Muddy Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 The beginning, middle and end – an evolution I’ve finally got the car back to some respectability, so thought I’d pop up a thread showing the progress of my 350z over the last 2 years. I purchased the car in October 2008, a standard UK 2004 model. Here’s the only pics I have of her in it’s standard guise. The day after I started to strip her down. So on the second day the modifications began, I had to be ready for beginning of April ’09 for the start of the show season as I was going to unveil the car at Autoglym’s Best in Britain Competition. After nearly 6 months of hard graft, blood sweat and tears I finally got the car exactly how I wanted it. I didn’t spare on anything, I had done 12 months research before hand, making sure I had the best bits and modifications for the car. With one day to spare I got the car ready for the ISTS show for Best In Britain. Sadly I didn’t win anything. Apparantly it got a little heated during judging and maybe even a little political and I left with nothing even though I was told I was shaved to the top spot by only a few marks. I did feel a little dejected as I’d put a lot of work into the car, but I kept on with the car and 2 weeks later entered Autoglyms Best in Scene competition at Modified Live. I was competing with almost the same guys that I was with at ISTS but this time I came top and won Best in Show. From this show on I didn’t look back, I spent as much time as I could getting the car as clean and shiny as possible, this resulted in the following accolades in 2009: ISTS - Autoglym "Best in Britain" - Finalist Modified Live - Autoglym "Best in Scene" - Best of Show Modified Nationals - Autoglym "Ultimate 25" Finalist - Special Acknowledgement for Best Presented Car Japanese Tuning Show - Autoglym "Top Japcar Concours" - Best of Show Bromley Pageant - Autoglym - "Ultimate Challenge Trophy" - Best "Ultimate Exterior" JapShow - Autoglym - "Japshow Show & Shine" - Best of Show JAPS - Best Modified & Best of Show Zedfest - Best 350z & Best Car of Show The car was garaged for winter and nothing extra was added during the close season. (Which was very unusual for me). 2010 brought even more accolades: Modified Live, Oulton Park - Kleers "Best in Scene" - Best JDM Rising Sun Car Show - Best Nissan & Best of Show Japanese Tuning Show - Autoglym "Top Japcar Concours" - 2nd Place Japshop - Autoglym - Best of Show (Retained title – first time this has happened in Japshow history) Petrolheadz - Autoglym - Best of Show To say that I’m happy with the cars success is an understatement, my aim was to beat my previous cars accomplishments on the National stage. This was some mean feat as the Subaru was one of the most successful Japanese show cars in the UK. The Subaru won 16 National trophies in 2 ½ seasons. But only 6 Best of show. The 350z has won 14 National trophies and 8 Best of shows in only 2 years. So by my reconing it has done better than the Subaru. And as a long time entrant in National Show and shine competitions I can quite safely say that the 350z has become one of the most successful winning cars in the last 10 years. Not bad ehh!! The car has also graced the odd magazine or 2. Front cover of Japanese Performance Magazine Feature in Fast Car Magazine Large feature in Total Nissan Magazine. Plus a picture here and there in most of the mags almost every month. So here’s some pics of how she was in here prime: I tend to think that Show cars have a 2-3 year life span, after that they either need a radical facelift, which means more money or they get tiresome and a bit monotonous when you see them time and time again at shows. For me I normally keep them for 3 years, but this time around and especially after the huge success I’ve had with the car I’ve decided to call time after 2 years. So last Month the car was stripped of all it’s modified parts and sold on (Some parts are still available, have a look in the for sale section) This weekend I finally got it all back together as a standard car…..well not quite standard It has cost me almost £2000 to get it back to almost stock, but it still boasts a pretty good Modification list: Engine: Polished pipe with HKS ltd edition red filter Asi-performance aluminium radiator Japspeed K2 polished Exhaust Samco Red Coolant and Ancillary hoses Gloss Black pleneum Gloss Black Engine cover Di-noc carbon wrapped strut brace Red Grounding kit. Suspension: FK lowering springs (30mm drop) Wheels: 18†Inovit sparkle Black alloys Kei Black wheel Nuts Exterior: Motorgrade carbon roof overlay Motorgrade carbon a pillar replacements Varis Carbon B pillars Custom black handles Smoothed rear quarter (Aerial removed) Custom black badges (No silver anywhere) Smoothed front bumper (number plate holder holes) Interior: Custom black anciallaries in interior Sparco Foot Pedals Di-noc Carbon Centre Console Di-noc Gear surround Di-noc Door switches Di-noc Door Inserts Di-noc vent Covers Di-noc steering wheel controls Di-noc Sill plates Custom red leather gear gaiter and handbrake gaiter ICE: Kenwood KDC W3037 MP3 Receiver So here she is as she stands now – the end of the story, the end of an evolution. And that’s it……… She will be up for sale soon too. Cheers Craig Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kevlo Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 good story mate well done. she was a beauty. you missed the last picture off. what does she look like now after being stripped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CaptainSensible Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Great work, must have been slightly heart breaking to take it back to (almost) standard. What have you got your eye on next? