July seventh in Japan solely means one factor to automobile fans: 7’s Day.
We’ve been masking this automobile tradition spectacle since the very begin of Speedhunters in 2008, and 15 years later the official unofficial gathering of RX-7s and different rotary-powered equipment nonetheless can’t be missed. As a result of, even if Mazda not produces a rotary-powered automobile, the ardour surrounding the famed RX fashions is as sturdy as ever.
As I do each July seventh, I visited the mecca of Japanese automobile meets – Daikoku Parking Space in Yokohama – to be part of rotary fans from throughout the nation (and overseas) and take a look at some spectacular sights and sounds.
Yearly, the 7’s Day gathering is a little bit totally different.
Certain, there are at all times the acquainted automobiles, however on the identical time loads of contemporary rides drop by.
And being Daikoku PA, you may at all times rely on autos of the non-rotary selection displaying up too, like this pristine Autech Stagea 260RS on BNR34 BBS wheels.
Understanding that the on-site police would in the end shut down the parking space – like they do each time a giant meet occurs – I arrived early within the night to ensure I didn’t miss something.
Being a Friday, it was fairly quiet after I arrived as individuals are nonetheless leaving work presently. However that simply meant I acquired to see each single automobile arrive and park up.
My first remark after an excellent hour at Daikoku PA, was that the inventory and OEM+ look is unquestionably nonetheless in favor with fans. It’s taking place proper throughout the board of Japanese efficiency automobiles from the golden period, so not likely a shock to see RX-7 house owners taking place this route, even when the rotary-powered coupe has historically been one of the crucial modified fashions.
Whereas I’m at all times on the look out for some cool Cosmos, it was one other automobile from Mazda’s again catalog that caught my consideration. I wasn’t alone, both. What’s everybody taking a look at right here?
An FC3S RX-7-derived 13B turbo, fitted to Mazda’s massive four-door sedan from 1990.
This specific Luce is one I’ve spotlighted earlier than, and it’s nonetheless a shocking instance operating SSR mesh rims and an FC3S 5-speed handbook transmission swap.
Into The Evening
For a way cool Daikoku PA is throughout daytime hours, there’s a complete new environment when the solar goes down.
I’m at all times blown away by how surreal Daikoku PA appears and feels at evening, and that is coming from a man who’s been coming right here for three a long time!
Rotaries and all method of different automobiles stored flowing in till round 8:00pm, when the primary police bulletins over the parking space’s loudspeaker system started. All of us knew that the meet was on borrowed time.
I’ve been desirous to characteristic this sinister-looking FD3S ever since I first noticed it on the Tokyo secret automobile meet a couple of months again.
It’s the one FD3S I do know of that runs hydraulic suspension, therefore the lowrider-esque stance it might pull off.
Who needs to see a full characteristic on this automobile?
Over To Umihotaru
I put my digicam down for 20 minutes to seize some dinner (onigiri on the comfort retailer, after all), and in that point Daikoku PA actually emptied out.
The phrase on the road was that an invitation-only, curated meet organized by some distinguished rotary guys was taking place at Umihotaru PA. I headed straight over, however by the point I acquired there all of the automobiles gathered on the bottom ground for the meet had been being kicked out by the police.
There have been rumors that the automobiles had been heading to the back-up spot – Decks Tokyo Seaside parking zone in Odaiba – however quite than chase the small group throughout the bay, I made a decision to remain at Umihotaru and see what else turned up.
There was lots to see, and after about an hour, among the RX-7s that had left started returning.
I got here throughout this wild Nismo GT-R on 21-inch AL13 rims and a wrap that stored altering coloration with the smallest shift of perspective.
What’s a rotary celebration and not using a few Nissans?! Not less than they didn’t get kicked out…
7’s Day in Tokyo is at all times a enjoyable evening out, and with Japan being completely open once more the occasion had a pleasant worldwide really feel to it with loads of vacationers having fun with the spectacle. Till 2024!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
