Celica GT4, Honda S2000, etc.

What’s the max speed you have done with your vehicle (on the track I hope)?

It was only 300m distance so I did about 150 kilometres per hour in only 300 meters which is not bad for such a heavy car!

Any awards you have won in the races?

Yes lots of trophies. I have won awards with my MR2 and Jeep. And it today no one has beaten my MR2 timing of 12.63 seconds and my fastest Diesel record of 15.59 seconds.

Why so much passion for your vehicle?

I grew up watching my dad and uncle working on cars and since I was a kid my dad used to take me to watch racing and from there it all started.

What is your first vehicle?

Toyota MR2

Dream vehicle

First it was MR2. Then it was Jeep SRT8 which I also owned. I will set my target on something else which I am not yet decided. However,  I am hooked to V8s and Jeeps now. Maybe I will try a Range Rover in future.

Who taught you to drive?

My dad, I was driving since I was class 6

Feedback: rachael.nath@fijisun.com.fj