Today, we’re talking about a pair of madmen who’ve decided that simply owning fast cars is so yesterday. Their signature move is to make the cars matte black, making them look like they’ve been carved out of the night sky itself. Meet The Satin Crew, a father-son duo who've turned their obsession with matte black cars into a bloody empire. They don't just buy cars, oh no. They collect them, modify them, and then plaster them all over the internet for your viewing pleasure. But they're not just about Lamborghinis and Ferraris. These gents will give anything a go, as long as it's interesting. One day it's a hypercar that costs more than a small country, the next it's some obscure BMW that only three people have heard of. And now, because clearly they're not busy enough, they're planning something called "Supercar Camping". More on that later. In the age where a certain British telly corporation is talking more about emissions than actual cars, we have a couple blokes carrying forward the petrolhead torch. And we’ve managed to nab the younger of the two Hahns, Alex, for an interview. Interview: Q: What's the story behind your first-ever car mod? Was it a success or a learning experience? Alex: Our first mod was actually on our old Audi RS6 C7. We tuned it up to gain a little more power and sound. It was definitely a great success! It fully transformed the car. Q: If someone is looking to begin tuning their cars, what should they begin learning first as an absolute beginner? Alex: The most important thing for beginners to understand is that there's a reason why manufacturers build cars the way they do. It's tempting to think you can improve everything, but the reality is more complex. No matter what kind of tuning you do, as a whole package, it will never be as good of a base as when it's fresh out of the dealership. That's not to say you shouldn't mod your car, but you need to approach it with the right mindset. There are always good and bad sides to it. F1rst Motors Input: When you do start modding, begin with simple, reversible changes. Maybe start with a good set of tires or a mild ECU tune. These can make a noticeable difference without drastically altering the car's character. Always remember like Alex said, there are good and bad sides to every modification. It's about finding the right balance for you and your driving style. Q: You have a mix of classic and modern cars. What do you think defines a "timeless" car? Alex: For me, a timeless car is something like our Aston Martin Vantage GT8 - simple but beautiful shapes and an unforgettable driving experience. It's a car that looks as good parked as it does screaming down a back road. A car to me is like art, and if it is built the right way, anything can be timeless. I think a good example would also be the Aventador or Murcielago. Lamborghini really smashes it with timeless designs. Q: Many enthusiasts focus on supercars, but you've chosen to highlight "any car that stands out." What qualities make a car stand out for you? Alex: We started everything with supercars and then decided to dive into different categories as well. We are not your normal car collectors who only park their cars; we buy them to drive them. I think every car has a different emotion and feel, and that's what makes it special to me. It's all about the driving factor for us. An example would be that I prefer and have more fun driving our BMW E92 M3 Bruno Spengler Edition than when we used to have our 765LT! Because you can fully use its potential and it is super rewarding. It's not about the price tag of a car; it's about how it makes you feel! And sometimes an AMG or M is just more fun than a supercar. That's why we have such a diverse collection. Typical collectors or, god forbid, investors who buy cars just to look at them are missing out. We believe cars are meant to be driven, to be experienced. Each car, regardless of its category, has its own unique character, its own soul if you will. That's what makes it special. Q: If you could design a car from scratch with no budget limits, what unique features or style would you prioritize? Alex: If I had carte blanche to design a car, I'd take a page out of our Dallaras' book. Main focus being aero! There's something magical about a car that's been sculpted by the wind, where every curve and crease serves a purpose beyond just looking good. For the powertrain, I'd go for a high-revving, naturally aspirated engine for that pure, visceral feel. The goal would be to create a car that's not just fast in a straight line, but one that can dance through corners with precision and grace. But above all, it would have to be a driver’s car. Q: How do you balance keeping your private collection and sharing it with a growing audience? Alex: First off, no one knows where our cars are located. That really does help a lot, and we still have nice cars which are not shown on social media. So if we do not want to be recognized, we use our private cars. Q: What's the one car in your collection that surprises people the most when they see it? Alex: For sure our Dallaras! Pictures just do not show how crazy these really are! F1rst Motors