Kahli Bell's journey from a self-taught mechanic to a renowned drift champion and business owner is an inspiring tale of passion, perseverance, and breaking barriers. Her story highlights the power of following your dreams, even when faced with skepticism and societal expectations.
Bell's interest in cars began at 17 when she started teaching herself how to work on her R32 Skyline. This sparked a passion that led her to pursue a paint and panel apprenticeship, which she later abandoned to start her own business, Custom Importz. The business initially focused on selling car parts and wheels online, but Bell's mechanical skills and ambition soon led her to expand into automotive services.
Her most prized possession is KUSHI, a 1989 R32 GTS-T Skyline that she bought with front-end damage and fixed herself. Bell's goal was to create a unique RWD RB26 with all-GT-R running gear, a feat that was initially dismissed by the online community. However, Bell's determination and creativity prevailed, and she became one of the first to achieve this, inspiring others to follow her lead.
Bell's drifting career took off when she was invited to participate in the Yeah The Girls drift demos at World Time Attack in 2025. She quickly built a new drift car, a 1994 Nissan Silvia S14 with an RB25 Skyline engine and Turbosmart 5862 turbo, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
Beyond her drifting achievements, Bell is dedicated to promoting drifting for women through the Glitter Gang Drift Club. She has been taking her eldest daughter drifting since she was 12, fostering her confidence and teaching her manual driving skills. Bell's influence extends to the commercial world as well, as she has been involved in precision and stunt driving for major brands like Toyota, Honda, Mobil, and Lexus.
Bell's story is a testament to the power of following your dreams, even when faced with adversity. Her success in a male-dominated industry and her ability to inspire others through her unique creations and achievements make her a true trailblazer. As she continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, Bell's impact on the automotive world is sure to be felt for years to come.
