FYI: Kuala Lumpur’s decommissioned military airbase turned into a hotspot for Speedfest 2024, attracting over a thousand modified Japanese cars and enthusiasts from around the globe.
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### The Grand Takeover of KL Air Base
As the sweltering heat and humidity of Kuala Lumpur took hold, automotive enthusiasts wondered—would Speedfest 2024 manage to fill the expansive, decommissioned military airbase with enough modified Japanese cars to create a memorable event?
### A Unique Backdrop
Kuala Lumpur Air Base, nestled in the heart of Malaysia’s bustling capital, provided an intriguing backdrop for Speedfest 2024. Locals pointed out that this vacant airbase is slated for redevelopment, positioning the festival as a potentially unique, one-time-only event in this extraordinary setting.
### An Iconic Setting
Upon arrival, the scene was reminiscent of a high-octane movie set. Endless rows of pavilions brimming with cars, coupled with hundreds of vividly fluttering banners, provided a spectacular contrast against one of the world’s most impressive skylines.
### Rugged Charm Meets Automotive Excellence
The airbase’s rugged, almost post-apocalyptic atmosphere perfectly complemented Speedfest’s grand vision. This setting proved ideal for showcasing Malaysia’s automotive culture, where enthusiasts brought out everything from meticulously restored classics to cutting-edge supercars.
### Community and Enthusiasm
Despite the unyielding heat and humidity, the crowd’s enthusiasm remained palpable, reflecting the passion that drives Malaysia’s vibrant car culture. The sprawling expanse of the airbase accommodated drag racing on long runways, while vast hangars displayed some of the nation’s finest automobiles.
### A Gathering of Legends
The event was further elevated by the presence of esteemed guests from Japan’s car scene. It offered a rare opportunity for attendees to interact with legends of the Japanese hot rod world, usually seen only at exclusive events like the Tokyo Auto Salon.
#### Distinguished Guests
Notable figures included Daijiro Inada, founder of Option magazine and Tokyo Auto Salon, who has significantly shaped global car culture. Also in attendance was Masaharu Inoue of Star-Road, known for his exceptional restomods of classic Japanese cars like the Datsun Z-series. Additionally, Sakamura-san from Garage Active made a notable impact, especially with his all-carbon R32 Skyline GT-R, capturing the admiration of many local enthusiasts.
### Overwhelming Participation
The event saw over 1,000 cars participating across various stages, including show, drift, and drag, not to mention the countless modified vehicles showcased in the spectator parking lot. The festival attracted over 50,000 visitors from regions including Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Brunei, Thailand, and even the UK.
### Inside the Hangar
Within the massive hangar, the sensory overload continued with numerous highlights to capture any car enthusiast’s attention.
#### RWB Contingent
The impressive turnout included eight RWB cars, an assembly rivalling Nakai-san’s notable RWB New Year Hard Rock Tokyo party in 2018. Notably, Malaysia’s latest wide-bodied addition, a custom-built 997, concluded Nakai-san’s six-car Mega Build-A-Thon.
#### Diverse Display
The hangar was a treasure trove of automotive marvels, housing restored modern classics, European supercars, and specialized competition vehicles. Noteworthy contributors included CraftLab, presenting replicas of iconic rally cars like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III and the Toyota Celica GT-Four.
### Unexpected Highlights
A unique addition that drew considerable attention was the brick-built hotrod, constructed mainly out of Lego-style bricks. This was a hit among attendees, further enlivening the diverse automotive showcase.
#### Custom Masterpieces
Some cars at the event featured bold customizations like Kevin Lim’s Honda Prelude with a fully bespoke carbon fiber body kit and cabin, alongside performance enhancements such as a powerful Garrett turbo, pushing the H22A engine’s output to an impressive 300 horsepower.
### Conclusion
Speedfest 2024 at Kuala Lumpur Air Base wasn’t just an event; it was a testament to the global unity and shared passion for automotive culture. The festival’s success lies not just in the sheer number of cars and visitors but in the shared enthusiasm that fuelled this remarkable gathering.
Donald Smith
Editor of Automotive.fyi
For more insights and updates, reach out to us at tips@automotive.fyi, or on Twitter @automotivefyi.
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