Input: Dallara supplies the chassis for all teams in the IndyCar series. They are an Italian house founded in 1972, and specialise in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of racing cars. Q: You've mentioned that satin finishes bring out a car's lines more vividly. Can you explain the creative process behind selecting colors and finishes? Alex: We always wanted to be a bit different, and with collections, you mostly see a lot of colors. We simply love black. So we focused on Satin Black to create a DNA which helps people know it's us. But the satin makes it all special; the way the lines pop up is crazy! F1rst Motors Input: Satin finishes on cars, even as wraps, can make the “silhouette” or “profile” of your car a lot sharper. Not a lot of things in nature have satin textures, so these make the edges and surfaces of your car a lot more defined. Bonus points if your wrap is in a dark colour. Q: Which car in your collection do you feel most attached to emotionally, and what makes it special? Alex: Aston Martin Vantage GT8. This will forever be my number one — Crazy sound, beautiful look, and one of the very last proper driver's cars! It's the car I take out on a bad day, that makes me forget everything else. F1rst Motors Input: The Vantage GT8 is 220 lbs lighter than the “regular” variant. Also, less than 25 are currently on the market at the time of writing. Q: Car culture varies globally. How do you find inspiration from different car communities around the world? Alex: I think at the end of the day we all share the same passion, no matter if you are into JDM, Classics, or Supercars. Everyone has their own approach to what they like in a car. I think it's very important to see what others are doing and try to understand their thoughts behind it. Obviously, sometimes you can pick up great inspiration. F1rst Motors Input: The car community is not like, say, the wristwatch folk. No matter what brand, what spec, what price, how exclusive your car is, you’ll always be welcome. Whether you drive a beater ‘99 civic, or an Apollo IE, car people get along with each other. Advice: look up a local car meet and drive there today. Q: You've collaborated with several brands. What's your favorite collaboration story, and how did it come together? Alex: That must have been McLaren! Just when we started social media, McLaren reached out to us and asked if we wanted to be in the presentation of the McLaren Artura. For us, that was a big moment, so it always stayed close to our hearts. It was just so random! Q: What's a car mod trend you think is overrated, and what's one you believe is underrated? Alex: Most overrated is definitely some pops and bags software! No one needs them, haha! Underrated is definitely upgrading tires or suspension; that can change it all. F1rst Motors Input: When starting out, go in the order of Tyres > Suspension > Brakes > Exhaust > Intake > ECU > Aero > everything else. And wheels (rims) are mostly cosmetic. Q: You've driven on some iconic tracks like Nürburgring. What's been your most thrilling driving experience so far? Alex: It has to be the Nürburgring Nordschleife! It feels like a great countryside road with the mix of a racetrack! Taking our Dallara D50 out in wet conditions on the Ring was crazy! Q: Many enthusiasts dream of customizing cars. What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the car modding scene? Alex: Stay within your budget and triple-check everything before you do it! In the car world, it is super easy to overspend… especially if you are new to the game! Always check everything! Q: What's the one car in your collection that's never leaving your garage, no matter what? Alex: Multiple, but one of them will be the Aston Martin Vantage GT8! Q: You've kept a family-oriented dynamic in your content. How has this bond influenced your journey as The Satin Crew? Alex: It makes everything real! We do not try to pretend to be someone! Sharing your passion with your closest people is one of the best things you can do! Q: Have you ever faced challenges in the car community because you don't stick exclusively to supercars? Alex: Not really, because we are very open with our opinion and the moves we make. Obviously, people ask why we do certain purchases, but as I explained, it is all about the experience. I also think it's important to showcase cars which are within reach for a bigger audience. Q: What's been the most challenging mod project you've tackled, and how did you overcome the hurdles? Alex: Re-building our Audi TT RS into a road-legal Cup car… it is still not finished, but we are getting there! You can only overcome these hurdles with getting everything legal with time and patience. Q: When it comes to car events, do you prefer low-key gatherings or big shows? Why? Alex: Low-key, to be honest. I really enjoy interacting with people who have the same passion, and in big events, you do not have the chance to speak or take a picture with everyone. Q: Do you have any dream road trips you haven't done yet, and what car would you take for that adventure? Alex: I can't say what it is just yet! But it is coming soon! F1rst Motors