So instead of going along and doing a post on what was at the show, this year I thought I’d do something a little different. Disregarding the winners as announced by the team at 4&R, and instead announcing my own ‘winners’. These are the cars that really stood out at the show for me; ones that have had a lot of thought and care put into them to make something awesome. This is also a little behind the scenes post on what goes into shooting this event, unlike the spectators the media are often at the show for much longer lengths.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI rolled up to the show at about 1230pm on Friday – the setup day. As I was walking around with Cam Vernon we spotted Carl’s Aristo coming off the trailer. The sound of this thing is impeccable – a very throaty version of Mad Mike’s own 26b. Awesome. Might whip a little video together just to further the point.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nI was surprised to see Kyle waiting to park up with his dope 180SX on Kranze’s. I’m used to seeing this sideways drifting!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPedey was rolling through with his new project car, all done just in time for the show.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSitting on Work CR01’s, the car is definitely not a usual build in the Kiwi scene and a refreshing taste of what we usually miss out on.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut for now we needed to eat dinner – so Wendy’s it is. Churr. By this point it was about 7pm.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBy the time we got back it was about 8pm. A long night was definitely ahead.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs we walked into the halls, all of the competitors had been told they must now leave – awesome. Now I can get to work. A definite favourite of mine was this late model Impreza, rolling on some awesomely fitting wheels. Clean cut.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis Corona had some seriously rad styling going on. Loving the giant front lip, the Watanabes and the clean overall look.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNot to mention the tea strainers on the Mikuni carb’s.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nKelvin’s Capella was also something straight out of Japan. Very Kaido racer spec when most of our Rotary scene involves styling the cars with Simmon’s wheels and a bridgeport 13B.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThis had an awesome classically Japanese inspired paint scheme with a dope set of SSR MK3 wheels, fender mirrors and a modern day rotary. A definite winner in my eyes.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhether it’s for the chicken or the car, Ant’s K20A powered EK Civic is a winner every time. BBS RS, Carbon Fibre, K20A, Bride’s, Takata’s – perfection.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBut this just sets it off. The little wee Team Cream sticker on the front. As y’all should know we’re a big fan of the boys in their Cream mobiles and this sticker rings through.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nNow I’m quite sucker for old Datsun’s, and this 510 was no different.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRunning an SR20DET under the hood, it’s surely not underpowered and no doubt goes incredibly well.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAs possibly my favourite car of the show, Dale’s FC RX7 is hard not to observe for a while.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRunning a set of Kranze’s both up front and rear, the car is the real deal.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRunning a bit of stretch and tuck in the front, the staggered fitment on the car pulls through.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt’s running 18×11’s in the rear on 225 tyres. Do the math and you’ll see that doesn’t compute very easily.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe’re talking amazing levels of fitment here. This ain’t no fake wheel messing around bullshit, this is going hardcore.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nFrom all angles the BN Sports kit looks superb. Flaring out well, with a clean paint job over the top.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother winner on many levels. Awe.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlthough not powered by a 26B Rotary, this Aristo was sitting flush over in the CJC stand.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nA car that caught me off guard was this Datsun 240K. This is the NZ New version of the otherwise known, C110 Kenmeri Skyline – yes we did get these in NZ.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nRepowered by an RB30, it’s had a boost from the original L24 engine.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAnother Honda that was amazingly well presented was Daniel’s EG civic.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPowered by a B18CR, the engine bay has been fully shaven and repainted, kitted out with an AEM fuel rail and a J’s Racing Intake, the car is an awesome take on the classic little EG Civic. Definitely one to watch out for.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBest stand setup would have to go to the little Polo situated by the Rotary’s. Loving the idea of the ball pit, mixed with a well done Polo. Bride seats a clean look always come together well.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAward for best S Chassis? Easily this dudes S13.5. Phoar.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhere to begin? Full wide Kit the whole way round and dish for days.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nLoving these Kranze’s on the rear. A refreshing change from LXZ model we see more often.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOh and it even had a FW sticker on it! If the owner can get in touch, I’d like to feature this car at some point.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nOf course Carl’s Aristo was to be unveiled the next day, but y’all can wait for more of that in the next post.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nJust as I was leaving I was confronted by this clean looking 280Z once again.. Mad props to Pedey and Taryn for this one.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAlso at the NZPC stand was Assistant Editor Marcus’s drift car build. The E36 has had a full roll cage fitted with a currently worked on 1UZ under the hood. Can’t wait for this to be done.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSo by this point it was about 1130pm. I’d been at the showgrounds for nearly 12 hours by this point. But hey, I wouldn’t change a thing.\r\n\r\nThe big main day post coming soon, but for now, that’s the night before.\r\n\r\n-Chris\r\n\r\n