Super Autobacs

Another must do JDM experience for me in Japan was to hit up the famed ‘Super Autobacs’ – an automotive store of a different kind! In case you were wondering AUTOBACS stands for: Appeal, Unique, Tire, Oil, Battery, Accessory, Car electronics, Service! Technically the ‘Super’ part is no longer part of the name for the store we visited either but that’s semantics, let’s get into the good stuff!

We went to the store known as ‘A Pit Autobacs Shinonome’ located on Tokyo Bay, not too far from some of our earlier stops that day (Tatsumi PA and Omori Factory – again thanks to Grand Touring for those). This is the flagship store and the intention was to create a point of difference that would steer customers in store as opposed to buying online. They put up a strong argument as you will see…

*We also came back a second time so you will see a mix of day and night images in this article!*

First of all was finding a park and the car park gives you an idea this is no normal auto parts store!

There was a sign at the front door saying no cameras so I respected that by not using mine, that said, it seemed everyone in there was using their phone cameras and the staff didn’t seem to have any issues with that so I got mine out!

Starting on the ground floor (after you finally get past the car park!) is the workshop area. Here you can pick up new tyres or book your car in for a full service! Of course you can watch the mechanics at work from inside!

How cool is this woody wagon! Take note of the number of working bays…

As expected there were plenty of serious JDM cars in for work. This might just look like a brightly coloured MX5 and it is – but it is bright for a reason! It is one of 3000 limited edition 30th Anniversary models in the world…

Keeping the MX5 theme going, this is one where I need the MX5 aficionados help! I am sure this is a limited edition but Google isn’t helping…. any ideas?

Heading up to level 2, one of the first products to greet you is the range of books, magazines and manuals present. I picked up a few magazines including the latest GT-R magazine you see here.

There is actually a full blown Starbucks in the middle of the store if you want to read your new purchase immediately or you are waiting on your car and want a refreshment!

Can you try the scent of an air freshener before you buy it online? Here you can – see the tester bottles!

I had to hold back from purchasing this power bank…

The second floor also held a range of other ‘regular’ products, including non car items that are more ‘lifestyle’ related – think camping accessories, etc.

Heading up stairs to level 3 is where the really exciting stuff is kept! There are not many places where you can pick up a full Endless brake set… as well suspension, turbos, seats, wheels, etc. they have a huge range in stock and on display!

There is also a simulator that Autobacs members can use for a fee.

I am not aware of any stores in Australia with a range like this!

I think by now you get the point! Good to see the Aussie Super Pro bushes, etc on the shelf.

So after stocking up on a few little bits and pieces it was time to head off… not before we had to go back through the car park though! As we paid for our goods I noticed the BBS Wheels display, it showed you the process they undertake to make their wheels.

Presumably starting with the block of alloy and going through the process left to right – Forging, Spinning, Lathe, etc. (in case you couldn’t figure it out!).

Before you end up with something like this.

So we finally made it out of the store…

This Stagea had some Anime to give it a different look!

This beautiful 32 was in the workshop on the way out.

One of the most popular features at the store are the wash bays, this was a 50th Anniversary GT-R that had literally only just been released! The plate hints to this as well…

Another tick on the list, if you ever get the chance to visit an Autobacs (they have over 500 stores) it is well worth it!