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarnie Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 good story mate well done. she was a beauty. you missed the last picture off. what does she look like now after being stripped? Errrr, the last picture IS the last picture Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 much respect Craig - your work and dedication to car modding has few equals and congratulations on all the awards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Well done Craig ........... looking forward to seeing the Porka Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pimm Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Outstanding work, well put together and well put back to normal. What is you next project then ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenni86 Posted September 5, 2010 Share Posted September 5, 2010 Such an amazing car, still looks amazing too. You should be proud . I saw her in this months total nissan and felt quite sad, this car was what made me fall in love with the 350z. Glad i got to see her in the flesh at JTS Silverstone 2009. So, whats next? Whatever it is, good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Posted September 5, 2010 Author Share Posted September 5, 2010 Thanks for the comments guys Hopefully the next car will be a Porsche Carrera 4S (996 variety) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronzee Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Stunning Craig, but then she always is. One question, do you drive with bare feet or clean those pedals again when you reach the show?! You could eat of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shire350Z Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 awesome craig, bet it quite emotional writing that up pity she no longer exists but im sure the next one will be just as we still havent gone out for that beer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
captain Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Superb. Probably the best Z that I know of when in "show" mode. Even looks great in current form. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ATTAK Z Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 awesome craig, bet it quite emotional writing that up pity she no longer exists but im sure the next one will be just as we still havent gone out for that beer don't meet up with James Craig ... he wants to steal your wheels Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 You realise Craig that this month provides a fitting tribute to your car - even another 'award' I would suggest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenni86 Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 Hopefully the next car will be a Porsche Carrera 4S (996 variety) Nice Keep us updated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TADDY Posted September 6, 2010 Share Posted September 6, 2010 well done mate was truely an amazing car and as ive said to you before with all the parts you've sold you've probably made 10 show cars out of your one! now thats saying something BIG well done mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Posted September 6, 2010 Author Share Posted September 6, 2010 You realise Craig that this month provides a fitting tribute to your car - even another 'award' I would suggest What 'award' is this? Will have to search the forum and have a look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Posted September 6, 2010 Author Share Posted September 6, 2010 well done mate was truely an amazing car and as ive said to you before with all the parts you've sold you've probably made 10 show cars out of your one! now thats saying something BIG well done mate Thanks to everyone again And Taddy saw pics of yours at Trax, it's looking mighty fine, sir Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted September 7, 2010 Share Posted September 7, 2010 You realise Craig that this month provides a fitting tribute to your car - even another 'award' I would suggest What 'award' is this? Will have to search the forum and have a look Have a look at your (very special) calendar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Posted September 8, 2010 Author Share Posted September 8, 2010 Have a look at your (very special) calendar ??????? still haven't got a clue? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nixy Posted September 8, 2010 Share Posted September 8, 2010 Craig - if you have a club calendar just change it to September! Awesome write up - a fantastic achievement, you must have the patience of a saint! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ebized Posted September 8, 2010 Share Posted September 8, 2010 Have a look at your (very special) calendar ??????? still haven't got a clue? There you go viewtopic.php?f=67&t=26776&hilit=2010+calendar&p=451758#p451758 Shame there is head perched on Chesterfields car though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MITZ@CougarStore Posted September 8, 2010 Share Posted September 8, 2010 A great journey, Craig… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggy Posted September 18, 2010 Share Posted September 18, 2010 An awesome journey dude, been a well deserved winner over the years, and deffo one of the top showcars to be seen on the circuit! I really want to buy the car too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spursmaddave Posted September 19, 2010 Share Posted September 19, 2010 Wish I had seen it in the flesh Craig. All your interior carbon bits look great in my car and the speakers sound fantastic, good luck with the next project Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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