I’ve always been a sucker for the big-body IMSA GTU S30s, and Speedhunters regular Riko Gutierrez has hit it out of the park with his 1972 240Z built in this style.
More accurately, in his style: Riko-style.
The bulging bodywork is far from subtle, and the same can be said of Riko’s signature gold paintwork, which all of his cars wear. Work was done by Riko’s fabricator and builder Marcus Fry Racing, while the paintwork was performed by 24/7 Autobody of Redwood City, California.
Riko also hasn’t been shy with the self-branding on the car, which extends to the valve cover.
Triple Mikuni/Solex carburetors can also been found in the engine bay, which provide induction for the L28 block that’s been stroked to 3.1 liters.
The full cage that you can see protruding into the engine bay comes to full form in the cabin, where a single Bride Low Max bucket seat is nestled. The high level of execution and attention to detail visible in the bay is carried over as well, and I like the simple function-first layout from the driver seat.
It’s a car you’d struggle to miss in any setting, and even at the 2021 SEMA Show it was a total stand-out.
Just imagine hearing the brutal roar of the 3.1-liter stroker on the street, just to look in your rear-view mirror and see this closing in on you.
The car is true to Riko’s larger-than-life personality, and I can’t wait to spend some real time with it for a full feature soon.
Trevor Ryan
Instagram: trevornotryan
tyrphoto.com
Literally WHO is Riko?
That big off-road K5 sitting next to it is way more interesting. Any better pics of that?
I really love the whole style of this build and I'm sure that straight six would sound like a beast! I was hoping someone would do a story on it.
You are on Speedhunters website, not deerhunters
So regular a search for "Riko" brought up nothing but this article.
"Riko Gutierrez car" brought more, as a corrolla from '19 SEMA
Am I the only one who finds this car incredibly (visually) bland? It's almost too simple. The whole car, the cage, the stickers all being the same color really looks...rushed? Uninspired? That being said, the body work, wheel setup and L28 look incredible!
Same, the car lacks any originality, forcing a JAPANESE style on builder who isn't Japanese. Above all else, a builder who doesn't do any of the actual building, just orders parts and sets show dates.
Meh at best
The rear end looks good, the front is boring or was there not enough time to add the lights/mesh/grill?
I'd prefer less flake in the paint, it looks like paint from a lowrider. The sticker on the rear tire should have been removed, unless it's there on purpose?
just like a price tag has to be there for a store return. When he gets the money back from the tires he'll get the mesh and headlamps installed. LOL
Am I the only one looking at this thinking the inside edge of the wheels sit outside the original body lines?
I'll bet there's been next to no work on the drivetrain so those wheels got all the way there with spacers?
Fair enough if it's what the dude wants, but a bit 'meh' for me...