For many people who see the car above that are slightly interested in Japanese cars will most likely refer to it as "bosozoku style". This is a common misconception that it's styling is related to the infamously violent motorcycle gangs of the 1980's in Japan. Partially true however is the mix of some key elements that make that slight connection to the "boso" culture along with some members driving around cars styled in this way. This doesn't mean the label of "bosozoku style" is true however, as this specific style of car falls under the classification of a few different key labels. "Kyusha" meaning "old car", "Kaido racer" drawing elements/inspiration from the Group 5 super silhouette race cars of the 80's, and "shakotan" meaning "low car".
This blend of a few different key styles creates the car you see throughout the article. Something that is constantly debated is what to classify these cars as since there is so much confusion on elements that make them what they are. This confusion mainly stems from losing things in translation between Japanese and English, along with the miss-use of verbiage throughout different articles/videos posted online. I'm sure there is similar confusion/misconception of American styles in Japan also. This style of modifying cars is only recently starting to break into the American automotive culture. Handfuls of cars have popped up here and there but as of recently there have been some groups that have completely adopted the style/culture.
The most prominent of these groups being Beautiful Boy Racing out of California. The car you see throughout the article being one of @GetJpn aka Jakob's creations that has now transferred ownership to a close friend in Idaho. Everyone involved in BBR has proudly embraced this fun, old school culture and they continue to spread it into the American scene through their social media outlets. Eventually I'd like to cover BBR as a whole as the group is worth much more than a quick mention here.
As for the car itself, it started life as a 1988 Nissan Skyline (R31) but now it boasts quite a few rare and interesting pieces. First of those being a wheel that sticks true to the culture and is a staple of this style, the SSR MK1's or “ichi-en-dama” (1-yen coin) wheels. With 11" wide fronts and 12" wide rears helping fill out the Works fenders, the car gives off a very aggressive presence. Wrapping the MK1's in a set of LB slick rear tires, and Advan rain slick fronts adds more to the dedicated styling of the car. Other major modifications to point out being: - Z10 Soarer Yamato rear bumper - Truck shop heart light front signals - OBA 30cm steering wheel - Suichuuka shift knob - Vitaloni Californian mirror - TRD type bucket seat - AutoPista reclining passenger seat - Godfather horn set - R31House x Blitz front coilovers - Tein rear coilovers - 130z hood duct - SA22 molded rear spoiler - Shaved/welded rear doors
Mix all that together with some nice black paint, a Patlite flash ball, and some dancing on the pedal to let the RB motor sing you get some of the biggest smiles for anyone in or outside the car. Aforementioned above the car swapped hands to a close friend Niko @scrapietoaster in Idaho. Since Niko is currently deployed, the car is being taken care of by some of Niko's friends, but he will be returning home soon to his new car which I can't be more excited about. I can't wait to see how it progresses while keeping true to what the car is.
Thank you Jakob for a smooth drop off, it was a pleasure meeting you and hearing about the origin of the car!
Follow @getjpn on Instagram or go to the website https://www.get-jpn.com/ and snag some great quality JDM parts.
To see how this car progresses give Niko @scrapietoaster a follow!
Thanks you for reading!
Words - Josh Brown
Photos - TJ Mimura
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