V-Spec Performance Open Day

There is no doubt that V-Spec Performance houses one of the best collections of GTRs in the world. After seeing some of the cars that have come out for open days over the past few years, it was a no brainer to attend the 2019 version! It was a big day, read on as you join me for the event…

V-Spec is located in Melbourne, Australia which meant either a 800km drive or a 50 minute flight… whilst the drive was considered we ended up flying. We being 2PJZ and myself, after GTR Festival earlier this year Pat was keen to head over for more GTR/JDM goodness, so our day started with a early check in to the airport.

That is the sun coming up not going down…

Once we arrived in Melbourne we had a bit of time before the open day itself, fortunately Melbourne is not short of car related activities. So we grabbed the bus from the airport and headed off to our first destination…

All week the weather report looked like we were in for typical Melbourne weather: wet & cold! Our bus trip in wasn’t inspiring much confidence.

We arrived at our first stop – Dutton Garage, I had never been before but have seen enough of their social media pics to know they have some serious machinery in their dealership.

Walking through the doors was not a disappointment!

One of 50 road going Maserati MC12s, there was some truly next level exotics on the floor. I can only imagine what was hidden away in the private levels…

After such an early start by this point we were quite hungry, fortunately Duttons has a cafe in house! Good food sat among beautiful cars? Sign me up!

Of course I managed to find some JDM goodness, NSXs are a rare sight any day of the week.

By now the weather had cleared up and our friend @ns_images had arrived to kindly take us to V-Spec. Before then we had another stop to make… There just happened to be a Porsche owners meet on and so off we went!

Not exactly what I was expecting to see…. rally much?

No surprise there were plenty of Porsche’s parked around the event. Turbos appear to be one of the best all rounders in the 911 range, AWD & over 500hp combined with plenty of creature comforts. Their price tag is right up there though which means they remain a relatively rare sight on the roads.

By now we were ready to see the main event so off we went to a non descript area of Melbourne that just happens to be home to V-Spec.

Fortunately we were able to get into the workshop before the general public started arriving, this allowed us to say hi to some familiar faces (& some new ones!) before a bit of quality time with some of the cars set up for the day. On display was a mix of shop cars as well and friends/customers, let’s have a look at these:

Probably the most infamous car in the collection, Z Tune #15 resprayed in Midnight Purple. This was set up in the middle of the workshop next to the matching 400R.

400R #7 – you may have seen this car was recently for sale. Unfortunately it is likely this is the last time we will see this car in Australia for quite some time…

The love it or hate it interior of the Z Tune… this car being returned to ‘stock’ condition after the previous owner customised it himself.

There were other cars in the workshop – this M Spec Nur with R1 engine previously wore a full carbon Z Tune front end, which has since been sold, so for now the originals have been fitted back on.

In-fact, there were plenty of special bits and pieces dotted around the workshop.

2009 Fine Spec engine getting ready to go into a fully built R32 GTR.

While there were a lot of Skylines (and BNR34s at that!) it wasn’t all Nissans! Well actually, apart from this RX7, it was all Nissans in the workshop…

Back to regular GTR programming! Left or right? If you are interested and find 350k burning a hole in your pocket one of these can be yours.

Talking of Mines’ cars, this is 1 of 3 N1 GTRs built as little brothers of the legendary track car we saw in Japan at Rs Meeting.

Whilst it was born and created in Japan this car was actually sourced from Germany believe it or not! With its honed performance and focused ability it is the owners favourite car.

Moving through the workshop we spot another ex V-Spec car, this time a Tommy Kaira R34 RZ.

Next to it was one of the newest acquisitions for V-Spec but one of the oldest cars – a Hakosuka.

Next we move to HKS corner, here we see a fully built 2.8L Stage 3 HKS car.

Next to it was one of four HKS Zero R cars. These are interesting, fitted with the full HKS catalogue but the high mounted fuel tank (where the rear seats previously were) seems a step away from pure performance & more of a grand tourer?!

