After staying out late Thursday night for the RWB gathering, followed by a couple of very long shifts at the Makuhari Messe the next two days for Tokyo Auto Salon 2019, the only thing on my mind for Saturday night was heading back home, pouring myself a ‘job well done’ drink, and crashing.
However, an invite from a friend delayed me putting my feet up for the evening. “A few friends are gathering in the UDX parking deck in Akihabara. If you have some time, it would be great if you join us,” read the message. If it was just a a small gathering, I could make an appearance, try to schedule a few shoots for another day (I’ve been wanting to sort out a shoot with his De Tomaso Pantera group for a while now), and still make that drink. Game on.
As I got closer to UDX, the small convoy of RWB cars ahead of me started to raise a red flag. But maybe it was just a coincidence?
The group of people waiting at the parking deck’s entrance ramp told the true story though – this small meet wasn’t going to be so small after all.
Ironically, the multitude of people looking for a meeting place after TAS meant that a number of different groups and teams had gathered around the same time. I definitely wasn’t complaining.
Although this isn’t a full-blown dekotora (roughly translated as a decorated truck), the owner of this rig has definitely spent a lot of time making it stand out. Unfortunately, I wasn’t close enough to catch him rolling out, but believe me – the entire parking deck heard him leave.
Due to the rain, my friend’s Pantera was left at home, but his W201 Mercedes-Benz is pretty tough all the same.
Then there was this beautiful NA1 Honda NSX, that you may remember from its Speedhunters feature a few years back.
After a pretty bad accident at Tsukuba Circuit, the NSX was out of commission for three long years, but during that time the owner rebuilt it, making it faster, wider, and more aggressive than ever. I won’t go into too much detail though as this thing really deserves another feature.
At the end of the night, the underground meet was more chill than chaotic. Just a small meet of friends and like-minded enthusiasts, all deciding to do something different than heading to Daikoku or Tatsumi PA. Now, where’s that drink…
Ron Celestine
Instagram: celestinephotography
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An update on that NSX would be awesome especially at the track showing its raw form and track attack ...with an epic story
well he wrecked it at the track about a year ago and then rebuilt the car from the ground up with his own hands. An epic story thus far.
On the way
yasssss!
OMG.. that W201!!
Another vote for the W201. Looks just like how I'd build one. If I weren't busy building/collecting motorcycles, that is.
My same expression.
I'll like to see more of it.
I need more on that W201. The colors on these cars.. insane. I hope there isn't any photoshop trickery here, because I just love the colors I am seeing.
Hey, I spotted that exact 124 at UDX when I was in Tokyo last year! Unfortunately, there was no meet going on at the time so I can probably guess that the driver works in the area?
Nice sunny pickup
Beautiful cars. What I like the most is seing very different cars at the same meet. Screams passion before anything else.
But honestly, where does all that money come from..? They are what... 25 years old people?
Yeah, some of them are in their mid to late 20’s, but some are also in their 30’s and 40’s, too
That is a good looking car park!
So many incredible vehicles. Man, it looks like that truck barely fits in there.
The crowd looked pretty diverse in culture at this meet.
jfc its like tokyo drift vibes everyday in japan, god im jelly.
Wish there were more pictures of that blue R33
That blue R33.....MUST HAVE FEATURE!
Jesus, that W201 looks epic!
Left Hand Driver TSX for the win! ITB's , Slammed ( not a fan of the camber, but each his own), clean engine bay.
This motivates me to spend money on my Daily Driver TSX. AWESOME Article Ron Celestine!
Spectacular. Please feature the blue NSX, or the car with the wreath hahah (-8
Akihabara is my favourite place in Tokyo. I make a point of going there every time I am in Japan for the lights, electronics and pop culture. The thought this amazing place also has such beautiful cars lurking is absolute heaven.
A VW with a "ni-san" license plate... NOW I'VE SEEN EVERYTHING!
Sweet Golf GTI. And I really like the Porsche Cabrio.
More of the W201!
UDX is awesome even if there's no gathering.