Hello, my name is Richard Brown from Alberta, Canada. As a long time automotive enthusiast who has recently caught the photography bug, I am excited to write as a guest on Speedhunters!
Not long ago I had the exciting opportunity to participate with a local group at Driven, a show in Calgary. The event features local clubs and vendors, with a large focus on aftermarket parts. Although Western Canada has had a milder winter than normal, this was the first major show to kick off the season, and over 450 show vehicles rolled into the University of Calgary’s Olympic Oval.
During the weekend I noticed the diversity of the vehicles and people. We may have different cultural backgrounds and tastes in vehicles, but we all come together to share the same passion.
Setup began the day before the actual event, and prior to my group’s roll in, we organized ourselves in a nearby parking lot. One of the cars in the group was this gorgeous track-ready E36 BMW.
Under the hood of the 3 Series was an LS swap, and if I remember correctly it was making over 500 horsepower naturally aspirated. Just in case that wasn’t enough power it was also hooked up with some nitrous. It ended up winning a performance award.
Another car in my group was a 240SX with deep Work VS KF wheels and massive Wilwood front brakes. This car went on to win the Best S-Chassis award.
Like the BMW, the 240SX received lot of attention from its dirty little secret – an LS swap. This car is mean!
My entry in the show was my own SN95 Mustang. It started out as a $400 father-son project purchased when I was 12 years of age. The build features a 4.2L V6 swap out of an F150 pickup paired with a M112 supercharger from a Cobra. I recently added bronze Work Kiwami wheels to give it a bit of a different look. To me it is important to be unique, and I feel Driven is a show that encourages uniqueness.
A Datsun 510 Bluebird immediately caught my eye. Since I was a participant in the show, I was able to take many pictures before the crowds began to arrive.
To my pleasant surprise a neatly placed SR20DET was hidden under the Datsun’s hood.
This year a group of customized trucks also participated in the show, and I absolutely loved this Brown GM. A huge portion of new vehicle sales in Alberta belong to trucks. Many people in Alberta (like myself) prefer to do our daily commute in a pickup truck; I always forget this is out of the norm when I travel to other places in the world.
Up until seeing this car I was unaware that there was a Ford Escort RS Cosworth in Canada. I adore European Fords and felt like a teenage girl at a Justin Bieber concert when I saw it drive in. The rally homologation special is definitely on my short list of dream cars.
One of the most impressive cars at the show was a modified F355 Berlinetta; I just wish the owner had provided some information as it seemed like an interesting build. Oddly enough, I thought the Work Meister wheels looked like they really belonged on the Ferrari.
Japan Meets Canada
Although there was a large diversity of vehicles, there was still strong evidence of Driven’s import roots. Modified Hondas may not rule the streets like they used to, but there are still some incredible builds around locally.
This Integra had an impressive modification list and is built around a 2.0L Darton block and Garrett GTX3582R turbo. There was not a single detail overlooked on this build.
Speaking of Hondas, the S2000 is a popular car to modify in Canada. Recently, the demand for S2000s seems to have sky rocketed!
One of the advantages of living in Canada is the country’s import law. Non-compliant vehicles only need to be 15 years old to bring into the country, whereas in the United States they need to be 25 years old. Thus, vehicles like the S15 are now able to be imported here regularly from Japan to start their second life. This particular S15 is on its way to becoming a weekend track warrior with KW suspension, Work Meisters, and aerodynamic modifications (with more planned).
The legendary R34 Skyline GT-R is another car currently enjoyed by locals. This Vspec has been loved by its new owner since 2014, making it one of the first to come into Canada.
On the topic of Japanese legends, the show had a few great examples of the Mk4 Supra. The blue paint on this right-hand drive version was mesmerizing.
If you don’t like the blue dress, how about silver?
Or perhaps red? This one was incredibly well preserved.
Sport sedans seem be growing in popularity too. This Chaser was a perfect example of what can be achieved on this platform.
Along with the iconic Japanese-built cars, there are a few unconventional ones. For example, this Honda Beat really stood out in my books. Next to an SUV, it may look like a child’s play car, but the ’90s JDM model is full of personality and would likely be a blast to drive.
It’s In The Details
The thing I love about Driven is the amount of detail that goes into these cars. This neo-chrome RB25 belongs to a rear-wheel drive converted R32 GT-R. The amount of time that has been invested is insane; not only with the assembly, but also with the long nights required for sourcing each individual part. Rightfully, the Skyline owner’s time was rewarded with the Best Engine trophy.
Speaking of detailed work, how about the work of Nakai-san? This car is Alberta’s first RWB build and North America’s first RWB 964 Cabriolet.
Interiors are often the place where an owner’s personality can shine. Obviously you can’t have VIPs thirsty or hungry!
I’m very curious about the reasoning behind the license plates being used as what appears to be an airbag delete here. Regardless, I thought it added a cool aspect to the interior that caught my eye.
