V-Spec Performance: Melbourne's JDM Sanctuary

3/12/2020

There are very few places I know in Melbourne like V-Spec Performance. It really is something you'd expect to visit if you were in Japan. A tuning and servicing shop filled to the brim with Japanese sports cars including rarities like the Z-Tune and Zero R are certainly not something you come across every day. This past Saturday, V-Spec Performance held their annual meet after more COVID restrictions were eased. This not only allowed lots of JDM fans to check out an array of legendary sports cars, but also gave a welcome return to the car meet. Something many people had not seen since March.

Before even reaching the V-Spec Performance property, JDM legends filled the industrial streets of Blackburn.

Although the fabled Skyline certainly was the most popular vehicle in attendance, there were many other just as celebrated cars to fill the side streets and parking spaces including Integra's, Evo's, RX7's, Silvia's and WRX's.

Not only did this meet attract a wide variety of JDM cars, but it also brought along a lust worthy collection of wheels to go with it. From TE37's to BBS to Work eheels, there was something for everyone.

Speaking of wheels, there was even this Falcon BF XR6 sitting on RAYS TE37 wheels. I'd always wondered what and XR6 would like on these wheels, and now I know. Awesome!

My favourite's however were these two very clean S15's that you could tell were meant to be driven hard.

However, it was right on the V-Spec Performance property where the most elite vehicle's to come out of Japan were held.

Right outside was the very exclusive and rare GTR HKS Zero R. One of only four on the planet, this R32 GTR was completely modified by HKS. The original RB26DETT was bored and stroked to 2.8 litres and now produces 441kw, Nismo parts were added to the suspension and the body was redesigned and the exhaust replaced with a custom twin exit sticking out of the bumper.

Inside were where any passionate GTR enthusiast would surely flip out. Any rare GTR you could think of was packed into a workshop full of OEM Japanese parts. There were multiple 400R's Mines GTR's and of course...

...the Nismo Z-Tune! One of only twenty in the world, it is known as the pinnacle of Skyline GTR greatness. All Z-Tune's came with a Nismo livery from factory but V-Spec's Performance's Z-Tune was painted in the classic Midnight Purple III.

To be able to see these cars in the flesh, especially after the year that we've had was truly special. Even after a global pandemic and two strict lockdowns, the passion for cars still flows strong.