The Final RWB Xmas Get together. Effectively, Kind Of…

I’ve by no means had an workplace job, and even labored for an enormous firm, so I’ve by no means skilled the enjoyment of a piece Xmas celebration. This 12 months I snuck into RWB’s, to see what all of the fuss is about.

Earlier than excitedly shopping on-line for a Porsche-themed Christmas jumper, foolish pink nostril and an outsized novelty Santa hat, I ought to have learn the advantageous print. This was an invite-only, ¥10,000 (approx USD$75) per head, civilised operate, not a boozy knees-up. The steep entry price saved the riff-raff out, until after all you got here wielding a digital camera and occur to work for Speedhunters.

It wasn’t simply a RWB occasion although. Its official title was the ‘RMPKU Finish 12 months Get together’, RMPKU being an acronym for RWB, M’s Machine Works, Pandem, Kamiwaza Japan and Final Storage. This joint Xmas celebration of types was held at Final Base – a contemporary facility in Hachioji, Tokyo that mixes a Porsche-centric used automobile gross sales showroom (Final Storage) and a motorsport-themed cafe and bar (Final Cafe) upstairs.

I used to be as excited as Rudolf on December twenty fourth to attend the operate, however I ought to have identified higher. As a result of whereas the Japanese love a great celebration as a lot as anybody else does, they don’t actually do Christmas.

Truthful sufficient for a nation of Buddhists, however contemplating all of the Christmas decorations, timber and paraphernalia on sale in Japan nowadays, you’d assume they is likely to be a bit extra Christmassy. I’m not asking them to transform to Christianity, however perhaps give just a few extra presents to one another and strive consuming one thing a bit higher than KFC for Christmas dinner.

All is forgiven although, as a result of what the Japanese do know methods to do correctly, is construct a Porsche. And never simply any Porsche. Wider than yo mamma, go-faster-than-KFC-on-Christmas-Eve-in-Japan Porsches. Imagine me, that’s quick.

My first cease was the Final Storage showroom ground, the place there was a lot to have a look at. A few of the automobiles listed here are simply on show, whereas others are on the market. There are a row of container-style, lock-up garages exterior too, valuable 911-shaped issues inside them little doubt.

Personally, I couldn’t take my eyes off this early 964 RWB creation. The moulded arches’ proportions effortlessly remodel the automobile as if it had been designed like this from the start. For me, this type higher showcases the sheer brilliance of Nakai-san’s craftsmanship, in comparison with the bolt-on-overfender automobiles.

Satirically sufficient, it’s the clear, clean and polished automobiles which I like, which is the exact opposite of the ‘Tough World’ ethos that Nakai-san lives by. That mentioned, even his most refined automobiles nonetheless have an imperfect edge. I suppose they’re like supermodels – stunning, however there’s one thing a bit bizarre about them too.

After watching a Joker-prepped 992 being pushed onto a low loader, I assumed it was time to hitch the celebration upstairs. The Final Cafe has racing simulators and an RC circuit setup, and I hoped somebody would let me have a go on the latter.

Effectively, there was no RC circuit setup, and I’m fortunate I didn’t pull the set off on that Christmas jumper and novelty Santa hat as a result of the celebration was all very gentlemanly. As a substitute of video games of Xmas Tornado to the tune of Wham’s Final Christmas, it was extra affogatos and top-shelf whisky to the sound of racing sims within the background.

So I very quietly had a fast peek round, earlier than heading again exterior to the carpark with all of the outdated automobiles, the place I knew I’d really feel rather more at dwelling.

Contemplating the severity of drink driving legal guidelines in Japan, it’s no marvel not everybody drove their automobile to the gathering. However the few who had opted to commerce spirits for spirited driving, introduced alongside some beauties.

This vibrant pair regarded extra like restomods from Singer than your typical RWB observe hog. Each had nods to the worldwide presence RWB has, in addition to fellow Porsche royalty, Magnus Walker.

I like among the names which are bestowed to Nakai-san’s builds. I prefer to think about he was chilling at dwelling with a pleasant curry when he dreamed up this one, QEEMA being a type of spiced minced meat from Pakistan. However as typical, I used to be drawn in direction of the oddball sitting quietly cool over within the nook.

I feel you may in all probability graft a slant nostril onto something and it might look superb. Inform me a automobile that wouldn’t look cool with a smooth entrance finish like a flachbau Porsche… This one has a mint inexperienced customized inside as well. It’s bought Speedhunters characteristic automobile written throughout it, so watch this area.

Round this level of the night it began to rain, and I might odor my dinner ready for me at dwelling. As I headed again in direction of the freeway, I observed a low, extensive, silver RWB Porsche heading in the other way. Nakai-san was arriving fashionably late, as any correct celebrity does.

This was actually only a heat up for the RWB New 12 months Get together at Tokyo Auto Salon time, for which the RAUH-Welt Begriff crew has one thing very particular deliberate. Naturally, we’ll be there to convey you all of the tasty treats.

Toby Thyer
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