FYI: A Japanese drift legend teams up with a lifestyle brand to breathe new life into Korea’s most iconic car for a thrilling short film.
I’ve had a passion for cars ever since my parents took me to a hill climb race in Northern Italy as a toddler. Whether it was during family road trips, my school bus commutes, or cycling around the neighborhood, my eyes were constantly drawn to cars. From Italy to the UK, and now Japan, my automotive fascination has only deepened.
Despite considering myself quite knowledgeable about cars (a necessity when you shoot, film, write, and speak about them for a living), the Hyundai Pony had evaded my radar until recently. It was Luke Huxham who first mentioned it when he asked if I’d be interested in shooting behind-the-scenes content for his movie project in South Korea.
The Movie and the Car
The movie, "Run Pony Run," centers around an incredible car, the Hyundai Pony II, customized for drift by none other than Nobutero ‘NOB’ Taniguchi. If you haven’t seen the film yet, it’s an absolute must-watch.
Fast forward a few weeks, and there I was, standing at the port of Seoul with Taniguchi and his beastly Hyundai Pony II drift car, wondering how this project came to life.
This ambitious endeavor was brought to life by Peaches, a lifestyle brand rooted in Korean car culture, which reimagined Korea’s iconic mass-produced vehicle with a thrilling twist. With Taniguchi at the wheel and the Pony II kitted out for drift, the project was nothing short of spectacular.
Reimagining an Icon
The Hyundai Pony holds a special place in Korean history as the country’s first mass-produced car, introduced in 1975. Originally featuring a naturally aspirated Mitsubishi four-cylinder engine, this revamped version sported a Theta II turbo engine from a Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T, amping up the horsepower to around 400. This transformation was the handiwork of Khyzyl Saleem, who infused the Group B rally-inspired design with a more aggressive and functional edge.
A Grueling Production Schedule
Peaches kicked off production late last year, with Taniguchi making several trips to Seoul for setup and test runs. Filming behind-the-scenes content gave me a unique perspective on the intricate process of piecing together this high-octane project. The first major location was a picturesque port an hour from central Seoul.
Port of Seoul: Kicking Off Production
The film opens with Taniguchi transported in a shipping container from Tokyo to Seoul. The first action sequence sees him leaping out of the harbor in the Hyundai Pony II. Unfortunately, technical issues arose on the first day, causing the car to lose significant power. Despite this, Taniguchi’s skill allowed him to use the car’s momentum effectively, enabling the crew to capture breathtaking shots.
Technical Marvel of the Pony II
Under the hood, the car featured a top-mounted turbo and pushrod damper setup, a testament to the sophisticated engineering behind its transformation. The bodywork enhancements, like the box fenders and the flared roof spoiler, modernized the Hyundai Pony II, making it look like a Group B rally car straight out of the 1980s.
Late-Night Shots and Set Exploration
Shooting continued late into the night, providing ample time for me to thoroughly inspect the car. The attention to detail was astonishing, from the exposed tube framing and roll cage reinforcements inside the cabin to the rear-mounted radiators and pushrod suspension layout.
Filming resumed as the team shot scenes of Taniguchi’s container arrival, including one memorable image of him sitting in a lounge chair, lit dramatically in the midnight darkness. Each scene was carefully orchestrated for maximum impact.
Old Seoul: Nostalgic Locations
The next day’s shoot took us to a hilltop spot in Seoul, evoking a nostalgic 1970s vibe. Here, Taniguchi encounters a child playing with a replica of the Hyundai Pony II, creating a touching narrative moment before diving back into action.
AMG Speedway: Finale Day
The third and final day of filming took place at the AMG Speedway, an hour outside of Seoul. With rigorous camera setups and plenty of track time, the team captured heart-pounding driving scenes. Taniguchi’s own documentation of the experience added a personal touch to the production.
Despite the tight schedule, the team managed to wrap up filming just in time for Taniguchi to head back to Japan for a race, while the car was prepped for its next adventure: Club de Ultrace 2024 in Poland.
Conclusion
From hill climbs in Italy to filming drift cars in South Korea, my automotive journey has been nothing short of exhilarating. Projects like these breathe new life into automotive culture, blending engineering marvels with cinematic storytelling. Here’s to hoping the next adventure is just around the corner.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
