Welcome to 2025! As all the time, January kicks off the Speedhunting 12 months with a powerful deal with Japanese automotive tradition, particularly with the Tokyo Auto Salon simply days away. And we’re going large this 12 months.
However earlier than we get caught into Japan’s largest aftermarket tuning present and all of the automotive gatherings surrounding it, let’s begin with a convention that’s been firmly cemented during the last decade: the unofficial New 12 months Meet at Daikoku Parking Space.
Whereas fanatics flock to Yokohama’s most iconic automotive meet-up spot from the primary day of the 12 months, January 3 normally has the largest turnout. For those who’re planning to attend, attending to Daikoku early is a should.
I rolled in earlier than 8:00am, and the place was already packed.
The range was merely outrageous – an ideal instance of what makes Japan’s automotive tradition so distinctive. Take the image above, for example: a Nineteen Sixties Prince Skyline parked beside an ‘80s Ford van, with a Lancia Delta Integrale finishing the trio. That’s one thing you’ll solely see in Japan.
You’ll all the time assured an ideal mixture of autos at Daikoku PA, however further particular stuff reveals up for the New 12 months Meet, just like the white McLaren P1 parked simply behind a Ferrari 575 Superamerica.
We noticed this Strosek 964 just a few years again nevertheless it’s all the time a pleasure to see these uncommon examples of automotive awesomeness.
I received’t interrupt the movement of the photographs right here; they actually communicate for themselves.
Moments like these actually drive residence the significance of preserving gathering spots like Daikoku.
The place else are you able to witness such an natural celebration of pure automotive ardour?
It’s humorous I point out this, as a result of simply as I used to be soaking every thing in, the police confirmed up, blaring by the PA system, telling everybody it was time to go away.
I’m undecided what triggered this early-morning filter — perhaps the truck drivers weren’t too thrilled about their parking spots being taken — nevertheless it stunned lots of people.
I heard loads of feedback like, “What, already?” and “Significantly, right now?”
Regardless of the bulletins, most individuals weren’t in any rush to pack up and go.
There have been nonetheless a couple of hundred automobiles I hadn’t seen but, and some latecomers managed to sneak in earlier than the police blocked off Daikoku PA’s spiralling entry ramp from the freeway above.
I made my means as much as the highest of the parking space — the standard hassle zone — and certain sufficient, the truck areas have been totally taken over.
The Lamborghini crew, who had been incessantly revving their engines for a great 10 minutes, had parked in dramatic fashion. Amongst them was even a Reventón – nonetheless fully inventory, and by far the quietest of the bunch.
With the fixed barrage of police bulletins, screaming engines, and exhaust bangs, the entire scene felt chaotic, however in the very best means. It made for an unforgettable begin to the 12 months.
By this level, the entry roads out and in of Daikoku have been gridlocked. Vehicles leaving have been pressured to affix an impromptu roll-out parade during which many homeowners did launches as they exited.
The hold-up was truly a blessing in disguise – it gave me extra time to find automobiles I’d missed, like this beautiful De Tomaso Pantera.
And even a Daihatsu Charade De Tomaso (Bianca variant). How cool is that?
By 10:00am, the place was nearly empty – a brand new file for the Daikoku PA New 12 months Meet!
A police officer approached and informed me to cease taking images and depart, however as I used to be doing so, I noticed one final automotive I couldn’t resist grabbing a few photographs of.
I imply, how usually do you see a real Lancia 037 Stradale – in Martini Racing livery no much less? Nuts!
The cherry on high? On the way in which residence, I received to have a little bit enjoyable taking part in with it on the freeway from behind the wheel of my newly-acquired BMW M4 Cabrio. Weighing in at simply over a ton, the Lancia nonetheless held its personal when the Abarth supercharger hit full increase.
And that’s a wrap on my first motoring journey of 2025! I can solely hope the remainder of the 12 months is pretty much as good as this albeit temporary morning at Daikoku Parking Space was.
Dino Dalle Carbonare
Instagram: dino_dalle_carbonare
dino@speedhunters.com