GC10 At The Daikoku

It’s been a while since I did a Throwback Thursdays post. In fact it’s been a while since I’ve posting anything other than Formula 1 racing!

I’ve said it before, but red is by far the best color on the Hakosuka. I think it accentuates so many details on the body that get lost with the more popular colors like white and grey.

One of the major advantages to modifying a Japanese classic is that you don’t have to do much to the exterior. Most of the more popular cars look great bone stock. Fender flares, wheels, a drop and you’re good to go.

I need to make a pilgrimage to the Daikoku parking area one of these days.

Photos courtesy of Kevin Pratt.

Throwback Thursdays: Kenmeri Sedan

While not as attractive as the coupe, the GC110 still looks good as a sedan.

Clean, simple, classic.

Throwback Thursdays: Volk LE37K

The Volk SE37K has always had a loyal following. It’s long been one of my favorite wheel designs and it’s unfortunate that Rays Engineering decided to discontinue them. A decent used set of SE37Ks can be hard to come by and usually sell for the cost of new Volks. Even less common are the LE37Ks, which came with a gold or gunmetal face and polished lip.

Subarus have always worn the SE37K well.

This 18×8.5 set was for sale recently. I believe they were going for around $2200, but it could’ve been higher.

While there are so many great new wheel designs coming out every year, I wish manufacturers would go back an re-release some of the more sought-after, discontinued models. The SE37K would be a popular seller, if released again.

Throwback Thursdays: Hakosuka Perfection

Do more words need be said?

Perfection achieved.

Throwback Thursdays: Subaru Impreza STi RB5

The European and Japanese markets are no strangers to special edition versions of cars. Nearly every manufacturer offers various trim and performance packages, for specific markets. The US has never been a market, that gets much attention in this area. Foreign auto manufacturers perceive us, as daft corn farmers, who wouldn’t appreciate the subtle differences, of a limited production model. That’s not to say our own government isn’t to blame as well. We’ve always forced foreign auto manufactures, to make special tweaks to their vehicles, to meet our anal emissions and safety regulations.

The UK on the other hand is the complete opposite. They’ve been getting the good stuff for years, especially when it comes to Subarus. It’s one of the brand’s biggest markets and as a result, a slew of special edition models and performance packages, have been sold there. 1999 marked the return of Richard Burns, to the Subaru World Rally Team and to commemorate the occasion, they released the Impreza STi RB5. The “RB” of course being Burns’s initials and 5, his starting number.

The original brochure photo.

The RB5 started life as a standard UK-type, Subaru Impreza STi and was then given a facelift by Prodrive. The standard trim is mostly looks, including a special coat of Steel Blue Mica paint. The car is dressed in special edition RB5 decals, with blue alcantara bathing the interior trim.

The RB5 features a unique set of Speedline 6-spoke wheels and Pirelli P Zero tires. A Prodrive short shifter and suspension, rounds out the package.

The WR Sport Performance Package, was also available, as an optional extra and included a larger STi rear wing, upgraded intercooler piping, a Prodrive exhaust and tuned ECU.

Some of you may be rolling your eyes at this point and thinking “big deal”.

I like this car because it’s something different, a departure from the norm. In an age where everyone’s car looks the same, it’s all about the details. The RB5 commemorates one of Subaru’s all time great WRC drivers, Richard Burns, who died much too soon.

I love people’s passions and hobbies. Who chooses to buy this car, over a standard Impreza and why? These are the kinds of stories that really intrigue me. I’m a lover of all things Subaru and very envious of the UK market, who have always gotten the cream of the crop, after Japan. Steel Blue Mica is a fantastic color, wouldn’t you say?

Photos courtesy of Steve Coulter Performance Cars.

Throwback Thursdays: Advan RG

I love timeless design. Whether it’s a Fender Stratocaster, a pair of Ray Ban Wayfarers or a Moleskine notebook, their shelf lives are limitless because they will always be cool. It’s the simplicity in their designs, that keeps them relevant through the years.

The Advan RG is timeless. Its 6-spoke design, set the groundwork, for many Advan Racing wheels to follow.

The wheel’s elegance is found in its simplicity; the curved spokes, with the slightest rounded edges and the indigo blue stripe, outlining the lip. In a gold finish, the RG is nothing short of iconic.

Advan currently has the best wheel lineup of any other brand and nearly all of the their designs, share some DNA with the RG.

I want these wheels, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re a reflection of the era, in which my car originates. They were made famous on the JUN Super Lemon Impreza, amongst dozens of other demo cars, from the turn of the century.

Of course, the RG is something of a unicorn these days. To find a set in good shape is a rarity. To find them in the proper sizing, next to impossible. I came across this particular set on an Australian GT-R forum, 2 years ago. I believe they’re 17×9.5, which is exactly the size I’d look for. These with 255s, would make for an aggressive combination. Timeless design gets better with age and I’m confident the RG will look great, no matter how many years pass.

Throwback Thursdays: Super Red

I’m beginning to think I should rename Throwback Thursdays, to Skyline Thursdays. Except for an X30 Chaser, it’s been mostly a Nissan affair. Today is no different with this classically styled, red Hakosuka.

Brands like Rays and Work, have done a great job designing new wheels, specifically for vintage cars. While models like the Meister CR01 and TE37V look fantastic, they still can’t outdo a proper set of RS Watanabes.

Red is by far my favorite color for the Hakosuka and the black fenders are a must.