One other yr of Tokyo Auto Salon means one other spherical of scouring the depths of the Makuhari Messe automotive parks – the unofficial TAS automotive meet.
TAS reigns supreme as the head occasion of Japanese automotive tradition, drawing over 200,000 guests to the Chiba conference centre yearly. With that type of foot visitors, it’s no shock that the automotive parks disguise some actual gems. So, let’s check out what I discovered throughout my Friday go to to Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.
Proper close to the doorway, I used to be greeted by this – guerrilla advertising at its most interesting. And it labored. Somebody has taken it upon themselves to ‘repair’ the G87 M2, addressing the overly adventurous entrance grille design with a extra conventional BMW look. If I needed to guess who’s behind this, it could be ADRO, a Korean-based physique equipment firm making waves within the BMW aftermarket world. That they had a large sales space inside TAS, so dropping one other automotive within the automotive park simply is sensible. I’m to see if I’m right, and in that case, hopefully, a rear bumper redesign is within the works too.
A bit additional alongside, Dino and I parked our automobiles, sandwiching this FL5 Honda Civic Sort R.
One additional spot alongside, one other blue FL5 sat subsequent to what you could possibly take into account its European rival, an Audi RS 3 in an identical shade.
Very like the present, there was no scarcity of stance within the automotive parks, with all the pieces from vans to GT-Rs sitting on the pavement.
It’s additionally value noting that stance right here in Japan doesn’t simply imply a set of wheels and baggage. House owners all the time go the additional mile to construct an entire automotive. Take a look at the large Brembo brakes on this Lexus, for instance.
It was arduous to overlook this Mitsuoka Orochi, taking over two parking spots. The Orochi is a kind of quirky early-2000s Japanese creations which might be usually neglected. Powered by a 3.3L Toyota V6, you could possibly name it another tackle the Honda NSX method.
Subsequent to it, occupying only one area, was a pristine Nissan Sil80 (Silvia-faced 180SX), sitting on SSR mesh wheels and sporting a traditional B-Wave wing – an genuine nod to ’90s Japanese road drift tradition.
Mazda RX-7s appeared to dominate the automotive park, with FCs and FDs just about in every single place you regarded. Listed here are just some of those I noticed.
There have been loads of Porsche scattered across the place too, together with this stunning blue 993.
AE86s got here in all shapes and kinds. It was nice to see an FK’s Manufacturing facility Trueno hatch out within the wild. FK is well-known for its distinctive builds and liveries, and this one isn’t any exception.
Nissan’s presence within the automotive parks was nearly stronger than at its sales space contained in the Makuhari Messe. GT-Rs and Silvias from each era crammed the areas, with no scarcity of selection.
Entrance and centre – and certain one of many first automobiles to reach at TAS – was this stunning Datsun 510 1600 SSS on Hayashi Racing wheels.
There have been a couple of Honda NSXs that retained their manufacturing unit aesthetic – for probably the most half.
RE Amemiya made its presence felt each contained in the present and outdoors within the automotive parks with this Mazda RX-8.
It was good to see a wonderfully completed 180SX Sort-X sitting fairly on RAYS Gram Lights wheels.
Staying on the Nissan theme, this C10 Skyline GT-X was attracting loads of consideration as crowds ushered by.
Then, there was this JZ-powered Toyota duo. Seeing a Toyota Chaser and a Supra facet by facet highlighted simply how comparable their sizes and proportions are – the ‘four-door Supra’ nickname appears fairly spot on.
Many readers will recognise John’s Toyota Corona GT. After a yr of drifting, he’s has handled his AT141 to some new bodywork and paint, and it’s actually wanting the half.
Becoming a member of John was an NA2 Honda NSX-R – a uncommon sight out within the wild. That’s no shock given their exorbitant worth tags nowadays.
One attendee was so keen to begin tinkering with the elements he’d picked up contained in the present that he couldn’t even wait till he received dwelling to start becoming them!
Right here’s a polarising combo for you: a track-focused FD Mazda RX-7 paired with a Fabulous-built Honda StepWagon. I’ve seen this van earlier than, and it’s as wild as they arrive with scissor doorways and an enormous sound system.
Liberty Stroll made its mark on the automotive parks, too. A full-kitted Lamborghini Aventador, together with Huracán and a Lexus LC, all sporting Liberty Stroll branding, turned heads and stopped visitors.
I wasn’t the one one admiring the treasures of the automotive parks. Any seasoned TAS attendee is aware of that the present really begins earlier than you even enter the gates.
Very like every other Japanese automotive occasion, the automotive parks provide a real perception into Japanese automotive tradition. Whereas TAS showcases the glitz and glamour of Japanese automotive life, you may’t have one with out the opposite. For that purpose, if you happen to ever attend Tokyo Auto Salon, I extremely advocate dedicating not less than half your day to cruising across the numerous automotive parks. You by no means know what you’ll discover.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
