Randy Jaffe is an avid car guy and Datsun enthusiast. Beyond his fanatic attention to detail and love for Nissan racing he’s excessive–in the best way possible and we love him for it.  Several years ago we teamed up with Randy to turn his BRE Datsun 240z show car into a competitive vintage road-race car.

 

He was impressed with our work on the BRE Z and told us about another Z project that he was working on but stalled out in Atlanta.  We decided it was time to finish this ultimate track/street car with a healthy dose of his personality. The highlight of this Series 1 240z is a full Rocketbunny body kit with plenty of Z Car Garage touches. Let’s take a closer look at the build:

 

Origins

The creation of the Rocketbunny Z changed courses many times as the build evolved, as Randy recalls:

“I wanted to build a series 1 Radical fun Street car with a completely different look. We started off thinking we would do conventional flares and conventional displacement for a 240 Z. Then my painter Bryson was doing the bodywork and had just installed a Rocketbunny kit on a 350Z and asked me to take a look at that particular body kit. I knew of the first one completed by Sung Kang and I think it was the second or third kit to come to the country when we ordered it from Japan directly.”

 

“The paint color which originally was going to be Porsche’s lava orange evolved because of Michael Eberhardt to Porsche‘s late 60s color called Tangerine. Tangerine painted with a white sub-coat pops where Helen Keller could see the color! Since I am color blind, the brighter the color the better I can see it.  Bryson welded an amazing full roll cage as I decided to create the car as a street and track beast.”

The body was amazingly painted and caged by Bryson of Classic Livery of Atlanta. They are known for many high-end commissions including several RWB Porsche’s for Akira Nakai. Randy’s transporter trekked from Atlanta to drop off this gorgeous chassis at ZCG and our work began.

Assembly Required: Race Chassis Prep

 

The chassis was temporarily mounted on rollers while we prepped suspension pieces. Following the “race-car for the street” theme, we re-created the entire front and rear BRE 240z suspension setup. Everything that the #46 race car has is on this street car from DP racing front/rear struts, koni shocks, identical spring rates, sway bar, adjustable end links, plated finish…all of it. More pictures in the gallery below!

Front and rear:

 

Z Car Garage Big-Brakes

There are two versions of our ZCG Big Brakes  and the only three “racing” setups on are on the BRE car, Alex’s Hako and the Rocketbunny Z:

 

Stay tuned for our latest big-brake upgrade from the minds of ZCG and Stoptech!

 

Back to the chassis, the entire hydraulic system was installed starting with freshly plated lines.

 

DP remote reservoir and plated pedal box:

 

Z Car Garage CV Axles

Z Car Garage is proud to offer a CV axle conversion kit for Datsun S30 and 510 cars. We run these on our race cars and the Rocketbunny Z also got a set.

 

Helping put the power down effectively is an OS Giken limited-slip R180 diff properly set up in-house by Joshua Corwin.

 

Wheels Make The Car

 

The biggest hurdle on this car was wheel choice.  Wheels can make or break the car and they had to befit the “KAMIKAZ” nickname.  There was no way we would have a car with massive flares and not use every single square inch of real estate available to fill with wheel and tire.

 

We sourced some Panasport C8 centers and began a custom build with MemoryFab who was instrumental in helping us with fitment/barrel sizing. Up front are 17×10 with a 275/35/17 tire and 17×12 rear with 335/35/17 tire (NT-01R). At the time there were no other RB cars running a 335 in back! .

 

We spent many hours making the kit fit around these wheels/tires so there was no rubbing:

 

Everyone was pleased with wheel choice for KAMIKAZ, especially Randy:

“I had already ordered and received a set of Watanabe wheels from Japan however they would not work with the rocket bunny kit so when I sent the car to Rob Fuller at Z car garage he did his magic and created a set of custom wheels using a set of Panasport racing C8 NOS wheels. 10 inch wheels on the front 12 inch wheels on the back by 17s gives the car and unreal stance.”

 

Race Engine

 

We had Rebello build a nasty 3.2L for the Z running triple-Mikuni’s, 12:5:1 compression (110 leaded fuel) backed by a 280zx 5-speed. Randy gave us a blank canvas to assemble the entire car but ZCG touches really shine in the engine bay.

“I basically wanted my 46Z race car for the street and asked Rob Fuller to further tap into his magic box so we built a 3.2 race motor full race suspension and the whole 9 yards! Rob and his guys built an amazing car using special finishes on some of the metal work under the hood and the car is just insane to drive.”

