Inspiration Behind the Build

The biggest influence on Liam’s build? None other than Top Secret Japan and its legendary founder, Kazuhiko “Smokey” Nagata. Known for pushing the boundaries of speed and performance, Smokey’s high-speed creations inspired Liam to chase a similar level of excellence. The fusion of raw power, aerodynamic perfection, and striking gold liveries became the blueprint for his own project.

One of Liam’s proudest modifications is his Top Secret / SaitoWorks-inspired livery. Designed by himself in Need for Speed, he brought it to life on his actual car, blending virtual and reality in a way that only a true car enthusiast could appreciate.

However, no build is ever truly complete. For Liam, the 350Z will always be a work in progress. With new parts and innovations constantly emerging, he sees his car as an ever-evolving project—one that reflects his personal growth as an enthusiast. While turbocharging is on his list of possible future upgrades, he’s currently more than satisfied with the Tomei full exhaust system, which delivers an intoxicating sound that makes every drive an experience.

The Challenges of Ownership

While the 350Z brings immense joy, it isn’t without its drawbacks. The biggest issue? Fuel and oil consumption. Owning a high-performance Japanese car often comes with high running costs, but for Liam, the experience behind the wheel makes it all worth it.

A standout moment in his car ownership journey was meeting Craig Lieberman, the technical advisor behind the Fast & Furious franchise, at Petrol Hedonism Underground. Getting his car signed by such a legendary figure in car culture was a surreal moment that cemented his place in the automotive community.

The Love for Japanese Culture

Liam’s passion for Japanese cars extends beyond just the vehicles—it’s deeply intertwined with his appreciation for Japan itself. From the meticulous craftsmanship seen in automotive engineering to the samurai-like discipline found in every aspect of Japanese life, he admires the culture’s relentless pursuit of perfection.

Although he hasn’t been to Japan yet, the country’s influence on his life is undeniable. Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift was an early introduction to the underground car scene, and locations like Daikoku PA, Fuji Speedway, and the touge roads of Hakone remain dream destinations.

JDM Icons and Racing Circuits

While the 350Z is Liam’s personal pride and joy, his dream Japanese car is the Nissan Silvia S15. With its sleek, aggressive design and the legendary SR20DET engine, the S15 represents everything he loves about JDM cars: balance, control, and raw driving pleasure.

His admiration for Japanese motorsports extends to circuits like Fuji Speedway, Twin Ring Motegi, and the Tsukuba Circuit. Each of these tracks holds a special place in automotive history, hosting legendary races that have shaped the JDM scene.

The Impact of Japanese Car Culture

Japanese car culture has had a profound impact on the global automotive community, and Liam is a testament to that influence. From drifting and time attack racing to car meets and builds, the philosophy of pushing limits while maintaining respect for the art form is something he deeply resonates with.

When it comes to brands, Nissan and Toyota stand out to him the most. The Z-series has always held a special place in his heart, while Toyota’s Supra and AE86 are timeless icons that helped define drifting culture worldwide.

The Future of the Build and the Journey Ahead

For Liam, the road ahead is filled with endless possibilities. While there are always new modifications to explore, the heart of his passion remains the same: creating a car that tells a story, turns heads, and stays true to the roots of Japanese car culture.

One day, he hopes to visit Japan, experience Tokyo’s vibrant car scene, drive the touge roads of Hakone, and witness the Tokyo Auto Salon firsthand. Until then, he’ll continue fine-tuning his 350Z, attending car meets, and sharing his journey with the world.

Liam Green’s story is a testament to the enduring power of Japanese car culture—a movement that transcends borders, unites enthusiasts, and keeps the spirit of automotive passion alive.