Falling in love with the 4-ring tail lights
The “RAYS Fan Meeting” held at Fuji Speedway was filled with cars and owners wearing new and old RAYS wheels from all over Japan in 2024. Among the approximately 700 cars that participated in the event, we would like to introduce a rare red-colored Nissan R33 “Skyline GT-R”.
Love at first sight of the Super Clear Red II!
The Super Clear Red II body that he fell in love with at first sight was fitted with an AutoSelect devil spoiler and a Garage Defend canard in the front. In the rear, a high-mount stay is attached to the factory wing, and a two-tiered GT wing is installed to create a powerful downforce and a powerful visual effect. Mr. Kawachi’s Nissan BCNR33 “Skyline GT-R” stood out at the event, and although he does not drive on the race track, he loves its sporty image.
He used to drive a Subaru “Legacy,” but he fell in love with the sight of the four rings and the BCNR33 moving away from him when he accelerated from a stoplight, and that is when he got hooked. The day his Legacy broke down, he happened to visit a used car store and came across the R33 GT-R that he now loves, although he says he liked the midnight purple color, he fell in love at first sight with the Super Clear Red II he saw in person for the first time.
The wheels are VOLK RACING GTC (11J x 19 IN9) with impressive deep rims. 19-inch wheels were installed so as not to overpower the large body. The gold calipers visible from the thicker 5-spoke wheels are for the R35 GT-R, and are paired with RDD ø355mm rotors. The engine itself is stock, but has been strengthened with a turbine and camshaft change and is currently rated at 500 hp.
The engine sound and overflowing exuberance are exceptional!
“At first, I had no intention of modifying the car this much,” said Mr. Kawachi, but as he went to his doctor’s store, “Autobahn” in Ibaraki Prefecture, he was inspired by the GT-R owners who visited the store and, not to be outdone by his friends, he continued to customize the car to reach its current state. And as he shared his time with them, he also became a member of the GT-R community. As they shared their time, the GT-R also became a special part of their lives.
“I can’t say enough about the GT-R’s appeal. Not only is it visually appealing, but the sound of the RB26DETT engine and the sense of exhilaration that overflows whenever the car is driven is exceptional. Also, I have connected with many people through the GT-R and it has enriched my life. I met my current girlfriend through the GT-R.”
Having friends who love the same car and encourage each other is an essential part of owning an old car for a long time. Even hardships can be overcome with friends. Eleven years after purchasing the car, the odometer has traveled 50,000 km and now reads 260,000 km. He has a major engine refresh coming up, but he is determined to keep it with him for the rest of his life.
“At first I didn’t think I would continue to drive it for such a long time, but I am very happy to have found a car that I can love so single-mindedly.
Once you drive it, you can’t let it go; the GT-R is a car that makes you feel that way.