Here are a few pictures of the assembly with many more in the gallery. Aluminum flywheel with twin-plate setup and comp oil pan just like BRE car:

   

Triple Mikuni induction:

 

Engine going in and detail work beginning. We re-created the cooling system from the BRE car and ran all of the chassis wiring.

 

The catch can, radiator and Datsun roadster overflow are all period parts that BRE used and duplicated for the Rocketbunny:

 

 

Interior

With drivetrain and chassis sorted we moved to the interior. Continuing the race car theme is a stripped (but pretty) body-color interior with that beautiful roll cage from Bryson.

The dash was covered in Alcantara. We installed and wired it up with period gauges. All switch gear similar to the BRE car:

 

A few more detail shots:

 

A Braille battery from our friend Gary Savage sits behind the passenger seat:

 

Sparco Pro 2000 seats:

 

Chassis wiring for Euro-spec lights:

 

ZCG door seal upgrade with sound deadening panels. The Z was nearing completion.

 

Enter the JGRBOMB

 

This was our quickest build to date so we could make a debut at the 2018 Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach, CA. The night before our roadtrip down to SoCal we applied a Jagermeister livery to the car. Randy’s inspiration came from his obsession with Porsche, and the Max Moritz Racing Porsche 934:

 

“I love race liveries and told the guys at the car garage I wanted to do the Jagermeister racing package on this car and they were not really hip to it but Bryson and I discussed it several times and we both thought it would take the car to the next level.  However I stuck with my gut and flew out to San Jose with the livery kit a few days before JCCS and after the first hood decal Rob and his guys were scratching their head thinking hmmm – This may not be a bad idea LOL.”

 

Rob and I finished applying the decals late in the night before going to Long Beach and we received a lot of positive feedback at that show and then the car came back to ZCon in Atlanta and won a Gold Cup award. The car was also shown at SEMA in 2018 where again the car received an immense amount of positive feedback.”

Indeed, the livery on the Rocketbunny (KAMIKAZ) Z looked fantastic and Randy eventually affixed the JGRBOMB license plate to match. We are happy to report that while at JCCS  Randy’s Z won 1st place, Best 240z in a class filled with incredible Z cars!

 

It was also well-received at Z Con and the SEMA show (thanks to Gary and Braille!). That’s BRE front-man Peter Brock and the designer of the Rocketbunny body kit, Kei Miura both signing the Z:

 

 

That BRE Exhaust

We wanted to do a BRE exhaust so we used the Fujitsubo headers and a straight twin-exit with megaphones exactly like the BRE original set up, Randy notes the white color:

 

“Of course BRE had theirs painted yellow from day one and still are but I wanted to do the rocket bunny exhaust megaphones in white to play off the livery. Many vintage race cars have white headers and exhaust so it made sense to me. So the audio level is the same as the 46Z and will wake up the dead.”

  

How does it sound? Check out this short video with a dyno run, enjoy!

 

 

Details

It would take multiple blog posts to cover all the special details throughout this build. Some highlights include fully polishing all trim pieces like quarters, drip rails, etc. Re-keying locks. Even the mirror was done to Randy’s liking.

Things like the differential temperature gauge behind the old gas fill door have a purpose and pay homage to the Datsun vintage race cars. Contrastingly, there are small modern updates like vintage H4 headlights retrofitted with HID units.

We asked Randy what’s it like to drive:

“To me there’s no difference in driving this and the 46Z it’s almost the same build except more rubber on this one!”

To us that is a great compliment because we set out to finish Randy’s vision of the ultimate street/track BRE-flavored Z.

“I find myself several nights a week just walking around the car in my shop and admiring the build that Rob, Josh and the crew at Z Car Garage created.”

We thank Randy for letting us be creative on this Z and it’s been rewarding to see his taste reflected in other builds. This was a fun project and we enjoyed every moment of it. Browse the extensive photo gallery and LONG LIVE THE Z!

 

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The 2018 Japanese Classic Car Show was held on September 15, in Long Beach, CA. This is the original vintage Japanese-car event in SoCal and in its 14th year, JCCS has grown incredibly–over 430 cars covered the lawn of Marina Green Park. The vehicles themselves remained a fantastic blend of stock, modified and restored. This is the most important show for Japanese cars, and the Z Car Garage crew keeps coming back every year to soak up the sun, see old friends and drool over some spectacular vintage builds.

   

ZCG Displays Two Z Cars!

 

Z Car Garage displayed two customer cars at the show: Randy Jaffe’s 1970 Datsun 240z and James Stevens’ 1972 Datsun 240z.  Randy’s Z was completed in time to be our booth car. This Series 1 S30 started as a project car 4-years ago with paint/bodywork performed by Bryson Richards of Classic Livery. The Z was shipped to us from Georgia for finishing Randy’s vision of a wild show/go race car:

 

Inspiration for the Jagermeister livery came from Randy’s obsession with Porsche, and the Max Moritz Racing Porsche 934.