Input: If I had to guess, I'd say these lot were planning their version of the Grand Tour across Europe. And if I had to bet money, the Vantage and the D50 will be coming along. Q: You've mentioned some classic models in previous Q&As. If you could time-travel to any era to buy a car brand new, which year and car would you pick? Alex: Good question! That must be the Ferrari F40 or Mercedes 300SL. Q: How do you see the future of car culture evolving with the rise of electric vehicles and autonomous technology? Alex: I don't believe in a future which is solely electric, for cities yes! But for countryside and long-distance travel, I would like to believe that synthetic fuels will be the answer. Q: What's one car brand or model that's underappreciated in today's market, and why do you think it deserves more attention? Alex: Mercedes AMG SLS! I think that will be a future classic and not just the Black Series… or some Aston Martins in general! Q: What's a car you regret letting go of, and would you consider buying it back if you had the chance? Alex: Too many sadly… CLK DTM, Carrera GT, SLR, 997 GT2 RS, and more… but let's see! I am sure some of them will come back! Q: The Satin Crew is known for its distinctive look. How much of that is strategy versus just following your personal style? Alex: It is an honest mix of both! Obviously, you need to be noticed on social media, but personally, I just love the looks. If you do not love it yourself, it won't be successful. Follow your own DNA and be different. F1rst Motors Input: When modifying your car, remember that it is for YOU. The instagram likes and notifications are temporary, but the car in your garage is a lot less so. We’re only been on this planet for about 70 years, give or take. It’s too short to spend worrying about what others think. Q: What's the most memorable reaction you've received from someone seeing your cars on the road? Alex: It is actually something that happens often, and it is actually not that good, but it catches me every time… people trying to get pictures while driving and almost crashing. I just don't understand how badly you want a picture that you risk so much. So to everyone, please do not do that. Q: If you could invite three people, alive or dead, to join you for a road trip in one of your cars, who would they be and why? Alex: Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May! They are a big inspiration for our Supercar Camping. F1rst Motors Input: I’m telling you, these guys are going to do a grand tour reboot. Can’t blame them, these three would have been our choices too. Q: Have you ever considered launching a custom car line or collaborating on a special edition car with a manufacturer? Alex: Yes, and I can't say more at this very moment. Q: Do you think car modding has more to do with art or engineering, and where do you place yourself on that spectrum? Alex: Depends on what you wanna do! I would say we are more on the side of engineering! We love to improve the performance! Q: What's next for The Satin Crew? Are there any big projects or shifts on the horizon that your fans should look out for? Alex: Main focus will be Supercar Camping! Get ready for adventures no one has ever done with cars! There will be a lot of world firsts next year! -End of Interview- As you can probably tell via the transcript, these are folks who are truly passionate about their cars. If you’re ever visiting Germany, give them a shout, I’m sure they’ll respond.Alex responded to our email personally, which was a nice touch in today’s day and age. You see, what these chaps are doing, it's more than just slapping some fancy black paint on pricey motors. It's about keeping the spirit of proper motoring alive. It's about the thrill of a perfectly executed corner, the roar of an engine that sounds like Zeus gargling with ball bearings, and the simple joy of pointing the nose of a great car down an empty road and just... going. They're not just collecting cars, they're collecting stories. Stories that smell of petrol and burning rubber. Stories that sound like V12s at full chat and tyres squealing in protest. Stories that, let's be honest, are a damn sight more interesting than whatever mind-numbing rubbish is on TV these days. The Satin Crew's story is the universal language of automotive enthusiasm, spoken across generations and cultures. It's about the stories we tell, the memories we make, and the dreams we chase on four wheels. So here's to The Satin Crew. They might be a bit mad, wrapping supercars in black and taking them camping of all things. But in a world gone mad with sanitized, electrified, autonomous pods, we need a bit of madness. We need people who look at a hypercar and think, "You know what? I reckon I could improve that." We need people who still believe that the best place for a family bonding session is behind the wheel of a car that's trying its best to kill you. Because at the end of the day, that's what cars should be about. Not miles per gallon or boot space or how many cup holders it has. But how it makes you feel. And if The Satin Crew's adventures are anything to go by, these cars make you feel alive.