Even in Canada, a Speedhunters windshield banner found its way onto one of the cars.
As at any car show, it was important to keep an open mind while viewing vehicles. For example, my initial interest in any Smart Car tends to be low. However, after realizing this one was packing a 290whp Hayabusa engine my attention was caught.
I hope you enjoyed my coverage of Driven Calgary; check out the Bonus Chapter below for some more awesome cars. I wish I could share all the cars at Driven with you, but this was just a small glimpse of the Alberta car scene.
Finally, a huge thank-you to Speedhunters for giving me the opportunity to write as a guest and share my photos.
Richard Brown
Instagram: richlyorange
www.nopulp.ca
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
Every ride in this post is awesome. So much diversity! What's not to love!?
Consider my jaw on the floor. I never thought I'd see Calgary's premier tuner show on Speedhunters...
And I couldn't attend because I was out competing in a rally.
excellent pics & a nice story-line there Richard, would love to see more pics on that V-Spec, the Supra's and then of course that Hakosuka
5th Bonus Image - Is that an early 70's Datsun pick up? It certainly looks like it, but that motor is confusing.
Can we get more shots!?!?!?
Import rules vary by province. Québec bumped it up to 25 after too many dumb kids gît high HP rhd. Cars as their first cars. Accident implying rhdcars sky-rocketed and the fault was put on the fact that those were rhd cars on lhd roads. No more jdm goodness for us.
gcvphoto I'm not too familiar with the truck, to my knowledge its a Datsun 620 with a ka24 swap.
GirdG When did Quebec change their law? The 15 year rule is outlined by Transport Canada, but Quebec does like to make up their own rules...
mikum Thank you! I appreciate it.
Need a feature on your Mustang. Not too many SN-95 V6 builds.
The Mustang... we want more photo!
This was better than the last 10 things posted combined. Thanks for sharing
I'd like to have some more info on that frame in the extra pictures
Sorry yo be THAT dude, but an RB25 GT-R? My only guess is that something happened to the RB26.
did you get any shots of the mazda powered 944?
Loving the variety of this show, excellent post sir!
The SN95 is admittedly one of my least favorite mustangs. But yours is stunning! Totally awesome. That E36 seems pretty wicked as well.
Awesome to see a local event on Speedhunters! Richard, I've been following your build thread on Beyond and it's a thing of beauty. Great shots and story also!
ToXiCRising It's owned by Dragon Prototypes. It's the first time I've seen them, so I'm not too familiar. Its a twin turbo LSX, I believe its called the LMP 1000. They also had a 962 project beside it that was more complete.
Agus Isla He's actually from the same city as me, very common question. The owner feels the 25 is a better platform, especially when aiming towards a 30.
@mike Very cool car, unfortunately I wasn't able to get a good shot of it.
jrho Thank you! I appreciate it!
Looks like a great event lots of diversity!. Great shots and amazing write up you know your stuff and that comes through in the writing.
RichlyOrange GirdG
Thank you! The SN95 platform does not get much appreciation, even I agree that they are not very flattering in stock form.
No pics of the cars in the show that actually get used for drift comps. LAME. But nice pics anyway.
WHAT, no Mazda rotarys?
RichlyOrange mikum Cheers mate
Holy cow, that tubbed Datsun in the extra photo's with the brown bay. That's niiiiice. I let a Datsun 620 king cab get away from me just over a year ago, biggest regret I have to date!
Pete the perfect pilot There were a few, just not pictured really nice red FD was there making 500+ whp if I recall correctly
Great to see some more Canadian content! Coverage and photos were awesome.
SheltonNephin Pete the perfect pilot
matthewyaa THERE'S LITERALLY DOZENS OF US!!!! DOZENS!
That Orange Gallardo Superleggera featured in the bonus images features a UGR Stage 3 Twin Turbo Kit! Good for 1,250 HP to the wheels. I know the previous and now current owner.
Yes, the Canadian invasion continues.
Ls swaps
LauraAnne1 Yes, because they're drift cars. Aka not attractive or tasteful.
Pete the perfect pilot there was two but didn't get in
There was a moraturium for 2-3 years, then I believe the ban was officially adopted 2 years ago.
no lowcals
rv_zenki LOL, Also an S14 Zenki owner who is NOT a fan of the SN95 but was very surprised by how different and cool looking the Orange one is in every way. Also JAW hit FLOOR at that Silver E36.
RichlyOrange mikum Front Left corner (aka DriversSide in the US) shots of the Hako and the R34 should be joined, framed and on my wall in a 5'x10' frame! BEAUTIFUL!
As a fellow Albertan,I am extremely glad to see coverage of shows up in western Canada. Keep up the good work!
Sensory overload! All those Supras in one post! Love it!
Richard do you have a picture of the blue car with white and gold wheels next to the r34?
Speedhunters
Speedhunters Why does the Porsche have a license plate frame that says "V8 powered". That requires investigation...