  

We will take an in-depth look at this Z in separate post, but here are a few key details. Providing room for the 275/315-width tires is an authentic Pandem Rocketbunny aero kit. Randy channeled his passion for racing into this build and the chassis is virtually identical to his #46 BRE Datsun 240z, using zinc’d DP Racing suspension parts. The engine is a big displacement L-series running 13:5:1 compression, triple-Mikuni ph44s, a Fujitsubo header and glorious BRE-style exhaust. Running gear includes a close-ratio ZX transmission, OS Giken LSD for the 4.11 R180, our ZCG CV Axles and ZCG Big-Brake Kit (race version).

   

We are happy to report that Randy’s Z won 1st place, Best 240z in a class filled with incredible Z cars!

 

James’s 1972 S30 was displayed with fellow Z car owners in the show. At the heart of this beast is a turbocharged L-series managed by Haltech. Chassis upgrades include custom full-length subframe connectors, our ZCG CV Axles and Big-Brake Kit (328mm) behind Volk TE37V wheels.

 

A stack instrument cluster was integrated into the gauge pod, viewed from leather Recaro Pole Position seats. This Z has a very unique sound. We recently tuned it on E85, dyno results and videos coming soon!

   

We are very happy for James as he won the award for Best of JC Speed!

 

Stay tuned for in-depth reports on both of these Z cars coming to zcarblog.com.

Showtime!

Our friend and talented racer Troy Ermish transported both of our Z cars (and his 510) down to Long Beach Friday afternoon. Below is a video of the Z’s loading from the shop:

We unloaded early Saturday morning from the expansive parking lot near the new venue in Marina Green Park.  Immediately we could tell this location was larger and more vendor-friendly than The Queen Mary of past shows. Our booth was situated in a great spot, at the mid-point of the show with our neighbors from OS Giken.
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Z Car Garage is proud to be a sponsor of the 2018 Japanese Classic Car Show 9/15 in Long Beach, CA. We look forward to displaying a shop car at our booth, to be highlighted in a separate post. With JCCS only a month away let’s take a look back at our favorites from last year’s event at the Queen Mary; this year the show will be held across the water in downtown!

 

We apologize for the late coverage, enjoy the pictures and video!

The 2017 Japanese Classic Car Show was held on September 23, in Long Beach, CA. This is the original vintage Japanese-car event in SoCal and in its thirteenth year, JCCS has grown incredibly–some 320+ cars covered the lawn next to the Queen Mary. The vehicles themselves remained a fantastic blend of stock and modified, as well as original and restored. This is the most important show for Japanese cars, and the Z Car Garage crew keeps coming back every year to soak up the sun, see old friends and drool over some spectacular vintage builds.

  

This year, Z Car Garage was invited to display the OS Giken TC24B1Z powered Datsun 240z, in our own booth!

The OS Giken Datsun 240z Goes to JCCS

Before road-tripping down to Socal the fun started with a shop visit from our Oregon pals Diamond Dave, Eric Straw and Michael Spreadbury. They were also heading down to JCCS to show Eric’s freshly restored 1984 “Tekkamen” DR30 Skyline and Diamond’s SR20-powered Miata. Eric kindly donated his enclosed trailer to transport the S30 while he drove the DR30 all the way down to JCCS from San Jose. Before leaving, we dyno’d the Miata and Rob found 30whp+ from the Autech SR20. Diamond was stoked.

    

TC24B1Z Development

You may have seen the TC24B1Z-powered Datsun 240z (The Behemoth) from its debut at SEMA 2015, and Speedhunters coverage:

   

The TC24 in action:

 

Since 2015 we have been updating the drivetrain and fitment of the TC in Gary’s LHD S30. Several key upgrades included a 6-speed transmission, revised exhaust header, Jenvey ITB with EFI and a OS Giken aluminum oil pan.

  

Using a custom adapter from Hoke Performance we installed a new CD009a 6-speed transmission from the 2003 -2008 Z33:

  

On the Rebello engine dyno this setup made 476hp.  Final dyno numbers will be posted shortly as we are still in the tuning phase.  Meanwhile, enjoy the sounds from the new Jenvey induction:

 

Showtime!

We arrived Friday evening to unload the Behemoth and set up our booth, a first-time experience for ZCG at JCCS:

   

The ZCG booth was a success. We met many great Datsun fans and enjoyed talking cars. Big thanks to our buddy Herbert Pang!

