If I needed to describe Wekfest Japan 2023 in a couple of phrases, it could be ‘a lot of the identical however completely totally different’.
This annual present has at all times introduced out a number of the very greatest modified and {custom} automobiles that Japan has to supply, and 2023’s occasion on Wednesday saved the custom going, albeit in a brand new venue. The Port Messe Nagoya location is identical, however the unique exhibition constructing with its iconic dome roof has been changed by a brand new most important corridor with much more house. Though it felt totally different, it was the automobiles that everybody who attended Wekfest Japan 2023 got here to see, and boy have been we spoilt for selection.
With 500+ builds on show there was an apparent want for me to be selective, however hopefully you’ll take pleasure in the automobiles I selected for submit and the others I’ve deliberate for spotlights over the approaching days. Let’s get began with this S14 Silvia…
The Nissan caught my consideration immediately. I’m guess I’m a sucker for Tremendous GT-inspired bodywork, particularly when it’s mated to a wonderfully executed stance.
The proprietor designed and constructed this one-off wide-body conversion himself, the aim being to fuse trendy GT strains with some refined kaido racer cues.
Don’t fear, there’s energy to again up the seems to be!
The custom-sized Work Meister M1 3-piece wheels and the tires wrapped round them refill the pumped fenders completely.
In any respect 4 corners, these fenders angle upwards and incorporate vents that match as much as all the opposite {custom} openings alongside the S14’s profile. On the rear an built-in diffuser and gigantic Esprit wing end issues off.
Not too far-off from the S14 was this GX71 Toyota Mark II Grande.
Slammed on air suspension and working a custom-barrelled set of SSR Mark III wheels, there’s loads to like right here.
Below the hood, the unique M-series engine basks in a smoothed, wire-tucked and spotless bay. It’s outfitted with a set of shiny velocity stacks and exquisite headers.
These mid-’80s sedans proceed to be very wanted in Japan, one thing mirrored of their ever-increasing values.
Now that’s dish!
The rear finish suspension has been fully reworked with a {custom} cantilever setup that separates the air baggage from the dampers.
Nonetheless within the Toyota camp, this vibrant yellow MA61 Celica XX deserved all the eye it acquired. Except for the truth that you simply don’t see many of those automobiles on the roads anymore, this one was simply so contemporary and properly executed.
Fitment was on level with these Ferrari-style, single-lug wheels.
The simplicity was carried over into the impressively clear cabin the place I noticed a Renown steering wheel and leather-trimmed Recaro SR seats to tie all of it collectively properly.
The rear finish tucked in ever so barely, assuaging any potential tyre or – god forbid – lip rub.
The inventory hatch has been changed with a kaido racer-style rear conversion, the place the huge glass part will get swapped out for a smaller upright piece, to radically alter the rear-end look of the MA61. The one factor that might be improved listed here are some moderately massive hatch panel gaps which might be arduous to overlook with vibrant yellow paint.
Confused? Yeah, so was I!
What will we even name this? A Z33 + RZ34 = RZ67?!
Grafting RZ34 headlight and taillights onto this Z33 required a complete reshaping of the entrance and rear ends.
It wasn’t even completely completed, so both the Wekfest crunch obtained to the builders or they merely left the rear unpainted to focus on the work that went into this practice conversion.
The selection of wheels and the exaggerated stance categorize the automobile as very show-oriented construct, however it’s loopy to see how a lot better the Z33’s awkward and bulbous rear finish seems to be with some Z34 400Z fashion.
Ideas?
I’ve at all times had a tender spot for the EF-series Honda CR-X, and this Mugen-kitted instance on RAYS Volk Racing TE37Vs ticks all of the packing containers for me.
Though the B-series bay hasn’t been shaved or tucked, it’s very clear. And take a look at that carbon fiber GruppeM air field.
We undoubtedly want to speak about this Nissan Y31 Gloria Gran Turismo.
There’s one thing cool about these large sedans from the late ’80s, however till I noticed this instance I by no means actually realized, that exterior bippu fashion, how rattling good they are often made to look.
Except for the non-factory colour, I believe it’s the Work Seeker FX wheels with stepped satin lips that make the automobile stand out.
The best way they tuck into these inventory fender flares actually helps to convey the entire look collectively.
The best side of the Y31 must be the pillarless entrance and rear doorways. They certainly received’t assist with structural rigidity, however are nice for cruising.
That listing of dream automobiles that I have to personal sooner or later simply elevated by one!
I will need to have been on an ’80s sedan vibe as I roamed round, as a result of I’ve one other Mark II to indicate you.
Very similar to the white automobile from earlier on, this GX71 additionally sits on SSR Mark III wheels. However it’s the two-tone paint that does it for me.
Am I the one one that may’t get sufficient of those automobiles? The Celica XX parked subsequent to it was a bonus too.
Time for a little bit of san-yon motion, beginning with this ER34 Skyline GT-T.
This must be the very best RB25DE engine bay I’ve ever seen.
I additionally appreciated how the GT-R look was solely utilized to rear fenders, actually setting the automobile aside from all different R-type GT-T conversions you see in Japan.
This was fairly a shock, a legit Tommykaira BNR34 Skyline GT-R.
It’s considered one of 11 high-spec automobiles constructed again in 1999-2000, now fitted with a collaborative Nardi steering wheel that Tommykaira lately launched.
There have been two specs of this automobile supplied, and you may inform that is the extra highly effective variant because it’s obtained the inexperienced ‘R’ badge on the proper facet of the trunk lid.
I obtained to shoot the Liberty Stroll Silhouette FD3S RX-7 after Tokyo Auto Salon this 12 months, however thought it was a pity they selected to launch such a wild conversion with a black automobile. RE Professional Store Miyoshi’s crimson and white Coca-Cola-themed construct on the hand actually does this epic equipment justice.
RAYS Volk Racing 21Cs in white are a spot-on selection too.
And don’t for a second suppose that Miyoshi would go away the engine inventory.
Liberty Stroll actually nailed this conversion. Similar to the work that Miyoshi does with its rotary creations, it’s very a lot a mixture of previous and new, of race automobile and kaido racer.
The latter actually comes throughout with the rear hatch conversion.
I’ll cease right here for now, however be sure to verify again quickly as I’ve loads extra to share from Wekfest Japan 2023.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