Thought you guys would at least mention Lowcals
Cozzie!! Beautiful
RichlyOrange Agus Isla Look at the head of it, it rises up either side. It's definitely an RB26 head...
GaredMc Chevy 350 swap
RichlyOrange GaredMc To take it further Renegade Hybrids out of Nevada have been swapping Chevy motors into all manners of Porsche for decades now. Noticed the licence plate surround immediately.
Just the cam covers are changed to a rb26, that's a rb25 head have look at the VCT on the intake cam.
DUDE, any more pictures of that Sunny truck in the bonus chapter?!?!?!
Richard, great article and pictures! Congrats on working with Speedhunters hope to see more coverage from you. I've seen your car in Lethbridge and I always dig it, favorite SN95 around for sure.
RichlyOrange GirdG Ontario isn't muuuuch better. Yeah, you can get a RHD import, but expect to pay insane amounts for insurance. From what I know there are 3 possible ways:
1. Be filthy rich
2. Be able to register somewhere around Thunder Bay
3. Register it as a classic, i.e. 25+ years old
goldmale Thank you! Appreciate it!
Very nice article ! That E36 really needs a feature ...
I'm interested in some more shots of your mustang.. The engine sounds interesting and it looks heart wearing Japanese wheels in that brilliant orange
Esawo Sounds like a plan!
ReeceRussell
e36 V8 GTR Guy
Thanks Trev!
"RB25 belongs to a rear-wheel drive converted R32 GT-R"...? Surely I read that wrong? If I didn't, you are retarded.
Hi, yes the TT LSX is our Demo car the 962 is a customer build that we have done all the work on. Google Dragon Prototypes on FB or Ukcdav1 on YouTube for over 100 videos of what we do .... Cheers. Clive
Here's the 962 fully dressed
Thommo An easy mistake, could even just be a typo...
No need for name calling lol
I remember seeing the 4 door green datsun 510 w/ SR20 at Autobacs meet like 10+ years ago.
so happy to see it again.
Wow, you Canadians sure know how to build 'em. Also great coverage. It was nice to see a static meet where everything isn't on bags with overfenders on it and unholy camber. (although there's still some in there, which is fine!). A good all round mix of form, function and a combination of them both.
I love the reg plate on your car too, first thing I noticed haha.
No typo! It's a 25 swap in a rwd r32gtr. What's wrong with doing something different?
If I remember correctly it has a rb30 in it as well!
Robo_No1 This is also a small section of the incredible automotive culture we have here. There's a huge muscle car and classics focused show that happens in February.
And in spite of our 8-9 months of winter (usually) we have a huge motorcycle enthusiast population.
PowerTryp
Street Machine Weekend in July is my fav!
PowerTryp Robo_No1 Thats awesome to hear. It's sometimes the way, like the Scandinavian countries that are car nuts, but spend 2/3rds of the years indoors building them. Even here in the UK we rarely get much of a summer, but you can already see a lot more 'weekend' cars out on the road. Mx5/Miatas are coming out of hibernation (including mine - although it did two winter track days this year haha).
Ricky bobby2 LauraAnne1
Not attractive? That sentiment is debatable.Functionality is beautiful.
e36 V8 GTR Guy Very nice car !
Always nice to see Poeple from outside of the original market of a car enjoying it. Nice to see an EsCos on Canadian soil
Esawo It has been registered since new in Canada. It has DOT tires, mufflers, signals and wipers and factory glass. I don't drive too much on the street and I take off the splitter and diffuser to make curbs and speed bumps doable. Having said all that..Alberta is probably one of the more lenient provinces when it comes to what is allowed on the road.
Robo_No1 PowerTryp Lots of guys like to tear it up mid winter as well.
*sniff* Makes me feel all patriotic and stuff.
Oh... because the breathers are near cyl 6 not 3 which normally indicates RB26. Also if thats the case, it is wierd putting the lower tier engine in a GTR, maybe the old engine died.
Read below comments for owners reasoning.
How he gonna put a picture of that lame ass green 350 on replica wheels over this fd and amuse kitted s2000 smh
great writeup! glad to see people reppin the Canaidian car scene!
Great cars and nice article!
Great to see some homeland coverage, thanks for the guest article!
You do you know that's a rb26 in the rear wheel R32 right? You know the engine it comes stock with
Dtoxin You tell em bruh! 5 internet points for you!
Read below comments...
Would it be cheating to give yourself a feature? I want more info on your SN. Many moons ago, I was planning on doing the same thing but with a SuperCoupe M90. Always love a dare to be different Mustang?
Thanks i will check you guys out
More reason i would love canada over the U.S .. besides the whole views from the 6 OVO fan club lol
Dtoxin LMAO
Canada has it going on
I second the feature on your pedestrian killa - 'er I mean Mustang - all jokes aside - I'm curious about that build
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