Alex Wiltshire: A Passion for Japanese Car Culture and the 180SX Legacy

For many car enthusiasts, there is a defining moment when a love for automobiles takes root. For Alex Wiltshire, that moment came in the form of a drive in a then-new Ford GT, during his childhood in the USA. Together with his passion for manga, including the iconic Initial D series, and a family rooted in the automotive industry, this exposure ignited a passion for Japanese cars and culture that has only grown stronger over the years.

Born in 1995 and currently residing in Stratford Upon Avon, UK, Alex works as an IT Operations Lead. However, outside of his professional life, his world revolves around cars, motorcycles, gaming, and hands-on mechanical work. His passion isn’t just about driving; it extends to tinkering, repairing, and building machines of all kinds.

The 180SX Type X: A Dream Realized

Alex’s love for Japanese cars materialized in the form of a 1998 Nissan 180SX Type X, a factory manual SR20DET-powered gem. He purchased the car in March 2018 through Gorilla Imports, making him the first UK owner. The car had an auction grade of RA due to rear quarter panel scrapes, but prior to that, it was classified as a 3A. The car spent most of its life in Kochi, Japan, meticulously maintained by a private garage. Its history is still imprinted within the vehicle—door pockets stamped with garage service marks, old Japanese receipts from various places, and even a CD pack full of Initial D soundtracks.

For Alex, the Type X model stood out due to its legendary status in the Japanese car scene. The unmistakable tail lights, aggressive bumper styling, and the sound of a properly tuned SR20DET were irresistible. Owning one of the last 180SX models off the production line—number 148 from the end—adds an extra layer of significance to this particular car.

The Build: Inspiration and Progress

The modifications and tuning of Alex’s 180SX have been deeply influenced by car culture legends such as Mighty Car Mods. While his car is still a work in progress due to financial constraints, he has a clear vision for it. The ultimate plan includes a full ground-up rebuild, additional engine and driveline modifications, and a possible respray or livery to complete the aesthetic.

Despite the car’s unfinished state, there are elements that bring Alex joy every time he gets behind the wheel. Among them, the pop-up headlights stand out—because, as any enthusiast knows, pop-ups just make a car infinitely cooler. On the flip side, his biggest frustration lies in his perception of the car and its paintwork, which he aims to improve as part of his future plans.

SAITOWORKS: A Brand That Stands Apart ?

A strong believer in supporting quality brands, Alex has been a long-time supporter of SaitoWorks. His journey with the brand began at a ClubJDM meet at Goodwood, where he had a conversation with the brand’s founder, Jon. The level of attention to detail, customer engagement, and product quality drew him in, and he has been a dedicated customer ever since.

For Alex, SaitoWorks is more than just a brand—it’s an inclusive movement that continues to grow. His favorite products include hoodies, T-shirts, and high-quality accessories like stickers. If he had to pick three must-have items, he’d go for a jacket, a desk pad, and a refreshed sunstrip. Having seen SaitoWorks at Gravity, he believes their trade show presence is unparalleled, setting a new standard in the scene.