The cars inside were certainly amazing but we were keen to see the cars which everyone arrived in. Furthermore we wanted to catch up with some friends and put some faces to Instagram handles! By now the weather had fined up, the coffee was flying, there were hot dogs on offer and everyone was having a good time.

There were a few exotics stationed just outside of the workshop and to be honest I didn’t even take a photo with my camera (this came off my phone). As I said recently to a friend, I know exactly what I like, whilst I appreciate exotics it is GTRs and JDM that makes my heart beat true!

Cars started rolling in and we weren’t dissapointed…

Immediately as this gentleman arrived the ‘Honda crew have arrived’ jokes started coming out!

Of course it wasn’t all Nissans, another RX7 joined us on the day, this featured the quintessential Aussie wheel – Simmons.

Enkei wheels and yellow paint, a great combination in my eyes.

Talking of Hondas, this Type R wore a lovely pair of silver TE37s. TE refering to ‘Touring Evolution’ and 37 representing 3.7kg, the weight of the first wheels way back in 1996!

Speaking of TEs I really liked this set, the grey working really well with the classic Bayside Blue.

In-fact, this car reminded me of how nice a simply styled car can look. Much like my car it features TEs, no side skirts and a traditional style exhaust.

A photo I didn’t get but would have been great to tell the story was a one of the crowds who were coming and going all afternoon. Having a enjoyable time talking cars as different model after each other rolled on past.

‘Cruisin down the street in my 64…’ I make no reservations for saying I like a good low rider. Whilst not knowing much about them this car was cool to see.

The boys in blue came to make sure we were all behaving ourselves – which we were so full marks to drivers & spectators in that regard.

This impressive car is host to a large range of special parts, with the owner being a bona fide GTR enthusiast. Think 2.8L VCam equipped rocket – the Mines side mirrors really being the icing on the cake for the owner.

Later in the day a group of exotic owners arrived.

Look at the heat coming out of the rear mounted engine. There is certainly a lot going on with the design of the new Lamborghinis.

Whilst I definitely appreciate them they’re not something I lust over like I did when I was younger.

My favourite car of the day? Probably this yellow R33 GTR…

I have fallen back in love with yellow cars after moving away from them for a while. Obviously not a factory colour, this combined with what appeared to be some quality parts, was enough for me.

It actually got hard to find a park close to the workshop with so many people in attendance.

There were great cars everywhere, this well modded 32 being one of Pat’s favourite rides. Looking at the plate makes you wonder if the owner is a professor?

All I know is it had plenty of great details.

Talking of detail, there was certainly some nice surprises under bonnets!

I’ve really come to like the Reimax intake (& parts in general). I put this down to being exposed to their popularity in Japan, we don’t see many of their products here in Australia. A friend recently got a full exhaust for his 33, a work of art. Also in this shot, note the openings in the carbon cooling panel to allow air to enter the intake, something overlooked on many panels!

One of the older cars on the day but one of the cooler cars!

I can’t say I have seen many ‘VIP Style’ Jaguars in my time, this had a big sub and TV set up in the boot.

Parked next to the Jag was what appeared to be a static Toyota/Lexus Celsior/LS – I have seen this car on social media but was not expecting to see it in person. There was a great mix of cars which really made the event an overall success.

Something hard parked of a different variety!

There were cars hidden away everywhere and constantly changing as we walked laps of the area.

And walking we did! It was a busy day for us as we made the most of our time.

The blue on the 35s is one of my favourite colours.

The last photo I took on the day was of this new Supra. Yes it is wearing plates ‘JAPBMW’ but as much anguish this has caused people online I am glad we have the new Supra. More car options is always a good thing!

I am going to wrap it up there, I will have to do a part 2 as I have plenty more images to share! Whilst it was great to see the impressive collection, what really made the day enjoyable was all the people that came out and spent a few hours talking, inspecting and breathing cars! A big thanks to the team at V-Spec for throwing open their doors as well.

Ps I plan to keep sharing content on my Instagram @kurosorablog if you are on there I would appreciate a follow! Thanks.