I’ll start this one off just by saying Malaysia is totally unique in the case of automotive tuner culture. Yes, Japan is great, but Malaysia takes it the additional mile in additional ways than one.
You could remember my last story during which I covered an Initial D-inspired AE86 in Texas. Now you’re a life-size diorama of the famous Fujiwara Tofu Shop constructing from the famous manga, on the opposite side of the world.
The brainchild of three AE86 and anime/manga enthusiasts – in that order, by some separation – this movie-set-like constructing is definitely a totally functioning restaurant and museum, serving all of our favourite Japanese staple meals. Think rice bowls, curry, ramen – you name it.
Along with the restaurant, the constructing also houses a private, unofficial collection of Initial D paraphernalia, including a duplicate of one other familiar automotive from the series – the Red Suns FC3S Mazda RX-7.
On top of a plethora of posters, photos, models and other Initial D collectables, you’ll notice orderly piles of automotive parts – mostly wheels and AE86-related equipment – and never one, but three fully-functioning Initial D arcade machines. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the possibility to have a go on one, but I stay up for that on my next visit.
Now, for my fellow AE86 enjoyers, your eyes probably darted immediately towards the Black Limited parked out front – but we’ll cover the tofu shop replica automotive first. This Trueno belongs to Lim, one in all the three founders, and is the results of 10 years of blood, sweat, tears, and an entire heap of brand name recent, old stock OEM parts.
It started off life as a kouki (facelift) Trueno, but was backdated to a zenki (pre-facelift), keeping it true to the manga. Outside of the accessories shown on the famous Fujiwara Tofu Shop automotive, this AE86 is totally standard; the magic resides within the nut and bolt restoration, making Lim’s Trueno virtually brand recent.
I’ve known Lim for quite just a few years now, so it was great to catch up and eventually see his automotive within the flesh.
The Black Limited can also be owned by one in all the founders, but hides quite just a few more modifications. Aside from a set of RS Watanabe wheels, the outside is comparatively standard. The drivetrain, nevertheless, is anything but.
A lightly-worked 20-valve 4A-GE with open velocity stacks on its ITBs and a custom exhaust manifold propels this Corolla at what I’d assume to be a comparatively fast pace. Whilst this automotive is comparatively tame by modified AE86 standards, it’s actually a dream-spec Hachiroku – for me a minimum of.
My Corolla bias has never been subtle, and if I’m honest, it’s probably been abundantly obvious as of late. But a fan-created tribute to a tofu shop from a Japanese manga is actually not something you’d expect to see in the center of Kuala Lumpur, so I just needed to share it with you.
Malaysia was quite an eye-opening experience for me within the context of automotive culture, and if a real-life Fujiwara Tofu Shop wasn’t enough to persuade you, don’t worry, there’s some more crazy stuff headed your way shortly.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
