The incognito set

Not all celebrities opt for vehicles that draw attention as they go about their daily routine in Tinseltown. Most own a handful of cars -- upscale SUVs, limousines and sports cars -- that come straight from the showroom floor. Then they have customized to suit their particular needs and wants.

In Hollywood, car-customizers-to-the-rich-and-famous, such as Howard Becker, know what celebrities want. "First, they're inclined toward vehicles with more powerful engines," he confides. Becker takes unremarkable SUVs or trucks and turns them into custom limousines. Favorites for conversion? Chevy Suburbans and Ford Excursions.

From the outside, the vehicles look a little more elegant than standard, but they're not always stretched or conspicuously improved. Inside, they are spacious and elegant with top-of-the-line electronics and every possible personal comfort from air ionizers to massage seats.

Clients such as Whoopi Goldberg, Liz Taylor, Charlie Sheen, Will Smith, Cher, Sly Stallone, Ben Affleck, Michael Jackson, Jane Fonda, Michael Douglas and Eddie Murphy have the inconspicuous set of wheels and love them.

"The rear of the vehicle, where the passenger sits, is equipped as a complete office with everything from telephones and computers to stereo and flat panel 28-inch LCD television and DVD players," says Becker. "They are designed for discretion, transportation and luxury."

Talking about the comforts of home, Barbra Streisand takes her home with her when she goes. Barbra rides around Hollywood in a 45-foot long, $700,000 luxury motorcoach -- even to travel across town to shop. The coach is equipped with everything from Jacuzzi to bathroom, and that's the secret behind why she prefers it. Barbra's reason for using such a massive set of wheels, she's confided to friends, is to avoid germs in public restrooms.

-- Posted: Dec. 9, 2003