Malaysia is quickly changing into one in every of Southeast Asia’s premier automotive 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 Velocity, invited me to a brand new occasion he was placing on. Little did I do know then that it could 1.) grow to be the nation’s largest automotive and motorbike pageant, and a pair of.) that I’d be returning 12 months after 12 months.
But, right here I’m in 2024, bringing you all of the highlights of an occasion that has grow to be synonymous with Malaysian automotive tradition. Whereas neighboring international locations like Indonesia and Thailand had an early begin in creating their distinctive modified and collectible automotive scenes, Malaysia shortly caught up and is now charting its personal path.
When you want proof, take a look at my 2014 Artwork of Velocity occasion protection, after which scroll down via the years to see the evolution over 11 exhibits.
What stands out about Malaysian automotive fanatics is their skill to attract international inspiration after which craft their distinctive types. They’re relentless of their pursuit of innovation, regularly perfecting their abilities and outcomes.
However what really units Malaysia aside is its unbelievable selection. I imply, even at Tokyo Auto Salon, you gained’t discover this degree of range – the place the previous is honored alongside the current. It’s not confined to Japanese or German automobiles; it’s a celebration of every part.
At what different present are you able to stroll via 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 Velocity with out showcasing each automotive. Each fantastically crafted construct represents one thing particular in its personal proper.
That stated, I gave it a very good 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 remedy, like this Perodua, basically 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 Velocity, 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, paying homage to an ASL Garaya.
This 12 months, Asep and his workforce invited some spectacular air-cooled 911s. The native basic 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 paying homage 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 automotive 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 an incredible 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 ordinary, I had the powerful job of nominating one automotive 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 basic Japanese automobiles, beginning with this S13 Nissan Silvia that includes delicate widening and a shocking engine bay with critical wheel tubs.
The Nissan lineup additionally included the favored A31 Cefiro, a staple in Southeast Asia’s drift scene.
Not far-off was a pristine BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R with a Nismo Collection 1 entrance bumper, R-Tune carbon hood, and Nismo aspect skirts for a whole Omori Manufacturing unit 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 remedy, and this construct was a devoted reproduction of Jun Takahashi’s Hardcore Tokyo automotive. So cool!
It’s humbling to see Speedhunters followers nonetheless rocking outdated merch, just like the katakana window banner. They’re so in style 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 automotive in Malaysia – sporting RAYS Volk Racing TE37 SLs and an Infinite huge 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 through 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 Okay-swap…
…and the second, a Mugen-themed S660, showcasing what an amazing entry-level sports activities automotive it was. Too dangerous Honda has discontinued it.
One other powerful Honda construct on the primary present flooring 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. Someway, 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 12 months’s present and acquired a way of the varied types that outline Malaysian automotive tradition. I’m already trying ahead to Artwork of Velocity 2025!
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
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