Westside JDM Presents Universal Automotive

​​Goodbye 2020 and hello 2021! To start the year off, Westside JDM held what they were calling 'Universal Automotive' and would turn out to be one very chill and engaging afternoon (even if the weather...wasn't).

As the cars rolled into the meet, it became apparent that although Japanese cars would hold a majority, there would still be a strong showing of Aussie and European cars on show.

Before the main events of the day, those being the Car Limbo and Exhaust competition, I scouted the grounds, pointing my camera at the cars people had brought.

​This classic third gen Toyota Cressida caught my eye sitting low with a touch of camber. Just like how they do it in Japan. Brilliant!

Another well kept of a car, that will surely become a future classic if it isn't already was this C5 Corvette with it's gleaming but monstrous 5.7 litre LS1 motor.

Parked together was this colourful pair - both sitting on Volk Racing TE37's - a Subaru Forster STI and an Audi RS3.

Another head turner was this Nissan Stagea. Why you ask?

RB26?
That's not meant to be in there?
Yes, yes it is actually. 
Upon closer inspection this turned out to be a Nissan Stagea Autech Version, with the twin turbo RB26 powering all four wheels thanks to the all-wheel drive system from the R33 GTR. It's essentially a wagon version of the Nissan Skyline GTR!

Soon enough, it was time for one of the main events of the meet, the Car Limbo competition.

​This worked just like regular limbo, but rather the cars would be driven under the limbo tape. The competitors for Car Limbo would be an '89 Prelude, two Mazda MX5's, a red Civic Sedan and a Ford Capri. Whoever had the lowest car would win.

The tape was easily cleared for both MX5's and the Prelude, but as it got lower, it proved too much for the Civic.

And although the Capri has some close calls, the limbo tape soon claimed it's next victim.

It was very confusing to see people lying on the cars, especially in this heat, but it was actually a functional exercise. The extra body weight would lower the car even more. Every millimetre counts!

Eventually, the Prelude touched the limbo tape, and it became a duel of the MX5's.

After multiple adjustments to the limbo tape, (and the fact that both owner's had the same name, meaning it was very difficult to determine a winner from a crowd chant), it was declared a tie between the two slammed Miata's.

Speaking of slammed cars, the Prelude you saw previously in the Car Limbo competition happened to be my favourite car from the meet. From the fitment and interior touches to the many stickers, this car was oozing with 90's Japanese style.

After a break to hydrate and check out a few more cars, it was time for the exhaust competition. A simple competition to determine who had the loudest car.

Both the Audi R8 and Toyota Supra were expectedly loud with their respective V10 and turbocharged straight six. The Golf R made sure everyone heard some exhaust crackles, and there was a pretty rev-happy Civic Type R too!

But the clear winner was the FPV F6 with it's very loud and chest rattling turbocharged Barra. The little Datsun got an honorable mention too. It was surprising how loud a puny 1 litre can be.

The 'Ratsun 1000' as it was nicknamed was pretty loud in style too, and had an awesome Datsun warning sticker. I need one, just to stick on my forehead!

To recap, Westside JDM really hit 2021 off to a great start in what was a really engaging car meet. Not only that but it was COVID safe, council and police approved, which was amazing to see, especially with what recently happened in St. Kilda. If you want to know how to set up a great car meet. Westside's 'Universal Automotive' is a perfect example. 

Bonus Gallery