As a massive show from the west coast, we had exceptionally high expectations for Autocon. For this blog post, we decided to discuss some of the novel ideas that Autocon was able to bring to the east and try to provide some insight from the standpoint of local long-time enthusiasts.
What if we didn’t use profit as a unit of measure for the success of car show? What if we used a different measure? If we used happiness and enjoyment through camaraderie as a unit of measure, then Autocon was a success. It took a status update of a local car friend, Erin to helped me rethink my initial perception of Autocon and the meaning of success. By his measure, Autocon was a complete success in helping to bring a community of like minded individuals together for the sole purpose of reiterating our passion for cars. The show could have benefited from a commitment from locals and multiple crews that have consistently made an impact within the local community. For next year, if they decide to revisit our community, we’d love to be involved.
Like many local shows, we almost always start our days early. Seeing these cars on the highway, in an environment, the car was built for provides an element many don’t see. This is one of the reasons we often hold our events where driving is the focus. We met up with some usual suspects including Nawshin, Anil and Zee.
On the highway, these cars transformed into low-slung machines, all creations of their respective owners and visionaries.
We met with the usual veterans from Ravspec, a local source of JDM goods which have become the epicenter of anything JDM within the tristate area.
Then you have Tough Club, looking tough.
Roll-in was short but filled with notable quality rides, many of whom you have seen during Street Icons.
Bobby looking fresh as always with a plethora of R34 Nismo rare bits.
Chris with the OG concave face TE37 on his lime green metallic NSX. Often NSX spec TE’s have flat fronts but clearly, Chris sought out these aggressive TE’s
Ted with the Competition Yellow Mica FD.
Shyam with the Phoenix Yellow USDM DC2 with the JDM front and RX seats. TE’s are popular because it works for all platforms.
Loved this BNR34. One thing about the East Coast is the numbers for GTRs that are hidden in our garages.
One of the first teams you noticed during setup was Team Emotion.
Front and Center was Galen’s 370Z from Canada but built in California by Bulletproof Performance. This is a true international show car being in multiple countries for a wide range of shows.
Will from WD Ultimate has an affinity for Rocket Bunny kits and apparent from his many builds, widebody is a central part of his builds. Personally, I don’t think I could cut into a modern classic.
Willy with his classic Fairlady.
These two white S2000’s owned by Ray and Minde are beautiful. And while these two may look similar, it can’t be any more different. Which do you prefer?
One of our favorite cars was Aum’s SC with the BN Sports Soarer Type II kit.
Seen in multiple shows as well as SEMA, Phil brought out his RE FD3S with a new set of Work Meister S1 wheels with blue faces furnished by Ravspec. While typically orange and blue isn’t often a combination (unless you are a Knicks fan) we thought it worked really well.
Our friend, Marby getting a bit of limelight during a quick interview. He just did a revamp of his NA1 NSX with the blue wrap and OG Bronze NSX spec TE37s.
Tough Club with their line up.
Danny with the Amuse front and fashion gray and Paolo with some vinylwork paying homage to Tsuchiya’s old AE86.
Sadly, there were just a handful of car done in the VIP tradition. Liberty VIP came with the GS and LS you saw earlier on the highway.
Hondas will always be a staple within 90’s Japanese car modding focused on street spec styling and performance.
Our friend from Boston drove to display his super clean FD.
Erin with his new Max Racing front.
Tucked all the way in the back was this Voltex 350z which clearly belongs on a high angle track. We loved what the owner did with this race specific build. It’s not surprising that Touge Factory was involved.
Lastly, Nawshin with his new CE28SL setup.
One aspect of the show that Edwin and I both really enjoyed was the stage where the car builder was interviewed by RJ deVera, you know that guy playing Playstation in the white Civic in the first Fast and Furious.
We are looking forward to the growth of Autocon for next year. With anything inaugural, there will be some growing pains. Looking back to when Edwin and I did a car show of our own while we were a part of a different media group, we absolutely dreaded the days leading up to the show. Once the day of the show came, we were swamped with responsibility. Big up to Autocon for doing what others won’t and reinventing a car show.