 

The TC24 of course was the star, garnering positive feedback and some nice media exposure:

  

We had free ZCG swag for show goers and on display was our new ZCG Big-Brakes for small wheels. Here’s Glenn Chiou checking them out; after a test drive they would be installed on Glenn’s Fairlady 240Z-L.

   

Our friends from JDM Legends approached us with a film crew to discuss the TC24:

 

Little did we know that this informal chat would be part of a segment on the wildly successful JDM Legends TV show! We are so happy for Eric, Josh, Mauricio and the JDML crew. You can see their JCCS visit in Season 1 Episode 5 HERE.

 

Highlights from JCCS

Enjoy this video I made highlighting the sights and sounds of JCCS 2017:

 

Nissan’s return to JCCS

 

The OEMs participated in record numbers this year. That’s right, in addition to Mazda, Toyota and Honda our beloved Nissan participated again since debuting in 2016 with a great showing of rare and unique vehicles from their vault.

Skylines

Here are few of my favorite Nissans and Datsuns, starting with that not-so forbidden fruit commonly known as the hakosuka Skyline. There was no shortage of C10 chassis Skylines this year and my favorite was Rick Ishitani’s restored 1971 2000 GT-X.  A mint interior, correct spec badging, spot-on stance with re-barreled gunmetal Watanabe wheels stuffed under flares set this one off from the rest.

 

In the JDM Legends display, Ginash(from JDM Chicago) showed his RB-swapped 2000 GT-X. We dig the retro-treatment on the valve cover:

    

More C10s:

  

Kenmeri Skylines too!  This ’73 KGC110 owned by Patrick Soliman has an RB26DETT engine with a Precision 6262 turbocharger. This year he was running rare Riverside Super River wheels:

  

DR30 Skylines!

 

Eric’s 1984 “Tekkamen” or “Iron Mask” Skyline is a rotisserrie-restored, RB26DETT- powered, Brembo-braked masterpiece. Eric met up with the Speedhunters crew and SuperStreet for a photoshoot in Long Beach, you can see both articles below:

Congrats Eric!
Speedhunters
Super Street

  

Z Car Extravaganza

 

Z cars from all generations were in full force with cars spanning the tarmac near the Queen Mary to the bayside lawn.  I’m a big fan of subtle modified Z’s but I can also appreciate pristine, bone-stock examples and the occasional shakotan build.

Stock is good: Series 1 S30 and a fully restored RHD FairladyZ:

  

My favorite modified Z car was from JDM Legends:

   

Matt Kochaon’s 240Z on classic SSR meshies and Rick Ishitani’s Hakosuka Skyline GT-X

  

 

Familiar faces: Glenn’s Fairlady 240Z-L, Chris Forsberg’s 280z and the Bring A Trailer Series 1 240z:

Wild Z Cars

 

Saul Valencia’s 1972 Datsun 240Z was loud and brash with its boosted LS1!

 

Z31s were plentiful too! In both stock and modified examples:

  

The Wild Cards Classic Car Show (WCCCS)

The Wild Cards crew had the coolest rides at the show. You can see them all burning rubber at the Hoonigans shop HERE

 

The Nissan S12 chassis has been growing in popularity. Known as the “200sx” stateside there were some cool examples of both hatchback/coupe bodystyles. S130s were also represented:

Datsun Fairlady Roadsters

The Datsun Roadsters were down in numbers from previous years but the selection still wowed the public.

 

Kevin Desirello of KRD Roadsters built this SR20DE powered ’69:

 

   

Bart Desirello’s SR20DET-powered beast:

 
Ray Lim’s ’70 SPL was fully restored to stock spec, with perfectly fitted SSR meshies:

 

Datsun 510s

 

Matt and Maryanne G drove all the way down from San Mateo, CA in their  Turbo 510. Looking awesome now sporting 16″ Panasports! Matt won 1st place best 510, Congrats!

 

I’ve drooled over of Wild Cards member John Ross Huckins’ 1972 Datsun 510 wagon since we first saw it at JCCS many years ago. It has a 4-link rear end, built SR20DET and tons of neat touches. You can see more on Speedhunters HERE

 

EQUIP 40 wheels and Tartan fabric Recaro seats:

 

This year felt like an incredible number of Dimes were displayed!

      

And finally, Todd Kaneko’s 13B turbo powered Dime with Brembos and VOLK RE30s:

 

More Dime goodness, JDM-L’s Bluebird Coupe:

   

Not a Dime

But extremely rare, cool and placed next to the 510s was this Nissan Laurel. Only at JCCS, people!

 

 

Dogs Love Trucks!

