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This article was published 28/12/2018 (637 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

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A CFB Shilo soldier has set out to create a car the world has never seen.

Arthur Rockwell was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in New Brunswick.

A car enthusiast from an early age, Rockwell found that growing up in an urban area with access to taxis and transit, he never needed a car.

This changed when he was stationed in Shilo.

"I literally came from the bar scene in the city to the military, and then a few years later I got into cars," Rockwell said.

Upon moving on base, Rockwell, at the time in his early 30s, found he required a car for the first time in his life, and he wanted to drive with style.

Custom wheels on Arthur Rockwell's 2013 Hyundai Genesis. (Submitted)

"I’m just a soldier who likes the car scene," Rockwell said. "I’m pretty much essentially building my own dream car."

A city guy looking for a hobby, Rockwell began researching sports cars he could purchase in 2012.

Around that time, Rockwell’s father died, leaving him a sum that helped make a down payment on the car of his dreams.

"In my own way, it’s like a gift from my father," Rockwell said.

Diving deep into research, Rockwell narrowed his choice down to three cars: a Honda Accent, BMW 335I and the 2013 Hyundai Genesis.

The Genesis won out.

Rockwell liked the name and the aggressive look of the car, combined with the opportunity to order a version with a stick shift.

Arthur Rockwell shows off his 2013 Hyundai Genesis. (Submitted)

"You’re more in tune with your car when it’s driven standard," Rockwell said. "You’re more active."

His Hyundai Genesis arrived in Manitoba in December 2012.

"I can enjoy cruising, going to the lake, the beach, extracurriculars in the summer time," Rockwell said.

The low road to Shilo is one of Rockwell’s favourite roads to take.

Rockwell continues to work on making his Genesis one-of-a-kind.

This year alone, Rockwell has landed some sponsorships allowing for a body kit, bumper, side skirts, custom rims for the tires, a custom wrap, headlamps and more to be added.

"A lot of my decisions are based off of going to car shows, seeing what’s there, seeing what I like," Rockwell said. "I have very extreme taste."

Arthur Rockwell poses for a photo with his 2013 Hyundai Genesis. (Submitted)

The military has bred high standards and expectations into Rockwell, and as a "visual guy" he wanted a car that was unique.

Hard to miss, the Genesis dominates the road as a brilliant marble electric blue sports car racing through the streets. With its wide body kit and wide tires, the car has an aggressive stance.

With another $100,000, Rockwell said he could make a car the world has never seen.

Generating and creating his own luck and opportunities through a network of car loving friends, Rockwell is well on the road to achieving that goal.

He hopes to make changes to the interior sometime soon.

There is still work to be done, as it’s expensive to add these changes to the car.

Rockwell has no background in mechanics, but knowing what he likes and concerned about quality, Rockwell prefers to have parts installed professionally.

Arthur Rockwell's customized 2013 Hyundai Genesis. (Submitted)

"There’s too much invested in the car," Rockwell said.

He has found support in Brandon and Winnipeg from companies offering discounts and sponsorships.

This upcoming summer, Rockwell and his Hyundai Genesis will be visiting five car shows, travelling as far west as Vancouver, and hitting anything else in between.

He hopes that people approach him when they see the car and like it.

The best advice he has learned over the past six years is to embrace one’s passion.

"Go out and seek your dreams, do the work and ask around," Rockwell said. "Create your own adventure."

» ckemp@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @The_ChelseaKemp