FAST AND FURIOUS: TOKYO DRIFT – 350Z PROJECT CAR REVEAL – OVERSTEER – PART 4
Finally! Our Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift Nissan 350Z tribute car can be shared with you in this week's Part 4 of Episode 3: OverSteer.
The Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift Nissan 350Z that was featured in Tokyo Drift was recently on sale for an astounding $230 000. The pressure was on at SXdrv for us to get a car together that was worthy of another onscreen screen debut.
When the Nissan 350Z first made its appearance way back in 2002, it was a revelation. Intended to replace the 300ZX, this car also had a long bonnet, high waistline and sloping fastback, although the bulging fenders on each corner gave this two-seater coupe an imposing look.
The 350Z sported the same 3.5-litre V6 engine until it was replaced in 2007 with a new version of the same displacement but with an increased redline. We saw various power outputs over the years as special editions were released, especially with the NISMO models, which came standard with 306hp in 2008. The car was popular on race tracks around the world and is still driven in drifting competitions globally as it's easy to modify.
In fact, between its good looks, value for money and powerful motor, the Nissan 350Z has won numerous awards from the most influential publications from the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. It's no wonder it was the poster child for the Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift.
Over 160 000 units left showroom floors in the United States but, here in South Africa, we received far fewer cars than that. To find one for sale with the same Veilside body kit from Tokyo Drift was too tempting to ignore.
The car we found came with Brembo brakes, a manual transmission and updates to its suspension system. The previous owner then installed a banging sound system and that outrageous Veilside body kit with scissor doors. Little did we know that, after the SXdrv boys went drifting, this would prove to be the seed we needed to attempt this Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift project!
Back to reality, though, and it's a mixed bag of emotions at SXdrv this week as we prepare to move to new headquarters. Well, for everyone except Mike, who bunks a day of packing up the office to take advantage of 'washing' the Veilside Nissan 350Z Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift tribute car.
If you've been following the story, you'll know that – after being challenged to learn how to drift – Chris, Mike and Roscoe devise a plot to create a Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift tribute car using our recently purchased Veilside Nissan 350Z.
Fast forward to Part 4 of OverSteer and we join Mike as he goes to collect the newly upgraded Veilside 350Z, only to discover it's covered in pigeon guano. After a quick phone call with Chris, our adventurous star opts to interpret the instruction to "go get the car washed" loosely and instead heads off to the skid pan to get in some drifting time.
While the rest of us are hard at work while trying to pack up the office for our move, Mike gives us his driving impressions of the upgraded Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift 350Z tribute before having a blast drifting it around the skid pan. Eventually, though, all good things come to an end, with hilarious consequences!
If you are a fan of the original Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift, you will love part 4. We did our best to give the car our own SXdrv flair, but remain true to the original look of DK's car.
Smash the play button on the video below to share another day in the life of SXdrv with us. And, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel so you never miss an episode!