Ford Fam Feature: Mike Hulstaart and His ST180 Built to Do It All

For Mike Hulstaart, cars were always more than just transportation. Growing up in the Netherlands with a love for all things automotive, it didn’t take long before that interest turned into a full-on obsession—one that now roars through the streets and shows of Rotterdam in the form of his 2013 Ford Fiesta ST180.

Mike’s journey with his Fiesta is a reflection of personal vision and hands-on dedication. From the outset, he’s done things his own way. “I just like to build my car my own way,” he says, and every mod on this ST180 proves that point. With Paul Walker as an early inspiration, Mike approaches his build with a strong sense of purpose: blending street aggression, show-stopping detail, and track potential in one platform.

The Build: Track-Ready, Street-Driven, Show-Worthy

This 2013 ST180 is far from stock. At its core is an evolving performance package, built for speed but executed with care. The current setup boasts a respectable 240hp and 380Nm of torque—but Mike isn’t done yet. A hybrid X49RS turbo and Stage 3 tune are right around the corner, and with that upgrade, the car will break the 300hp mark.

To feed the beast, Mike’s gone all-in on airflow and cooling. The list includes a Direnza intake system paired with an ITG crossover pipe wrapped in gold heat tape, Airtec silicone turbo elbow, Mishimoto boost pipes, a Milltek decat and cat-back exhaust, and an R-Sport Pro 350 Gen2 intercooler. This is a car built to breathe, scream, and dominate on the tarmac.

Keeping It Grounded

It’s not all about power. To manage that speed, Mike fitted Eibach Pro Kit springs and upgraded handling with an Airtec torque mount and 25% short shifter. Braking is sorted thanks to a K-Sport big brake kit with 304x28mm rotors, EBC discs and pads, and a set of OZ Racing Ultraleggeras—though fitting those wheels around the upgraded brakes wasn’t easy.

“That was one of the biggest challenges—getting good-fitting wheels with the new brakes,” Mike explains. But like everything else in his build, he figured it out and moved forward, one step closer to his vision.

Community, Confidence, and Car Culture

Mike might not be part of a club, but that doesn’t mean he’s riding solo. “I got a lot of friends who share the same passion,” he says. His most memorable meet so far? “Just seeing cool cars at 100% Auto Live in Rotterdam.” That sense of shared energy keeps him motivated, inspired, and ready to keep improving.

His advice for others diving into their own Ford builds is simple but smart: “Keep it clean and don’t do too much.” It’s a philosophy that’s helped him strike the balance between performance and personality—a clean build with attitude and function.

Looking Forward

With a Stage 3 tune from Beastfactory in Germany in the pipeline, Mike’s Fiesta is entering its next evolution. While he has no major long-term project goals at the moment, he’s focused on enjoying the process and doing things his way, at his pace.

The road hasn’t been without bumps. Someone once damaged his car and drove off while he was at work, a moment of frustration that any car lover can relate to. But true to form, Mike is already moving forward.

Final Words

For Mike, the reward isn’t just in the horsepower numbers—it’s about building something that’s entirely his. “Being faster than my previous car,” he says, “is just part of it. It’s knowing that I built it myself.” And that feeling? You can’t put a price on it.

His message to the Ford Fam? “Be nice to each other and respect cool builds. Have a good one✌🏼.”

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