It’s honest to say that Tokyo Auto Salon is the foundation of most automotive tourism in Japan, and the ensuing meets surrounding it in January actually make for a busy, but thrilling month.
First up this yr was RAUH-Welt Begriff’s annual New Yr Celebration – or extra particularly the RWB Automobile Assembly that precedes it – held on the Onerous Rock Cafe in Roppongi on Thursday night earlier than TAS 2024 kicked off.
You may need observed lately that the Porsche 911 has seemingly re-established itself as a pop-culture icon. 964s are being utilized in style commercials and even the model new 992 GT3 is making its manner into conversations with associates you didn’t even know have been into vehicles. I’m certain that’s partially the cause why the crowd at this yr’s RWB meet was unfathomably massive; the opposite is the very fact a lot of persons are on the town for TAS.
I’ve attended this occasion for a few years now and it’s at all times breathtaking seeing so many wide-bodied 911s in a single place, and nearly every thing from early-model G-body coupes to 997 cabriolets.
Because the years press on, we’re beginning to see fairly a couple of RWB 997s – a comparatively new providing from Nakai-san – within the combine. Whether or not you want them or not, they’re actually a refreshing addition to the RAUH-Welt Begriff lineage. There have been a couple of flavours at this assembly.
I used to be delighted to see a few slim physique 911s amongst the group too, lovely in their very own proper however serving as a obvious reminder of how vast these RWB Porsches proceed to get.
And naturally, it wouldn’t be a central Tokyo automotive meet with out some sort of police presence. While the group continued to develop, a number of officers noticed from afar, mockingly enjoying into the well-established RWB outlaw tradition.
With seemingly no clarification, this truck was sitting out on the principle highway – an fascinating sight contemplating this 997 has license plates and the ethos of this assembly – coaxing RWB house owners into driving their vehicles out within the wild.
RWB 911s are recognized for dividing teams of fanatics, however regardless of which manner you have a look at them, they’ll at all times be very polarising vehicles. Having seen a number of of those assault the Motegi Twin-Ring circuit is proof sufficient that not less than a handful of them get pushed the best way their aero suggests they ought to be.
As a lot as I do benefit from the RWB assembly, it was a easy, white AE86 that made me the happiest to see. Again in January 2019, I visited Japan and this RWB meet for the primary time, taking a photograph of this precise Levin, on this precise location. Quick ahead 5 years, I’m again, in my very personal AE86 alongside the identical white automotive. This was probably probably the most full-circle and rewarding second of my time in Japan thus far.
One other nice yr of RWBs in Tokyo, and even higher to be again on the Onerous Rock Cafe in Roppongi after a short while away. If this meet will get any greater, maybe subsequent yr a good greater venue could also be a necessity although.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 on Speedhunters
