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Its been a while since we have blogged about the Speedwell's Datsun 280ZX V8 Turbo build, so we thought it was about time we showcased exactly what’s been happening, it has been timely process but as it’s a ground up restoration as well as the huge list of one off modifications, the time scale can be forgiven.


The last time we discussed the build the car was in full chassis strip down and had just gone in for paint, we are pleased to report lots of yummy upgrades have been added since the glossy white top coat finish.

The V8 Engine with additional turbo and gear box has been installed, with the exhaust under construction, what we do know is that it will be a twin exit set up with some trick looking tail pipe ends, that will enhance the custom bespoke built gloss black Speedwell's diffuser that adorns the rear underside of the Datsun, which is a sexy upgrade for the bumper-less ZX, another little touch we love about the rear is the black rear light panel that gives the rear such a menacing look.


All of the upgraded coilover suspension, roll bars and brakes are also fitted and in place, along with the custom over fenders have now been painted and on the car just waiting on the FOM Performance wheels that are currently on route from the European HQ.


The wheel choice is an exceptional one with our European wheel partners FOM performance really stepping up, giving the build a period correct style mesh design in the form of the 3 piece Weave 17, its an old school look with a modern forged twist, measuring 9x17 up front and 11x18 at the business end that will be wrapped in Nankang NS2R tyres, measuring 235/40R7 & 285/35R18 front and rear respectively, Nankang is a brand we really wanted to work with on this build and happy to say they have done us proud.

The build is really starting to gather some pace with Iby putting in some hours on the car, we know exactly how meticulous he is, so we are really excited to see the car come to fruition, we will update more as the ZX progresses.


We have finally got round to adding the FOM Performance range of forged 3 piece wheels to our website, we have been meaning to get this up online for so long with time being the main hold up along with waiting on some decent imagery to display the product, but as they say perfection takes time.

FOM Forged Super 6
FOM Performance 3 piece Forged Wheels

FOM Performance wheels are a European based manufacturer so that was a huge plus point for wanting to partner with them, another was the fact they manufacture in-house, which is another huge plus as the lead times are slashed by comparison to the competition, especially with 3 piece wheel manufacturing which can run into 6 and 8 weeks, some cases even longer, and that’s the beauty of this range of wheels, not only are the designs fantastic but the lead time and price is also part of the winning ingredient of custom manufactured 3 piece wheels.

As with any 3 piece wheel manufacturer a mixture of good designs, finishes and applications are key to a successful brand and FOM do not disappoint, with most vehicles being catered for to include one off bespoke applications and various centre locks that are on the open market, all the designs start at 17" size from a 6" width up to a 13" and plus widths, they also offer 18" 19" and 20" in the same widths and applications with a huge range of finishes, they pretty much have every design to suit all tastes, flat or concave centre profiles with reverse or stepped outer lip options.





One of our favourite designs is the Weave, and old school style mesh wheel, and we are quite partial to a mesh design, especially when it looks this good, so we are pretty please that the all new Speedwells 280ZX V8 Turbo will be wearing this design in 17" and 18" configuration, and the build spec is pretty epic reading with a 9x17 up front and a 12x18 sitting at the rear with some huge negative offsets and extremely large outer rims, it’s a build we have been craving to see finish ever since our good friend Iby started it.

For more details on price, design, lead time and what we can offer you with the unique range of FOM Forged wheels get in touch with the VAD team, we are ready and waiting to enhance your build.



Updated: Jan 16, 2020

To say the speedwells Porsche 997 Turbo-R is evolving is an understatement, it’s come a very long way from its first incarnation, finished in Black with fitted with a set of 14x19 VAD CR Evolution 6 spokes, it was such a sinister looking beast and we never thought for one minute that look could be improved, but we were oh so very wrong, in its latest overhaul this is one 997 that just gets sexier every time we see it.

The Speedwells Porsche 997 GT3R Turbo

So what’s changed since the last shoot we did with this beauty, well quite a lot under the skin with a huge boost in power, with now over 700 + BHP to play with. On the outside apart from the colour change which we covered in an older blog post the engine cove and rear wing assembly has also been changed to a GT3 style which suits the built so much better with a larger rear wing also in preparation so it can be changed according to Iby's mood.


The Speedwells Porsche 997 GT3R Turbo

The rear bumper has also had a slight update with a mesh grill delete so you get to see the stainless x pipe exhaust set up, which looks so much cleaner.

So what’s next for this this impeccable build, only time will tell, but you can rest assured we will bring you any changes that happen over the up and coming hibernation period that’s due over the winter months.

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Unit 5
James Road
Tyseley
Birmingham
B11 2BA
Art...Some people collect it, We like to build it
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