Shinichiro Shirasaka
BCNR33 - 1996

(Main Text)

It's often said that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and the same goes for cars. This vibrant blue, "slammed" R33 GT-R's stance and the depth of its build made me realize this truth.

"I originally liked the R32, or maybe the R34. Honestly, I had no interest in the R33. But when my daughter was born and I decided to find a 'hobby car' I could commit to for life, I found that the R32s were too worn out, and the R34s were too expensive. Then, I saw Auto Select's yellow demo car in an Option magazine and thought, 'Hey, the R33 looks pretty cool when modified.' The cost was reasonable too, so I started looking for one," explains Shinichiro Shirasaka, the owner of this R33 GT-R, speaking in a calm and polite manner. His wife, Kumiko, sits quietly beside him. Seeing this mild-mannered couple, it's hard to reconcile their demeanor with the aggressive stance of their GT-R, reminding me that looks can be deceiving.

"When I started dating my wife, I was driving a drift-spec Soarer with a red glitter paint job and flame-patterned pinstripes. She used to call it a goldfish, but she still rode with me. Later, I had an FC3S with no air conditioning, and while most people would have left, she stuck with me, fanning herself in the summer heat," Shinichiro reminisces. The more I hear, the more I realize he’s quite the car enthusiast, and so is his wife for putting up with it. His car history includes a KP61 Starlet bought at 15, an AE86 Trueno, an A31 Cefiro, the goldfish Soarer, followed by the FC3S, and then the Evo 6 and 7, before settling on the R33 at age 27 in 2004. It's been nearly 20 years since he bought it.

Initially, Shinichiro didn’t realize it, but his R33 is a rare "LM Limited V-Spec," and this striking blue is its original "Champion Blue" color. He had assumed it was an aftermarket paint job, reinforcing that looks can indeed be deceiving.

"I installed air suspension in the R33 about two years ago. I went for a stanced look six years ago, but before that, I was driving on the Shuto C1, Wangan, and even the circuit. And even now, I drive it hard when I can. Cars are meant to be driven, not just admired," Shinichiro says.

True to his words, the R33 GT-R is built for performance. The engine features an N1 block (NISMO 24U) with HKS 264° cams, twin HKS GT2530 turbines producing 550ps, along with a NISMO surge tank, GCG exhaust manifold, TOMEI front pipe, and RSE titanium exhaust, ensuring the intake and exhaust systems are fully optimized. The suspension is a mix of adjustable arms from Ikeya Formula and Cusco, tuned for various driving situations.

Even the aero parts are chosen for functionality over looks, reflecting Shinichiro's dedication. The front spoiler and canards from Auto Select, Varis hood, Real Factory M front fenders, Hasemi Motorsports side skirts, Top Secret rear diffuser, and Voltex GT wing are carefully selected to balance style and performance.

"This R33 came into our family when my daughter was one year old. We often went to car shows and events together as a family. Initially, it had rear seats, but eventually, I replaced them with a proper roll cage. I probably shouldn't say this loudly, but we used to place a cushion on the exposed metal floor and let our daughter sit there, holding onto the cage while we drove," Shinichiro recalls with a laugh.

Indeed, the interior is equipped with a Cusco 13-point roll cage, BRIDE ZIEG VI seats, and a full racing setup, making it hard to believe they used it for family outings. Clearly, Shinichiro and his family are not your typical car enthusiasts.

"People ask if I ever get tired of driving the same car for 20 years, but I never do. I always find new things to love about it. I'm glad I chose the R33. I didn't think it looked that great at first, but taking the time to build it into what I love has been incredibly satisfying. The air suspension was also about exploring new ways to enjoy the car. About six years ago, few people were doing this with second-generation GT-Rs, but now, stanced events are everywhere, and it's become a new way to enjoy the car. That's why I decided to install air suspension two years ago, asking Moon Tech, specialists in this field, to create a setup that could handle hard driving."

The Ploom air suspension features large-capacity, full-length adjustable gas dampers with 32 levels of damping force adjustment, allowing for ideal setups for circuit use while maintaining comfort for street driving.

"It's much smoother than the previous coilovers. It feels softer than coil springs but still offers stability on the Wangan. Even at the circuit, it's plenty of fun. The ability to adjust the ride height for city driving is fantastic, and I find myself driving it more than ever."

When Shinichiro talks about his R33, his expression softens, resembling a father looking at his child. His wife Kumiko also looks happy and content, a testament to their shared passion.

"This GT-R is not just something I love; it's a part of our family. Recently, our daughter got her license, opting for a manual so she could drive the GT-R. Her name, Mia, comes from the heroine in 'The Fast and the Furious,' showing she inherited our love for cars. I hope she takes over the GT-R one day. It's a cherished family member, and I want to keep driving it together."

(Catchphrases)

P116
"My wife understands cars very well. She's been with me since the red glitter drift car."

P119
"I've driven the C1 and Wangan extensively. I also drive at the circuit; it's not just for show."

P122
"Even after 20 years, I never get tired of it. It's truly a lifelong love, like a family member."

P124
"My daughter recently got her manual license just to drive this GT-R."

(Captions)

P122
"Shinichiro's car is an 'LM Limited V-Spec' released for a limited time in 1996. Although some enthusiasts might say it's a waste to modify such a rare car, Shinichiro firmly believes in personalizing and loving his car. The unique style of his GT-R is unmistakably his own, and seeing it on the highway is quite a sight."