Datsun trucks were kind of scattered about the park area. Jose Tarin’s 521 sported a Toyota BEAMS engine while Jason Taylor’s had an S14 SR20DE:

   

 

Mazda

Mazda commemorated the 50th anniversary of the rotary-engine vehicles. Racing Beat of Signal Hill, California  joined in by several of their memorable rotary powered vehicles.

 

   

Toyota

Toyota always has a huge corporate involvement and brought an assortment of race cars.  This year felt like the AE86s and Celicas were not as numerous but Celica-Supras and Cressidas were sweet!

  

Great showing of RA29 (Liftback) Celicas! The red car had perfect, meaty fitment on Epsilons meshies. Actually, all 3/4 of these Liftbacks sported some variation of mesh wheel…I dig it:

  

My favorite Celica though was his Pro-Street’d beast:

   

This AE86 Corolla had an OEM+ feel:

 

 

Honda

The Neo Classics Hondas were my favorite:

 

Wheels For Fantasy

I personally love going to JCCS because I get to see very rare Japanese/tuner wheels and parts. Preservation of authentic wheels and appreciation of the time and effort spent to find certain specimens that most folks have never heard of in this generation is what I admire most.   My favorite wheel at JCCS: SSR Casablanca 8 on Tommy D’s Starlet:

 

Variations on the mesh wheel from BBS, Epsilon, SSR, Volk, Bahn and more. You can’t go wrong! SSR EX-C below:

 

More Mesh goodness:

     

Many more pictures from JCCS in the gallery!

I was lucky to ride in Eric’s DR30 from Long Beach to San Jose with Michael Spreadbury at the wheel. It was a blast!

 

Thank You JCCS!

It is difficult to run a car show and keep up the quality and interest levels but the folks at JCCS have managed to do exactly that for 13 years! No other show gives you the chance to see obscure, pristine, modified Japanese classics…and we look forward to next year’s entrants. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and please visit our mega-gallery for more pictures. Special thanks to the ZCG crew, Diamond Dave, Eric Straw and Michael Spreadbury for an amazing weekend. See you September 15 for the 14th Annual JCCS!

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***Dear Customers and Friends,  Z Car Garage will be closed from 12/23/16 to 1/2/17***

 

We want to say thanks to our customers, friends and the crew at ZCG for making 2016 a wonderful and productive year!

Read further to enjoy a few highlights from the year and Z you in 2017!

(Click on links to read the full blog post)

 

Z Car Garage on Speedhunters!

 

The Touge California

 

The Japanese Classic Car Show

 

Z Car Garage featured on Hagerty

 

The 2016 SEMA Show

 

Wednesday Night Drags

 

Our OS Giken Powered Datsun 240z on Speedhunters

 

ZCG-built Datsun Roadster on Speedhunters

 

The IMSA 240z on Speedhunters

 

Gary’s Hakosuka Skyline on Speedhunters

 

 

Every year, one of my favorite events to attend in Southern California is the annual Japanese Classic Car Show in Long Beach.  JCCS is like a big reunion of old school friends, surrounded by the finest vintage metal made in Japan. The iconic Queen Mary cruise ship and the Long Beach skyline is a perfect backdrop for Zs, 510s, Skylines, Rx-7s, Rx-3s, Celicas, Corollas, Land Cruisers and other interesting Japanese old school cars!

   

Founded by Koji and Terry Yamaguchi, JCCS has been running for 12 years strong now and the bar is set higher ever year. I love this show and the Z Car Garage crew keeps coming back every year to soak up the sun, see old friends and drool over some spectacular vintage builds. This year, I was invited to show my roadster at the Japanese Nostalgic Car booth. JNC was having a Fairlady Roadster-themed day to coincide with the debut of Hot Wheels’s new release, the Datsun Fairlady 2000 and I happily obliged.

Enter The Tekkamen

Before road-tripping down to Socal the fun started with a shop visit from our Oregon pals Diamond Dave and Eric Straw. They were also heading down to JCCS to show Eric’s freshly restored 1984 “Tekkamen” DR30 Skyline.  We dyno’d the Skyline and chatted for a bit before setting off for LB the following morning:

  

Arriving Friday evening before the show had its benefits. We staged the roadster and Eric unloaded the DR so we could have a relaxing morning on show day:

  

While staging our cars we came upon the empty parking lot with two mean looking RocketBunny  “Boss” kitted S14s. Left: Robb Ferguson’s KA24DE-T powered creation and Steve Pham’s unorthodox turbocharged BMW N54 turbo. Wildly different but very cool with interesting interior/exterior cues abound:

    

