South Australia’s premier, no-frills car show dedicated to species from the Land of the Rising Sun was held once again at Wrigley Reserve in Glenelg. All Japan Day (AJD), which celebrated its 10th birthday this year, saw approximately 530 cars peacefully enjoying the party, with plenty more parked outside the vicinity, eager to celebrate the occasion. If you’ve forgotten or would like a history 101 on the event’s origins, be sure to check out last year’s event post for a refresher. As per the charity traditions of AJD each year, a kind $6,000+ was raised on the day and generously donated to the Novita organisation.
For 2017’s event, AJD once again showcased nothing but diverse quality. The field was varied, allowing attendees to admire and appreciate all things motoring with a Japanese flavour. Everything from stock modern-classic JDM heroes, hard-tuned street cars, drift-spec warriors, time-attack monsters, classic nostalgia and everything in between were proudly on display, along with their passionate owners. Passionate they were, as the majority of the field probably sacrificed their entire Saturday (the day before AJD 2017) to washing, claying, paint-correcting and waxing their pride and joy, ready for game day on Sunday. Almost all of the cars were spotless.
The execution of this Chaser JZX100 was impeccable. When ingredients such as Origin, Weds, Cusco, Bride, Takata, Nardi and Defi are cooked up, the J-style aroma is instantly recognisable. An immaculate Japanese saloon drifter.
The Nissan Silvia was sold locally in Australia as the 200SX and were available in S14 and S15 guise, while the S13 and early model year S15s were predominately grey imports. They still remain extremely popular in South Australia due to their bang for buck performance and wide range of aftermarket support.
Previously, a common style for drift-cars in Japan was to have glittery and shimmering resprays but this trend seems to be on the decline. It was pleasing to see the 8th-generation Toyota Crown below proclaiming this style of paint-job.
Adelaide is exceptionally fortunate to be home to numerous stunning examples of the Skyline GT-R, including one of AJD organisers, Kristian "Iron Chef" Appelt’s BNR34 V.Spec II N1/R1 combo.
Renown automotive engineer and designer, Yukihiko Yaguchi, was responsible for the development of a few Toyota heroes, including the Chaser and all four generations of the legendary Supra. After the termination of the Supra, Yaguchi-san worked on a prototype sedan with the Supra’s engine and suspension. This project would later evolve into the beastly 5-litre, V8 powered, 311kw/505nm rear-wheel drive Lexus IS F. The IS F is not a common sight in Adelaide so it was gratifying that there was an Obsidian Black example on display at AJD 2017.
Another masterpiece to have come out of GU Auto Concepts’ studio, the flawlessly presented Rocket Bunny S14a below is the only one of its kind in Adelaide.
It’s welcoming to see Adelaide’s Japanese car-scene supporting the mental health community. The "R.I.P. drift_pig13" decal continues to adorn many cars, while the Cars For Hope movement is starting to gain traction locally.
Michael Busby’s HKS livery themed RX-7 FC3S which took out last year’s Classic Adelaide "Classic Outright" category, was relaxing amongst fellow race-cars.
Japanese cars were littered throughout the verdant Wigley Reserve lawn, all soaking in the vibrant deep blue skies and enjoying the warm radiant sun.
Similarly to Tokyo Auto Salon, the car parks surrounding Wigley Reserve are usually worth wondering over to as there are always lots of gems to be found.
AJD 2017’s formula was unaltered from previous years, resulting in another consistent and successful event. However, getting too comfortable in life is never a good thing. With the 10th AJD event done and dusted, the organisation committee will be giving next year’s event a face-lift in the form of a 2-day weekend event. The exact format is still on the table but with a double-dose of beautiful Japanese cars to salivate over, what’s not to look forward to?
