If you’ve been involved in the import market for a decade or more, then you remember the heated exchanges that used to take place on automotive forums between East and West coast enthusiasts. Often egged on by competitive-minded car owners, the back and forth was a non-stop reminder of the distance between coasts and cultures.
Closing the Gap
These days the divide is almost non-existent as social media tends to bridge that gap. Looking at these images from JDM Auto Expo, it could’ve taken place at any JDM-infused hot spot on the globe, with a number of right-hand-drive cars on hand and an overwhelming amount of authentic parts to go along with them.
Hosted by Showcase and Co., partnered with High Intake Performance, the gathering took place at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and was centered around imported JDM cars, though all Japanese imports were welcome. Display vehicles spanned decades with Datsun Roadsters parked alongside modern Honda Civic Type Rs, and everything in between could be found in attendance. Along with the car show section, an autocross was underway throughout the day. For the drift fans, demo sessions took place to keep the masses entertained.
Maintaining Momentum
This event comes on the heels of the 13th annual Nissan Meet that took place a few weeks prior—an event that we’ve covered previously and one that has legs to continue for years to come. In the meantime, you don’t have to wait long for the next edition of JDM Auto Expo as it’s right around the corner, taking place in Atlantic City on October 30, 2021.
The battle of the hot hatches was once populated by dozens of examples but few carried the sort of weaponry that Baby Godzilla did. Nissan’s GTI-R version of the Pulsar three-door was powered by an SR20DET and transferred that power through all four wheels. Of the very few we’ve seen, this example looks to be in outstanding condition.
Some lay into the look of the FK8 every chance they get but whether you love it or hate it, you can’t deny that the polarizing, modern-day Civic Type R made major waves in the auto industry. This particular build will upset some of the nitpickers, as it uses a combination of Mugen and Spoon parts, including the very pricey vented carbon fiber hood and classic style SW388s, respectively.
If you prefer the older style, here’s a clean EK9 sporting the same style wheels as the FK8, though considerably smaller.
A sleek wagon that borrows parts from the Skyline and Laurel including an RB26DETT under the hood? Yes, we’ll take a Stagea, please.
While we’re not on board with the tire specs, this Honda Beat looked nicely modified. The body work, which looks to be extensive with organic flared fenders, and an integrated trunk and quarter panel ducktail gives this convertible kei car a whole new look.
There was no shortage of the most popular and celebrated Mazda chassis in the FD3S RX-7. Shown here in red with a wider, more menacing look.
Also in yellow with a similar theme, and sporting classic white Regamaster wheels.
If you’re fond of a more slender, factory body look, this deep green RX-7 on bronze Advan TC-3 fits the bill.
For those that wanted to stretch their cars’ legs and push their limits, a full autocross course was available during the event.
This four-wheel-drive Honda Acty service truck sits much higher than Honda intended and rides on beefy all-terrain tires, as opposed to the factory pizza cutters.
Rarities like this Midnight Purple R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R were peppered throughout Englishtown Raceway.
A trio of 1990s-era superheroes on display.
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