Three Surprising Finds At Eire’s Premier Japanese Automotive Present

There’s been a whole lot of content material from Irish reveals and occasions the final few minutes, so I actually didn’t plan on bringing you anymore for the remainder of the 12 months.

This was although Japfest – historically Eire’s largest Japanese automobile present – was nonetheless to run, as a result of between LZ Fest and the Juicebox BBQ, I felt like we had seen every thing worthwhile this 12 months. From a JDM perspective, a minimum of.

Naturally, and as ordinary, I used to be fallacious.

There was a whole lot of overlap of vehicles between the three occasions, which is to be anticipated for a small nation like Eire. Nonetheless, there have been a minimum of three vehicles which I felt warranted a minimum of some protection.

First up, was this Datsun B120 truck.

To not be confused with a latest(ish) Speedhunters characteristic automobile, that is the primary time I’ve occurred upon this construct, which grew to become the eventual ‘Automotive of the Present’.

Hidden in an uncommon center row, the Datsun is a correct showstopper. Not simply from the overall ranges of excellence throughout the automobile (the carbon fibre detailing particularly was a chef’s kiss) however what was hidden below the bonnet.

The immaculately shaved and smoothed engine bay is dwelling to Toyota’s venerable 20-valve 4A-GE with particular person throttle our bodies and a neatly crafted exhaust manifold.

Refined, however excellent.

Subsequent up was one thing we’ve all seen earlier than in some form or one other, however I reckon it’ll be a very long time earlier than I see one this clear once more.

This EK9 Honda Civic Sort R was in all probability in higher than new situation.

‘Pristine’ doesn’t even start to describe it, and the proprietor was eager (and rightly so) to share each piece of the automobile with the spectators in attendance.

I’ve a big tender spot for the EK9, so it was an actual deal with to see one in such excellent and comparatively unmolested situation.

In truth, I don’t assume I’ve ever seen a new EK9 in my life, as the primary Civic to obtain the Sort R badge was a Japan-only mannequin. That is as shut as most will ever get.

As a lot as I really like a modified instance, I’m glad to see somebody has the restraint to protect one.

The third and remaining automobile of this brief spotlight-o-rama did technically seem in my Juicebox BBQ protection, however I used to be capable of shoot it in just a little bit extra element at Japfest.

It’s an harmless sufficient wanting DA7 Integra from a distance, however once I first noticed this roll as much as the BBQ, I knew one thing was amiss, though I couldn’t fairly put my finger on it.

Maybe it was the downturned and neatly fabricated exhaust tip, the delicate destructive camber on the entrance, or the blue Brembo 4-pot entrance brakes?

It seems my suspicions had been appropriate, as not solely does this automobile characteristic a K20A with an enormous ol’ hairdryer connected, it’s additionally mated to a Honda CR-V’s 4WD system.

‘Siri, present me the definition of a sleeper’.

It wasn’t the one Ok-swapped and turbocharged Honda Integra in attendance both, however I’ve deliberate a separate characteristic for this DC2.

This Frankenstein-esque Sort R has just a little direct-shift secret, however extra on that one other day…

Paddy McGrath
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paddy@speedhunters.com