Tuner Heaven: Basement Beats Trump Upstairs Automakers in Supras, Zs, and 911s

Car exhibitions, during your childhood years, serve as realms of awe and enchantment. You get to sit inside every car, scale Jeep Mountain—it’s like heaven for budding automotive aficionados. However, as time goes by, this allure starts fading away. The vehicles become seen as out-of-reach luxuries—too expensive or not practical enough—or even worse, completely inaccessible due to being locked up. Given that these cars will likely remain off-limits regardless, wouldn’t it be better if they were more intriguing rather than just another array of typical family SUVs? Why must everything look so standard?

Well, if you've ever wondered, here's your answer: They don't. In fact, the best cars at the New York International Auto Show are the furthest from stock — all those modified and personalized machines locked away in the Tuner Dungeon downstairs. If you're making your way to NYIAS this year, make sure to swing by the basement for the true stars of the show. Supras, RX-7s, Skylines, all the really interesting stuff is tucked away far from manufacturer eyes.

Consider this Supra, featuring its cherry blossom design along with the matching accessory. Observe how well it’s assembled, complete with its enormous spoiler and impressively broad side skirts. Will you argue that the Final Edition showcased above is more captivating? The one with its smudged matte coating? Come on now.

Or this pair of Truenos, both as perfectly clean as an AE86 can be. Even the engine bays are neat and tidy, without relying on plastic covers to hide the hoses and wiring away. Sure, neither is in as pretty a color as the GR86 on the main show floor, but does that one have yellow headlights?

Read more: Everrati's Electric Porsche 911 RSR Has Me Driving Into The Future With Open Arms

Look At Those Colors

The GR86 might boast an impressive shade of yellow, but take a gander at the lavender on this Evo. Capturing its true essence through photography can be challenging, particularly with auto show lights, yet it’s absolutely breathtaking when seen in person—it appears somewhat less blue in reality. If you happen to visit the auto show, it’s definitely worthwhile to make your way to the far rear section known as the tuner dungeon just to catch a glimpse of this stunning vehicle.

When discussing purple hues from 1990s Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) classics, one cannot overlook the Midnight Purple. This shade stands alone as an excellent choice, yet when combined with certain wheel designs, it becomes even more striking. The contrast created by satin white paired with touches of blue and neon chrome against this deeper, softer early version of the Midnight Purple makes for quite a compelling look.

Take a moment to appreciate the engine compartment of an A80 Supra. Observe those precise welds. Take in the meticulous engineering and craftsmanship needed to form this acute angle directly from the air intake. Everything here is made of titanium, because why use anything else? Why settle for less when you can have titanium?

A Blend of Traditional and Modern

We're entering an era of American history that features the R34 Skyline GT-R, which is a personal dream car for me. It’s fascinating to contrast it alongside its successor and consider what the GT-R designation represents independent of its association with the Skyline platform. Choosing between these two could really come down to a difficult decision.

Put July on your schedule; it'll arrive faster than you think. I have never attended a 7/11 Day event—honestly, I wasn’t aware New York observed it—but now I’m eager to change that. I’ve got to witness this for myself in its genuine setting.

Leaving the finest for the conclusion, this particular Porsche is not quite built yet. However, by the time theAuto Show wraps up, it certainlywill be—a trueRW B. Mr. Nakai will personally attend the event at theJavits Centerfor a couple of days during this period. April 23 and 24 By the time these transformations conclude, this burgundy-colored Porsche will have earned its own distinct name and personality. Would you like to witness it? If you happen to be in New York, make sure to stop by.

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