IF you’ve ever seen a car rolling inches above the ground, equipped with blinged-out wheels and a stereo system that could rattle your windows, you might have wondered what it takes to build something like that. Wentworth’s own Vernon Evan Chase Oliver explained what it means to be a part of the growing stance culture.

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What started as a niche part of car culture has evolved into a lifestyle that is gaining momentum in South Africa and the Durban South.

Stance is not just suspensions lowered, specialist wheels fitted or thumping sound systems. But for enthusiasts, it’s so much more than fine tuning cars, it’s about art, identity and community.

Oliver, a passionate stance enthusiast, said that he first developed the stance bug at an event near the Ogle Road pool.

 “My first official show was in March 2024. I have since hosted stance shows around Wentworth, The Bluff and Merebank. It’s even connected me with new business people and opened doors to shows in Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg,” he shared.

But turning a car into a rolling work of art is no easy or cheap feat. Oliver said building a car up entails ongoing expenses, with enthusiasts spending thousands on air suspension, special rims, body kit modifications and cabin upgrades.

“You’re going to have to be prepared for breakdowns and more potholes,” Oliver joked.

The culture sustains itself on competition, with shows judging everything from ride height and wheel fitment to pure design creativity. But for the majority, it’s never just about the prizes. Stance offers a sense of community and identity, where each car is a canvas for the owner’s personality.

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