Attendance was impressive but surprisingly not over-whelming like previous years.   At JCCS we love that every pass up and down an aisle of cars reveals a new detail, emblem, decal, or set of wheels.  The folks at JCCS also take care of their show participants…in addition to the T-shirt they also supplied us with Pocky sticks! This has to be a first for a car show. I can’t think of a better snack at 9am in morning surrounded by J-Tin and the beautiful shoreline:

   

Nissan’s return to JCCS

 

The OEMs participated in record numbers this year. That’s right, in addition to Mazda, Toyota and Honda our beloved Nissan participated again since debuting last year with a great showing of rare and unique vehicles from their vault. They even chose JCCS to unveil the 2015 Nismo GT-R for the first time in North America! My favorite was the BRE Datsun 510 race car, sent over from Tennessee HQ just for this event. Nissan’s “DNA” collection also included included a 1969 Nissan Patrol and 1960 Datsun Fairlady SPL213 Roadster:

  

Here are few of my favorite Nissans and Datsuns, starting with that not-so forbidden fruit commonly known as the hakosuka Skyline. There was no shortage of C10 chassis Skylines this year and my favorite was Rick Ishitani’s restored 1971 2000 GT-X. Our friends at JNC arranged for this Hako to be displayed with Matchbox’s release in the Nissan display.  A mint interior, correct spec badging, spot-on stance with re-barreled and step-lipped gunmetal Watanabe wheels stuffed under flares set this one off from the rest.

 

Just across from the Nissan display, however, sat an authentic 1971 Skyline GT-R. Yes,  the real deal unicorn status, KPGC10 hakosuka!  Displayed with the trunk open, appropriately sized Watanabe wheels and mighty S20 engine it was a real treat to see.

  

More C10s in the parking lot:

   

Kenmeri Skylines too!  Patrick Soliman’s RB26-powered stunner (right)

  

This 240k came to JCCS all the way from UAE. The current owner added his own touches:

DR30  Skylines!

Eric’s 1984 “Tekkamen” or “Iron Mask” Skyline was a rotisserrie-restored, RB26DET’s powered, Brembo-braked masterpiece. He won awards for Best JNC and 2nd place for Best Skyline, both well deserved! Look for a detailed feature soon.

 

Jay Kho’s 1983 DR30 Skyline

  

R32s a plenty:

We drooled over this white R32 from International Vehicle Importers. VOLK CE28N wheels with Project Mu calipers and a spoiler-less trunk made this one stand out from the rest.

  

An impressively bone stock R32, followed by a pretty metallic blue R32 with R34 wheels I spotted in the parking lot:

   Above Right: Finally, SAGE automotive group put together a “generations” display ranging from R35 to C10.

 

Z-Car Extravaganza

Z cars from all generations were in full force with cars spanning the tarmac near the Queen Mary to the bayside lawn.  I’m a big fan of subtle modified Z’s but I can also appreciate pristine, bone-stock examples and the occasional shakotan build. This S30 had subtle body-colored flares, deep Simmons wheels and a neatly executed RB25DET engine swap, another case of the “why wasn’t this car in the show?!”

  

By contrast Richard Madlangbayan’s RB25DET-powered S30 is wildly flared with a killer Gulf-inspired livery and extensive aero.  To-die-for NISMO LM GT2 wheels were re-barreled and stepped up to 18″ by FiveOneWheels. Check out the rear diffuser, side skirts and spoiler too:

 

It’s hard to believe that last year it looked like this:

 

Rich’s new aesthetic choices ticked all the right boxes…the now 500hp RBwas icing on the cake, well done!

  

This S30 sported molded in flares housing gorgeous step-lipped SSR meshies. Clean and simple:

  

Next to the silver Z was Taka Sato’s 1971 S30. Built in his garage and regularly exercised on local SoCal road courses, Taka’s Z sports Glowstar wheels, fender flares color matched to air dam/rear panel and neat, functional items in the interior.

 

Stock is good: The nicest stock S30 in orange

 

Glenn’s Race CAr

Since 2015 we have been following Glen Chiou’s heroic restoration of the #39 race car piloted by Loren St. Lawrence in the 1970’s. The best part, to us, is that Glenn is doing the restoration by himself and with the help of several key Datsun folks like Troy Ermish and Les Cannaday at CDM. Glenn was at JCCS while finishing up a race at the Coronado Festival of Speed…Do It In A Datsun!

