Being a lifelong car lover, his passion naturally turned into an unusual hobby: customising miniature cars. Luis Guerreiro is based in São Bartolomeu de Messines in the Algarve, where he divides his free time between his craft and his family. He started young, experimenting with different models, but the first one he seriously customised was a 1932 Ford.

When asked where his creativity comes from, Luis explains, “It simply comes from enjoying what I do. I know these are unique pieces that someone will have in their collection, so in a way, I’ll always be remembered through them.”

More than just collector’s items

Each car is different, and the time needed for customisation varies. Some take just three days, while others can take more than two weeks. It also depends on the client’s specific requests. Luis works intuitively and enjoys every part of the process - from painting to wheels - though the final customisation is always the most important stage. Occasionally, he receives more challenging ideas, like installing a speaker inside a miniature so it can play music from a phone.

Author: Algarve Rato Custom;

He is largely self-taught and continues to learn and refine his skills. “For me, what makes a custom car excellent is everything. Each customiSer has their own technique and touch, and that’s what makes every piece unique.” Luis sees his miniatures not only as collector’s items but also as small works of art. In the future, he would love to work on larger pieces - helmets, and who knows, maybe even full-scale cars.

Distinguished works of art

Naturally proud of his work, some pieces stand out even more. A Nissan Fairlady was featured in the international Diecast Heroes Magazine, and another miniature - a Kombi van with a bottle of Jack Daniel’s inside - won first prize at the 1st PortugalDiecast event.

Clients can request special packaging or personalisation. “I’ve created many pieces with names or specific themes. Once someone places an order, we go through all the details together.”

You can find Luis’s work under the name Algarve Rato Custom on Instagram or TikTok, or contact him directly at 968 190 172. He also sells his creations at AlgarveDiecast, an event for collectors held twice a year - mainly in December and again in spring/summer. “I ship within Portugal and internationally. Prices are always estimated once I understand the client’s specific requests.”