A Golden Tribute to Top Secret – The Man Behind the Machine

Liam Green, a dedicated car enthusiast from Newcastle, has been immersed in Japanese car culture for as long as he can remember. By day, he works as an NHS Porter, but his true passion lies in the world of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars. With an Instagram presence under @350__Liam, he shares his automotive journey, highlighting his unique Nissan 350Z build and his love for the culture that surrounds it.

For Liam, the spark of his automotive obsession ignited with Need for Speed: Underground 2. This game wasn’t just a pastime—it was the catalyst for a lifelong passion. The moment he saw the Nissan 350Z tearing through neon-lit streets, he knew he had found his dream car. The aggressive stance, the raw power, and the endless potential for modification made it the ultimate street machine in his eyes.

The Journey Through Cars

Like many enthusiasts, Liam’s journey into Japanese car culture started with a humble yet legendary vehicle: a Mazda MX-5 MK1. While it was his first car and only in his possession for six months, it left a lasting impression. However, it wasn’t until he got his hands on his 2006 Nissan 350Z that he truly felt connected to the JDM world. This car wasn’t just transportation—it was a canvas for his creativity and a platform to express his individuality.

The 350Z: A Unique Build

Liam’s 350Z isn’t just another Z-car on the road. What makes it stand out is the Superleggera kit and its rare gold color, a combination rarely seen in the UK. This choice was intentional—he wanted something unique, something that would turn heads wherever he went. Since purchasing the car in 2022 for £7,000, he has invested approximately £10,000 into modifications, each addition carefully chosen to enhance both aesthetics and performance.

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.

A Community That Stands Out

Beyond the cars themselves, Liam has found a home within the SaitoWorks community. He first discovered the brand while diving deeper into Japanese tuning culture and was drawn to its commitment to craftsmanship and bold aesthetics. From high-performance parts to striking merchandise, SaitoWorks embodies everything he admires about the JDM world.

More than just a brand, SaitoWorks has fostered a thriving community, bringing together like-minded enthusiasts who share a passion for Japanese car culture. Whether it’s at trade shows like Gravity, through their legendary merchandise, or via their presence in the tuning scene, SaitoWorks has cemented itself as an essential part of the JDM movement.

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.

Spec Sheet

Engine & Transmission

3.5L VQ35DE
CD009 Transmission
Nismo FMIC

Chassis, Wheels & Brakes

Lowering Springs
BBK Upgrade
Ström Wheels

Interior & Exterior

Amuse 380RS Superleggera
Top Secret Bonnet
Carbon Fibre Everywhere

2006 Nissan Fairlady 350z

+306

Brake Horse Power

+268

LB/FT Torque

Follow on Instagram

@350__liam

Article written by Jon (Founder).

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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.

A Connection to Japan Beyond Cars

Japanese car culture is only one aspect of Alex’s appreciation for Japan. His interest in the country extends to its traditions, values, and way of life. Having visited Japan during cherry blossom season, he was struck by the deep-seated respect and manners ingrained in daily interactions. One of his most cherished experiences was driving a rented R32 GTR to Daikoku PA, a legendary car meet location. The experience left a lasting impression, highlighting the uniquely authentic atmosphere that car culture in Japan offers—something nearly impossible to replicate elsewhere.

In terms of food, Alex enjoys classics like katsu curry and ramen but holds a special fondness for the experience of eating A5 Wagyu at a yakiniku restaurant.

Japanese Car Culture’s Global Influence

When asked about the global impact of Japanese car culture, Alex emphasizes the sheer variety and accessibility of aftermarket modifications. Visiting Japan and stopping by an Up Garage reveals an overwhelming selection of parts—everything from interior lighting to performance enhancements. This dedication to customization has permeated global car culture, inspiring enthusiasts worldwide to pursue unique and personalized builds.

His top two Japanese car brands? Toyota and Nissan, primarily because they continue to support and fuel enthusiasm for 90s classics by producing parts and maintaining their legacy.

Future Goals and Aspirations

Looking ahead, Alex dreams of one day attending SR Heritage, an event dedicated to Nissan’s SR-powered cars. He also plans to experience Japan’s summertime festivals, having already explored the country during cherry blossom season. His top destinations include Tokyo, for its endless attractions and energy; Ebisu, for its drifting legacy; and Kyoto, for its rich cultural history.

In the long run, Alex hopes to bring his 180SX to a level that would make the Japanese car community proud. While he modestly claims he hasn’t done the culture justice yet, his deep appreciation and dedication to the scene say otherwise.

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.

The Road Ahead

Alex Wiltshire’s journey in Japanese car culture is far from over. Whether it’s refining his 180SX, experiencing more of Japan, or continuing to support the car scene through SaitoWorks, his passion remains unwavering. His story serves as a reminder of the deep connections enthusiasts can form—not just with their cars, but with the culture and community surrounding them.