In the late 80’s and early 90’s kaido racers really started to resemble what Westerners use the blanket (incorrect) term of bosozoku for. Cars sporting a plethora of fiberglass, both custom-made and “off the shelf”, to create borderline unidentifiable cars were at their peak around this time (exemplified with Chibaragi style). Now pulling inspiration from overseas custom shops, such as Koenig Specials, we see some cars taking a more foreign look. Another example of this outside of Koenig Special style kaido racers is none other than the Chevrolet C3 Corvette.
![Vintage white sports car with modified body kit on a tree-lined road. Japanese text on windshield reads ボンドカーズ (Bond Cars).](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-193553-1024x517.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
Designed to solve a similar problem for enthusiasts, the C3 Corvette and Nissan S130 have been compared as far back as 1981 in Car & Driver. Beyond this, it can be seen that the C3 Corvette was desirable in Japan as shown in Young Auto 1989 Vol. 8. This specific issue opens with 11 pages highlighting the American car team “Black Mark” of the Kanto region. These cars were modified similarly to what could have been seen in the States but with touches of Japanese styling.
![Vintage white sports car parked outdoors, showcasing sleek design and stylish wheels.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-193252-1024x292.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Classic 1979 Black Corvette Stingray with a customized body and red leather interior showcased in a Japanese magazine.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-193348-1024x608.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Custom white sports car with a unique rear design, parked in a lot with other vehicles.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-193645.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![A classic black sports car with targa top parked at an outdoor car show, surrounded by other vintage cars.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-193718.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Vintage car interior with red leather seats, wooden steering wheel, dashboard featuring mikihouse in Japanese katakana: ミキハウス.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-224553.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
Alternative to importing an American car, and in the spirit of kaido racers, taking inspiration from these cars seems much more fitting. This is where the fiberglass company Imai Kasei (今井化成) comes into play. Imai Kasei produced C3 Corvette-style fenders and hoods for the Nissan S130z. Some of the earliest examples I could find of these parts on cars are from Young Auto 1988 Vol 11 where two different S130’s feature the Imai Kasei hood which emulates a common aftermarket Corvette hood with NACA ducts and a raised cowl (see white c3 above).
![Classic Nissan Fairlady Z 1978 model parked on wet pavement with mountains in the background. Text says Fairlady Z 53rd Year.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-195344-1024x616.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Orange Nissan Fairlady Z S130, 1978 model on a wet track. Japanese text reads フェアレディZ 53年式, meaning Fairlady Z, 1978 model.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-195305-1024x616.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
In Jr. Young Auto 1990 Vol. 2 a red S130 2+2 is seen sporting the full Imai Kasei hood and fender combo, directly noted as being “Corvette” (style) parts.
![Red Kaminari Z car with Corvette fender and hood, showcasing its impressive power. Japanese text translates to Kaminari Z with Corvette fender and bonnet is impressive.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-200321-1024x532.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![A sleek, red sports car parked outdoors on a sunny day, showcasing its streamlined design and stylish bodywork.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-200603-1024x364.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
The Imai Kasei fenders incorporate the silhouette of the C3 fender and vents similar to the early model (’68-’69) Corvette. When paired with a full kit of aero, the Imai Kasei front can go unnoticed but simultaneously serve as the “cherry on top”.
![Modified blue Nissan 280ZX sports car with wide fenders, large rear wing, and custom body kit parked near concrete wall.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-202653-1024x558.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Modified vintage Nissan Fairlady Z29 race car with custom red, white, and blue paint and decals. Japanese text reads, Stand out to win.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-211353-1024x575.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Vintage black car parked in front of Mount Fuji during sunset.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-211248-1024x572.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![A retro-styled red sports car with Japanese text on the windshield parked in front of a marina with boats in the background.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2023-12-18-110429.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![1979 Fairlady Z50 with custom body kit, extended spoiler, and rear wing, displayed outdoors.(Note: 54年式 translates to 1979 model year.)](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-01-16-131358-1024x454.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Yellow Fairlady Z model with custom fenders and spoiler in Aichi Prefecture.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-01-16-131538-1024x432.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Modified classic black car parked on the street, showing a sleek front bumper and a single headlight design.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-01-16-131038.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Modified white sports car, classic style, with widebody kit and lowered stance, Japanese text カラー・イラスト meaning Color Illustration.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-03-07-105212.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Vintage red Nissan Fairlady Z with custom front fender for 128,000 yen in a Japanese automotive catalog.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-03-03-144520-1024x811.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
Since January 2024 one of the only Imai Kasei S130 parts I’ve come across on YAJ is a pair of (seemingly) unused fenders that boasted a bidding price starting at 400,000円 and a buy-it-now of 500,000円. Even with the conversion rates when writing this, this is far from an “affordable” part.
![Alt text: Logo of Imai Model Co. LTD on a blue background with an image of a model vehicle, seen on a textured surface.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-212701.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![White car fender on a paved surface, showcasing vehicle part detail for automotive repair or replacement.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-212928-edited.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Front left side fender of an Imai Kasei fairlady z fender, displayed on the ground near a white car, ready for customization.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Screenshot-2024-05-05-212955.png?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
Circling back to Corvettes, the C3 was produced about 14 years (1968-1982). During this time (and even after) owners have modified their cars in many different ways. One of the products of this era was the Ecklers Daytona kit for the C3 Corvette. In my research, this kit was synonymous with cars built by Greenwood Corvettes who made this a key component in their builds. Looking at this kit I would argue there is a commonality between these C3’s and kaido racers in Japan.
![A bright yellow vintage sports car with a custom body parked next to antique-themed trucks on a gravel road.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greenwood-C3-2.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Modified classic car with sleek silver and black design parked on a suburban street, showcasing custom bodywork and wheels.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greenwood-C3-3-1024x576.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Classic white Daytona Vette at a car show with people admiring various vintage cars in the background.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greenwood-C3-1024x576.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
![Bright yellow sports car with a sleek design parked outside a garage on a wet surface.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greenwood-C3-4.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
A Greenwood Daytona Turbo was recently listed on Barrett Jackson which sold for $247,500.00 USD.
![Custom blue sports car parked on a driveway, showcasing sleek design and Barrett-Jackson branding.](https://b2915531.smushcdn.com/2915531/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Greenwood-C3-5.jpg?lossy=1&strip=1&webp=0)
Considering the recent debut of the Lincoln Continental kaido racer built by @successfreestyle in Japan makes me curious to see how a platform, such as the C3, could be implemented as a kaido racer base. Perhaps even drawing inspiration from the Nissan S130 for some of the styling queues.