   

 

 

Z31s were plentiful too! :

 

Some 2+2 love. This 1974 280z was lovingly restored…only at JCCS! http://jdm-car-parts.com/

  

The Nissan S12 chassis has been growing in popularity. Known as the “200sx” stateside there were some cool examples of both hatchback/coupe bodystyles. S130s were also represented:

  The only Z32 sporting Stoptech brakes, SSR wheels and subtle JDM cues:

 

Although Mr.K passed away last year, we think he would enjoy roaming around JCCS. Mr. K’s very own G-nose 240z, now owned and currently driven by his secretary!

 

Datsun Fairlady Roadsters

The Datsun Roadsters enjoyed prime bayside parking this year at JCCS. Down in numbers from previous years, the selection still wowed the public at the main show entrance.  SoCal roadster owners lined up their cars with both stock and modified examples while the JNC booth provided a nice bookend with lots of goodies. We were honored and proud to have our roadster on display, so big thanks to Ben and the gang at JNC!

 

JNC’s Fairlady-themed display included commemorative T-shirts,  Hot Wheels giveaway and autograph session with legendary engine builder John Knepp. It was great to see him having a good time with fans:

   

And of course, yours truly couldn’t resist a photo op with the man himself

 

John Baker’s 1969 Datsun 2000 was one of best stock restorations on display. I’ve seen it evolve recently with nice attention to detail for keeping things period-correct. Take a look at that engine bay!

    

Kevin Desirello of KRD Roadsters built 4 roadsters in the display. In true “best son ever” form, he built these SR20DE and SR20DET-powered roadsters for his mother and father, respectively:

  
You might recognize John Frampton’s 1967 SR22VE-T monster from our SEMA and Solvang reports. Also built by Kevin, the 341whp, fully restored silver bullet is now featured in SuperStreet Magazine!

  

On either end of the roadster display were Harlan Katz gorgeous ’66 SPL with a KRD installed SR20DE and Jon Toktas’ stunning ’69 SRL.

 

My favorite color combo for the roadster is Black/Red:

 

Not in the 311 roadsters display, Jeff Silvey’s bonkers SPL212 racecar which debuted at The Solvang Show was a polar opposite to the stock SPL213 Nissan displayed a few steps away. A built S15 SR20DET drivetrain puts power to the ground with a full S13 IRS! ps. Jeff also built a Z18ET diesel powered NL320(see below) truck…he’s kind of a nut, in a good way:

   

In the parking lot I spotted Monty’s ’69 SPL.   Former owner Garm Beall (Subaru 360 owner currently) setup this roadster with a hot-rodded U20 and rare Hayashi center-lock wheels:

Datsun 510s

 

This year felt like an incredible number of Dimes were displayed! The shiny engine bay of this Datsun 510 stood out and sported some Volk TE37 wheels, Brembos and a loud interior. Not everyone’s taste, but it certainly reminded me of a TSR Fabrication (Mario Lozano) build that made me long for the days of the All-Datsun Meet at Mt. Shasta. Good times. Reminiscing aside, it’s hard not to appreciate Mario’s superb fabrication skills and weld porn, see the beads on that expansion tank!

  

More Dime goodness:

    

Not a Dime

But extremely rare, cool and placed next to the 510s was this Hino Contessa 1300S Coupe. Owned by Myron Vernis, thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us! Only at JCCS, people!

 

 

RHD Datsun 610 and Sunny:

  

Dogs Love Trucks!

Datsun trucks were kind of scattered about the park area. Jeff Silvey’s turbo-diesel NL320 truck:

 

Kenny’s 320 pickup and a 520 pickup:

 

And finally, a 510 regular attendee I never get tired of seeing with 13B turbo power, Brembos and VOLK RE30s:

 

Toyota

Toyota always has a huge corporate involvement and brought an assortment of race cars and a rare 1967 2000GT.  This year felt like the AE86s and Celicas were not as numerous but Celica-Supras and Cressidas were sweet!

 

Great showing of RA29 (Liftback) Celicas! The red car had perfect, meaty fitment on Epsilons meshies. Actually, all 3/4 of these Liftbacks sported some variation of mesh wheel…I dig it:

  

My favorite Celica though was this blue specimen on SSR Formula reverse meshies….super sano build:

  

Brad Reynold’s MX32 Cressida looked fabulous. Sitting on full black Glowstar wheels and running a full 2JZGE engine swap this is my kind of sleeper:

  

This AE86 Corolla had me double-taking. RHD, with “Black Limited” decals indicated a very rare, outgoing 1987 model that marked the the end of RWD and beginning of the FWD AE92 platform. Regardless of its authenticity, those massively lipped WORK Equip 01s had me drooling:

 

 

I’m a sucker for the A60 Celica Supras with their bulging fender flares and blocky styling. These two had choice mods like Watanabe and SSR wheels, plus a big surprise under the hood:

    

Not one but TWO Celica ‘verts: bone stock, and gangsta-fitted!

