D Car — July 2004

Yusuke and Kusanagi have ridden in it too — a finish that turns heads. ‘When the rainy season comes, it rains and I don’t drive the car. Then I end up taking it in for another paint job.’ Since buying his Vento new, 44-san has had it repainted three times: first its original white, then orange pearl, and then white with rainbow flakes and orange pearl, called “Phoenix Yellow” . The paintwork alone has cost more than ¥1.5 million. People even say it has the thickest paint around. ‘I’m particular about color. I don’t want to look the same as everyone else.’ The current yellow is a rare BMW M3 factory color, giving the car a cool, distinctive look.

44-san’s profile: Age and occupation unknown. His motto is, ‘Cars are for looking at and enjoying — if you stand out, you win!’ He is meticulous about every aspect of his car, not just its body color. The Vento is on its 12th set of wheels. He is standing so the wheels are hidden in the photo because the new set did not arrive in time for the shoot. He belongs to High Times Racing, which also has a Hawaii chapter.

At the time, he chose the Vento because nobody else was customizing one. Along with the repaint, it received various other modifications, so it draws attention wherever it goes. Last autumn it even appeared on television; the crew, looking for a flashy car, spotted it and featured it on . ‘I’m thinking it may be time to let it go. But I’m attached to it, so I can’t sell it for under ¥2 million. If it goes for less, my niece wants it, so I might just give it to her…’ What generosity. His niece turns 20 this year, and he says he would give it to her for free. That also shows just how fond he is of the Vento. He loves cars enough to say so without hesitation.