00:01Wondering why these old rusted car parts form the centrepiece of this rooftop
00:05setting in Nigeria's Port Hakort? Well, that's because they're just that. Parts
00:11of classic cars reborn into classy furniture. The skilled hands of Deseya
00:18Tantua are behind these creations. As an experimental craftsman, he's giving new
00:22life to classic cars and helping create a sense of nostalgia.
00:28My main idea for this car sculpture was trying to, you know, maintain my father's car, which
00:39was the first thing that I did. It was a Benz. I used the car to create bars, chairs, tables,
00:48all sorts of things which you see. I created my own bar. So for me, it was very interesting
00:56to have furniture that is art as well. I wanted to rebuild something that is special and different.
01:03And I used this car instead of packing it in the garage and fighting with mechanics every
01:09day to fix it so I can just drive it once in a while.
01:13Rare classic cars fetch premium prices. And so parts are also highly sought after. Enthusiasts
01:20like Deseya know their historical value and their investment potential.
01:25Practical modern cars might get you from A to B. But for Deseya, nothing can replace the look, style or
01:31nostalgia of a classic well-worn Mercedes-Benz or VW Beetle. So how does he source the parts
01:38for his furniture? There was this car dealer who became a friend. I started sourcing car parts
01:44from as well. Sometimes if they bring in a car that they want to sell, he calls me and says,
01:51are you interested in this car and that they want to sell it? And they are selling it in parts.
01:58It might look like just a scrap metal container. But for Deseya, this is an ultimate treasure trove.
02:04Panels, dashboards, door handles, chrome bumpers. It's enough to make any car enthusiast take notice.
02:11Importing classics is usually handled by specialised dealers or passionate aficionados.
02:16But like the body panels, it's never straightforward.
02:21It's not the same as with new imported models. Right now with the challenges we are facing,
02:26classic cars are not coming in the way they used to. And due to scarcity, we see a hike in
02:33prices.
02:36Back to the workshop. Deseya and his team are currently working on parts from a Volkswagen Beetle
02:42and classic Mercedes-Benz. Deseya always has young apprentices in his shop, like Isaac.
02:47He's been working with Deseya for over six years and his skills have improved quickly.
02:54Working with an artist, it gives more experience. You know, it makes me more creative than before.
03:05Because in my work for years, there were some things I was struggling with. But coming across with him, you
03:17know, as an artist, I see things very easy.
03:22What began in 2016 with a desk made from his late father's car has now become an entire furniture collection.
03:30With meticulous welding and clean paintwork, Deseya breathes new life into car wrecks.
03:36Prices range from a few hundred dollars to $420,000 depending on the car parts used and the complexity of
03:44the task.
03:44But who actually buys furniture made from cars?
03:48Marvel owns a restaurant in the heart of Lagos and is one of Deseya's customers.
03:53It's a side attraction to the restaurant. It's one of the unique stuff we have here.
03:58Now, my customers, they love it. The comfortability, the fun part of it, which is the swing one, and the
04:04durability as well.
04:06As me, as a purchaser, someone that got it, I have the durability that it's going to stand the taste
04:12of time, not just the six most time.
04:15I know it has been here for three years now, and as you can see, it's still strong.
04:21Deseya Tantua has found a unique way to keep classic cars rolling.
04:25So sit down and buckle up.
04:29everyone. We'll
04:29take care of you soon. Bye.
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