Malaysia is quickly changing into one in every of Southeast Asia’s premier automobile tradition hotspots. I can safely say this, as I’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand over the previous decade.
Again in 2014, Asep, the organizer of Artwork of Pace, invited me to a brand new occasion he was placing on. Little did I do know then that it could 1.) develop into the nation’s largest automobile and motorbike competition, and a pair of.) that I’d be returning yr after yr.
But, right here I’m in 2024, bringing you all of the highlights of an occasion that has develop into synonymous with Malaysian automotive tradition. Whereas neighboring international locations like Indonesia and Thailand had an early begin in creating their distinctive modified and collectible automobile scenes, Malaysia rapidly caught up and is now charting its personal path.
If you happen to want proof, have a look at my 2014 Artwork of Pace occasion protection, after which scroll down by the years to see the evolution over 11 exhibits.
What stands out about Malaysian automobile fanatics is their capacity to attract world inspiration after which craft their distinctive kinds. They’re relentless of their pursuit of innovation, regularly perfecting their expertise and outcomes.
However what actually units Malaysia aside is its unimaginable selection. I imply, even at Tokyo Auto Salon, you gained’t discover this degree of variety – the place the previous is honored alongside the current. It’s not confined to Japanese or German automobiles; it’s a celebration of the whole lot.
At what different present are you able to stroll by a corridor and see an Alfa Romeo 164 Quadrifoglio on O.Z. Racing wheels…
…then an itasha-style kei truck…
…flip your head to see an over-fendered Suzuki Vitara with a snorkel…
…and find yourself drooling over a DTM-themed W201 Mercedes-Benz?
On the similar time, this selection makes it difficult to correctly cowl Artwork of Pace with out showcasing each automobile. Each fantastically crafted construct represents one thing particular in its personal proper.
That mentioned, I gave it a great crack by choosing some standout automobiles for this occasion protection story.
Let The Combine Start
Let’s begin with a singular combine – a decked-out Daihatsu Copen subsequent to a BMW E92 with a wild wide-body equipment and deep-dish wheels.
I even noticed this E36 M3.
It’s all the time cool to see native fashions getting customized therapy, like this Perodua, primarily a pickup model of a Daihatsu Mira.
The Honda scene continues to develop in Malaysia, now together with classics just like the late ’80s/early ’90s EF Civic.
Classic Japanese wagons all the time steal the present for me, particularly when it’s an ultra-rare Datsun Sunny California.
There are all the time surprises at Artwork of Pace, like this Toyota MR-S-based Modellista Caserta – one in every of solely 150 produced in 2000. The Caserta was a extra refined MR-S conversion, harking back to an ASL Garaya.
This yr, Asep and his crew invited some spectacular air-cooled 911s. The native traditional Porsche scene is one I’ve began exploring throughout my latest visits to Kuala Lumpur.
The 930 Turbo sported a Wangan racer look with a TBK-like entrance bumper and built-in projector lights, sitting low on two-piece mesh wheels.
Alongside was a singular 911 with a tube rear bumper harking back to a Safari construct. Take a look at the fabrication work on the customized titanium exhaust.
After which there was the just about fluorescent yellow flachbau – a legit RUF automobile with a full engine rework and two fashionable turbos on full present.
This EG6 Honda Civic construct, introduced over from Thailand, was probably the most excessive of its breed I’ve ever seen. Though I missed seeing the engine setup, the wild exterior blew me away.
The Again Wheels Bitches (BWB) crew showcased a tremendous show mixing kyusha type with a Malaysian twist.
They even had a Kenmeri on show – the primary C110 Nissan Skyline I’ve seen in Malaysia…
…and a cool camo FC3S Mazda RX-7 drop-top on BBS wheels.
As normal, I had the powerful job of nominating one automobile for the Speedhunters Award. Finally, I selected this super-clean Celica for its type, execution, and spectacular engine bay.
JDM & Extra
The most important a part of the present was devoted to fashionable traditional Japanese automobiles, beginning with this S13 Nissan Silvia that includes delicate widening and a shocking engine bay with severe wheel tubs.
The Nissan lineup additionally included the favored A31 Cefiro, a staple in Southeast Asia’s drift scene.
Not distant was a pristine BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R with a Nismo Sequence 1 entrance bumper, R-Tune carbon hood, and Nismo facet skirts for a whole Omori Manufacturing facility really feel. Different highlights included Nismo LMGT4 wheels, carbon risers for the rear wing, and Ganador carbon-look mirrors.
Additionally within the Nissan camp was this clear 180SX with clear headlight covers and a contemporary drift vibe.
I like seeing narrow-body R33 Skylines given the Pandem therapy, and this construct was a devoted duplicate of Jun Takahashi’s Hardcore Tokyo automobile. So cool!
It’s humbling to see Speedhunters followers nonetheless rocking previous merch, just like the katakana window banner. They’re so well-liked that I even noticed replicas on random automobiles round Kuala Lumpur, together with a taxi!
Take a look at this carbon-clad Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX – an iconic automobile in Malaysia – sporting RAYS Volk Racing TE37 SLs and an Infinite large brake equipment.
Persevering with with JDM – or GDM on this case – Nakai-san visited KL earlier than AOS, and this 997 Turbo Cabriolet was one in every of his builds. I even had the possibility to drive it contained in the venue throughout the occasion’s opening ceremony.
Whereas the 997 represents a contemporary tackle RWB type, there’s one thing uniquely particular about Nakai’s air-cooled builds. I’d love to listen to your ideas on the brand new RWB 997 conversion – let me know within the feedback part!
Honda Fest Malaysia had its personal stand, that includes two particular automobiles, the primary, this half-carbon Civic EK9 with a Ok-swap…
…and the second, a Mugen-themed S660, showcasing what an important entry-level sports activities automobile it was. Too dangerous Honda has discontinued it.
One other powerful Honda construct on the principle present ground was this EG6. It jogged my memory of some Civics I see at Tsukuba time assault occasions.
I’ve seen Lancer Evo III 4G63 engine-swapped Mitsubishi Mirages in Southeast Asia earlier than, and this circa-1993 coupe was no exception. One way or the other, it simply works!
I’ll wrap up with this Mooneyes Thailand-built Camaro, adorned with the long-lasting yellow-on-black livery that has outlined the corporate since Dean Moon opened his Santa Fe Springs fabrication store within the Nineteen Fifties.
I hope you loved the highlights from this yr’s present and received a way of the varied kinds that outline Malaysian automobile tradition. I’m already wanting ahead to Artwork of Pace 2025!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com
