FYI: Two iconic Japanese sports cars turned heads in Italy, spruced up with Rocket Bunny kits, showcasing the fusion of Japanese tuning culture with Italian landscapes.
Capturing Culture Clash: Japanese Tuning Meets Italian Terrain
Unique car photography invariably captures attention, and there are few sights as captivating as Rocket Bunny-kitted vehicles threading through Italy’s picturesque hills. During a recent visit to the 2024 Tarox Magione Super Battle, two remarkable vehicles stood out amongst the competition: Gianluca’s FC3S Mazda RX-7 and Alessandro’s Nissan Silvia S14. Both cars, photographed in the scenic backdrop of Perugia, presented a stunning blend of Japanese automotive innovation set against Italy’s charming, mountainous terrain.
A Photographic Journey through Italian Landscapes
Photographers often find themselves in precarious positions to capture the perfect shot, but few settings are as breathtaking as the winding mountain roads of Italy. The sight of the heavily modified Japanese domestic market (JDM) car against the rustic backdrop, with the shimmering Lake Trasimeno in the distance, offered an awe-inspiring scene. This setting provided the perfect opportunity to photograph the first official Pandem kit in Europe, attached to the iconic FC RX-7.
The Creation of a European JDM Icon
The creation of Gianluca’s FC began over dinner in Tokyo with Jun Takahashi of Hardcore Tokyo and Kei Miura of TRA Kyoto/Rocket Bunny. Conceptualized in 2020 and brought to life in 2021, the Pandem build has grown to epitomize European JDM culture. Initial design concepts featuring yellow on a black base evolved into a striking purple-on-black scheme, formulated in collaboration with Mr. Miura.
Complementing its bold hue, Racing Service Watanabe crafted a personalized set of 15-inch 8-spoke wheels, enhancing the car’s visual impact. The RX-7’s performance is further refined with HSD Mono-Pro coilovers paired with Stanceparts air cups, allowing for a commanding yet smooth ride on Italy’s challenging roads. Inside, Hardcore Tokyo’s offerings fill the interior space, including seats, harnesses, and a bespoke roll cage.
Navigating Challenges in Italy’s Car Culture
Driving through Perugia’s ancient streets, the RX-7 evoked responses likening it to a spaceship among the local Fiat Pandas, underscoring the RX-7’s exceptional exterior. Despite the strict Italian modification laws making it difficult for such enthusiast vehicles to blend in, Gianluca’s RX-7 has already become a local legend.
The S14’s Italian Edition
Descending from the hills, I was met by Alessandro’s equally eye-catching Rocket Bunny S14. With its origins as Gianluca’s stock car, modifications conducted at Alessandro’s Carrozzeria del Confine transformed the S14 into a masterpiece featuring a Rocket Bunny Boss kit, a robust SR20DET engine, and 326Power wheels.
Inside, the S14 boasts a comprehensive Sparco setup, including carbon fiber bucket seats, steering components, and harnesses. After a stint in the town, we brought the cars back to the track where they rightfully showcased their prowess, emphasizing the seamless fusion between performance and style.
Conclusion
Capturing the elegance of these JDM legends set against Italy’s lush landscapes delivered an unexpected blend of automotive cultures. The opportunity to juxtapose these uniquely styled Japanese vehicles within the European setting was unprecedented and undeniably thrilling.
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Written by Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
