JDM Combe

Taking advantage of the famous racetrack and facilities, Castle Combe holds a series of themed car shows thoughout the year. The race track has been active for over 70 years, another ex RAF base converted for specific use by motorsports. It has hosted Formula three, Formula Ford, 750 Motor Club, and BRSCC in the past.

However, every June the venue becomes a meeting point for the numerous Japanese car clubs with an emphasis on performance and modified cars. The curcuit is open to all entrants too, which gives the show a distinct advantage to the usual club meets. Cars are spread over a sizeable area of the outskirts of the circuit, and the regular track sessions include professional drifters as well as allowing club stand members a more sedate opportunity to drive the track.

The event is dominated by post ’90s cars, but there was enough classic content to keep the show varied and appealing to older car fans.

Bennys Toyota Celica RA23, sporting a modified front end grill from a C130 Laurel.

A brisk track run for Steve’s Hakotora Sunny pick up. The 1975 car has an aftermarket kit which resembles the GC10 Skyline front end, which gives the truck a much need element of aggression.

The Autozam AZ-1 is niche model from Mazda. Originally classified as a Kei car, the AZ-1 manages to cover many automotive highlights and offers a turbo charged gullwing mid-engined extravaganza. It was only intended to be sold in Japan, but has become well known throughout the world for its ingenious packaging.

The Datsun Club UK always has a good turn up at the event, often assembling the largest collection of Old Skool JDM cars. The biege Sunny has been uprated to accomodate hydraulic suspension.

A replica of a ‘Super Samuri’. Samuri were a performance tuning company who tuned Datsuns and became better known for their 240Z and 260Z cars, many of which were track raced.

Another import. While the standard Honda City made it into the UK for a short period in the mid ’80s under the Honda Jazz name (GM had registered the City name for Europe), UK markets were sadly deprived of the Turbo versions, which were noted for their brisk abilities.

Another one of Bennys cars, being used as a photo car. Note the useful split tailgate, acting as a bench.

The Honda CRX del Sol was a successful car in its time, combining the brute power of a compact racer with the added attraction of a removable hardtop that tucked into the boot. Produced from 1992 to 1998, the del Sol has a loyal following and is one to watch as a certainity as an investment.

One of 5000 Mitsubishi Galant VR4’s produced, it was a high performance showcase created for motorsports. Never officially imported into the UK, it won six WRC races, including the 1989 Lombard RAC Rally.

Tucked away amongsts the vast array of post 90’s machinery this UK spec Starlet was a well liked car when new, it’s build quality and conventional engineering also endured it to club sports, particularly rallycross.