 

    

E70 Corolla with a hot rodded, injected Toyota twincam:

  

Land Cruisers!

 

And if you are in to the whole supercar thing, there was a Lexus LF-A near the entrance and a LC500 inside:

 

Finally, what is probably the best juxtaposition of Toyota entrants at JCCS…The coveted 2000GT and, wait for it…a first gen Camry:

   

Honda

Honda brought several interesting cars including the recently restored, first ever N600 imported into the US:

 

You can read about the restoration by renown Honda specialist Tim Mings HERE

The “heritage” theme continued here the new NSX along with a NA1 beauty. Here is our good friend Jan Trondsen who actually helped design the new car.

   

In a sea of CVCCs and N600s, most from years past a few cars did catch my eye.

 

Left: a road racing 1973 Civic, and right: Bob Klemme (fellow roadster owner of SRL #004!) showed this little ’71 N600 monster powered by a 1200cc Yamaha superbike engine

  

The 80’s and early 90’s Civics are some of my favorite Hondas. I was surprised to see no EF-chassis hatches but there were some heavily modified CRXs

1st and 2nd gen CRXs:

  

My favorite Honda was this white EA-T chassis. Followed by the almost DR30-Skyline-like Honda Accord Coupe (3rd gen) and 1st gen Acura Integra. All were superb, representative examples.

   

Mazda

 

Mazda brought out a few gems of their own with probably the best OE display including the R100s from the Monterey Historics Races, 1979 IMSA GTU RX-7, freshly restored 767B, ND Miata and a 1967 Cosmo Sport:

  

Albert Medrano’s 1971 RX-2 looking sinister with deep-dish BBS RS wheels:

 

We remember Kelvin Chung’s pretty 1973 RX-2 and Armando’s 1974 RX-4 from the Touge California:

    

Mazda’s iconic RX-7 series was well-represented with SA22 and FC models. From preserved stock and built-to-the-hilt turbo 13B examples it was a Rotary fanatic’s fantasy, especially in red. We even spotted a turbine-powered FC!

 

Mitsubishi

Our fellow Datsun Roadster owner and friend Mark Nakashima’s freshly restored ’72 Dodge Colt (Mitsubishi Galant) coupe also deserves its own feature. He drove the little pillar-less coupe down from Hollister!   A 1980 Lancer converted to full GSR spec was also a rare sight to see:

  

We first saw this full Time Attack prepped Starion at SEMA 2015. It has been further developed with extensive aero and an LS2 engine swap. A stock, Starion in silver was nearby:

 

We can’t forget Matt De Mangos’ Colt Galant GTO, another Touge California veteran:

 

Subaru

You can always count on Subaru nuts to bring out the quirky cars. Garm Beall’s famous butterscotch 360 van is aways a crowd-pleaser. You must see this thing in person to appreciate its diminutive stature. This year there two vans!

Wheels For Fantasy

I personally love going to JCCS because I get to see very rare Japanese/tuner wheels and parts. Preservation of authentic wheels and appreciation of the time and effort spent to find certain specimens that most folks have never heard of in this generation is what I admire most.   My favorite wheel at JCCS: WORK Equip 01:

 

Variations on the mesh wheel from BBS, Epsilon, SSR, Volk, Bahn and more. You can’t go wrong! SSR Formula below:

 

Step-lipped SSR Formula Mesh, Hayashi, Glowstar, Simmons and Epsilon:

   

Modern wheels can work well with vintage metal depending on the build theme. Timeless VOLK TE37 and CE28N:

  

Sometimes smaller is better.

Left: The uber rare Techno Racing Yayoi wheels are also called, “Sakura” for cherry blossom. Right: SSR Star Shark:

  

Not to be confused with SSR Star Sharks, Patrick Soliman’s insanely sized Hayashi Racing Techno Phantoms:

 

 

I have never seen these in person until JCCS! Devil Shadow spoke:

  The quintessential old school wheel award probably goes to the RS Watanabe:

       

Many more pictures from JCCS in the gallery!

 

Thank You JCCS!

It is difficult to run a car show and keep up the quality and interest levels but the folks at JCCS have managed to do exactly that for 12 years! No other show gives you the chance to see obscure, pristine, modified Japanese classics…and we look forward to next year’s entrants. We hope you have enjoyed our coverage and please visit our mega-gallery for more pictures. Special thanks to the ZCG crew, Diamond Dave and Eric Straw and Japanese Nostalgic Car for an amazing weekend!

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