Although the DAMD Jimnys were among the most intriguing and visually appealing customs at TAS, if you’re seeking something genuinely wild, direct your attention to the booth featuring cars from NATS, also known as the Nihon Automotive Technology School.
Each year, graduating students showcase their final year projects at the Auto Salon, and truth be told, the quality appears to improve with each successive year.
This year, one of the intriguing exhibits was a unique creation – the NATS Shakotan Jimny J1, a striking Mega Cruiser/Hummer replica crafted by fusing two Jimnys together. Its distinctive design immediately draws attention, resembling the mega off-road cars that inspired its creation.
The NATS students adopted an unconventional approach by merging a Suzuki Escudo SUV chassis with two first-gen Suzuki Jimnys. Propelled by the unmodified 2.5-liter V6 engine from the Escudo, producing around 160 horsepower, the vehicle features a substantial exterior paired with a strikingly wild slammed stance, thanks to its air ride suspension.
Another curious sight was this minute Kenmeri build, dubbed the “Phantom Chibi Meri,” a diminutive Kenmeri build that transforms a 1983 Suzuki Mighty Boy into a quirky Choro-Q Kenmeri. This reimagined vehicle boasts Skyline lights, widened C-pillars, and an iconic livery scheme, creating a distinct and very eye-catching appearance. It even has GT-R badges too!
While this Phantom Chibi Meri retains the Mighty Boy’s original FF layout, it boldly features FR-style staggered wheels, sporting gold 12-inch RS-Watanabes with a 4.5J width up front and 5J at the rear.
While the Hummer and Kenmeri replicas were impressive, the car that truly captivated me at the NATS booth, and indeed the entire event, was the impeccably crafted RT20 Corona Deluxe low-rider. In a segment predominantly dominated by large American land barges, NATS approach of transforming a diminutive vintage Corona in this style made it particularly intriguing.
The slammed ride height, speckled paint, custom airbrushing, and impeccably trimmed interior are all present and masterfully applied, albeit in a more compact form. The inclusion of a California license plate adds an extra layer of customization to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Even Mr Toyoda took an interest in this particular build! To the delight of the team involved! A real seal of approval indeed!
It sure beats my final-year project!
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