FYI: Unearthing Japan’s Hidden Automotive Gem – UP Garage and the Fascinating Journey of a Car Enthusiast
In the dynamic landscape of Japan, car enthusiasts encounter a tantalizing web of automotive intrigue. Among this fascination thrives a gem for JDM aficionados: UP Garage. A beacon in vibrant yellows, blues, and reds, UP Garage provides an experience akin to wandering into an embodiment of eBay Motors back in its golden days—circa 2008—when treasure hunts for automotive bargains were a thrilling reality.
A Treasure Trove for JDM Enthusiasts
UP Garage is not your run-of-the-mill auto parts store. With an inventory exclusively of used items—whether wheels, bumpers, or exhaust systems—each visit can feel like exploring a treasure chest. Each location offers a unique inventory, ensuring that even a brief visit can result in discovering rare parts at a fraction of their original prices.
Beyond the Basics: Customization for the Brave
While places like UP Garage provide affordable ways to modify car models like the Toyota 86 or Honda Civic, some enthusiasts crave more than simplicity. Enter Kazumahara, a dedicated tuner seeking personal automotive challenges. As he eloquently puts it, “You can’t stand out by using the same car and parts as everyone else.”
Honda’s Hidden Jewel: The JW3 Honda Today
Kazumahara’s choice is as distinctive as it is compelling—a JW3 Honda Today. With resemblance to a compact Civic, this kei car from the ‘80s and ‘90s showcases Honda’s flair for crafting efficient vehicles under Japan’s strict minicar regulations. Weighing just 650 kg and powered by a 660cc engine, these cars prove perfect for refining racing skills.
Crafting Automotive Art: From Racing Roots to Unique Builds
Kazumahara’s journey began at fifteen, racing a JW3 chassis. These cars, affordable and light, became his canvas for time attack racing—a pursuit where precision over speed reigns supreme. Over time, his intimate knowledge of the JW3 translated into crafting a daily driver that echoed his racing ethos.
A DIY Approach to Performance Enhancement
Venturing beyond mainstream modifications, Kazumahara tapped into his knowledge to incorporate performance parts like the E07A M-TREC Beat engine. This entailed boosting displacement to 700cc and integrating a JB1 Honda 4-speed manual transmission for optimal gear ratios. The result? Enhanced throttle response from three Keihin FCR carburetors and an SS Works exhaust system complement the engine’s roar.
Customization Meets Creativity: Innovative Interior and Exterior
Inside, Kazumahara retains the car’s racing spirit with stripped interiors and a bespoke roll cage. Personal touches like a sienna bucket seat and classic stack gauge maintain the vehicle’s authentic racing atmosphere. Externally, he channels inspiration from the KOOL JACCS Honda Accord of the 1997 JTCC era, crafting a uniquely painted finish adorned with custom stickers.
Building Identity Through Automotive Craftsmanship
Kazumahara’s dedication to his JW3 Honda Today emphasizes the joy of creating a one-of-a-kind vehicle. While Civic and Integra offer quick builds, it is the uniqueness and deep involvement in his project that provide Kazumahara with unparalleled satisfaction.
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— Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
