When you meet fascinating individuals, people who have seen various both ends of the spectrum of life, it is a very special experience. In history and modern times there a small handful of people. From characters like Theodore Roosevelt to Richard Branson, these individuals deviate from the norm are often pioneers in their fields and excel at what they do, in their own manner. This is how I feel if I were to have met Shane Konzen, the owner of this well built Toyota Chaser.
Although in the repertoire of vehicles which include an S15, R33 Skyline, Crown Majesta, and an S14 sitting in the Ebisu Circuit in Japan, this Toyota Chaser commands the most attention from me. What began as Toyota’s answer to the Nissan Skyline series, the Toyota Chaser has garnered a smaller, yet equally enthusiastic following for its significant role in Japanese motorsports. It was a trip to the land of the rising sun that ignited the need to build this Chaser in the likeness of what he was inspired by.
This build started like many others. Shane initially purchased this car from a young enthusiast in Wollongong, NSW. He reminisces that it was a near mess, stock with poor taste in wheels. However, the car did have one upside, as the previous owner had at least outfitted the car with adjustable suspension parts. With masterful control of the front engine, rear wheel drive layout, he slid this car home and with it his own interpretation of the Japanese “Shakotan” style to the land down under.
Above: The only thing that remained the same after he got the car was the license plate, and a good choice in that for keeping it the same.
Below: A Takata Racing Green strap peeks out from the front bumper near the intercooler piping to feed the beastly turbo’d 1JZ that powers this 4 door sliding sedan.
Whats that? Sitting at all four corners of this beautiful Chaser is the coveted Stancenation x Work Wheels CR2P. Made and produced by the reputable Work Wheels company, these wheels were made in a limited amount and replaced the less than desirable set that came with the car from the previous owner. From there Shane was hooked. He jumped online and purchased wheels. After realizing that the conservative lines of the car would only fit so much underneath, he jumped on a set of Origin Wide body set that boosted the width of his car by 50mm on each side.
Yep, with only 100 sets of the CR2P by Work Wheels and Stancenation, Shane has claimed number 26 as his own.
Remember the Origin Wide Body Kit? That turned out to be the most difficult thing about this build. Shane tells us that a clueless shop owner made promises that weren’t satisfactory in how the car turned out. However, with the combined effort and teamwork of Shane and his friends, the car was able to progress in the build and begin to take the molded form you see before you.
The 1JZ motor is turbocharged, giving the Chaser plenty of power to go with its sporty styling. Shane calls on Airrex Air Suspension to add to the cars the ability to vary its height. A strange combination to some within the car community but rad nonetheless.
Peep inside the right side inclined interior, you can spot the Nardi Deep corn steering wheel and Bride bucket seats. Stemming from the middle of the front is a “large dildo shifter”, Shane’s words, not mines.
This Chaser is surely a sight to behold. I would love to see it in person one day and be able to shake Shane’s hand. However, till then, I will suffice for the magnificent pictures shot by our very own, JC Pepino. A big thanks especially for capturing the essence of this car.
Shane tells us that he doesn’t have that many plans for the car left, but reminds us, when is a car really finished. He says he may be turning his attention to his Crown Majesta, so who knows what he may have in store. Unfortunately, he does live approximately 2 hours away from the nearest meet, but when you see him, don’t hesitate to say hi and to check out this sweet ride in person.
We would like to give a big shout out to JDM Concept for providing the Work x StanceNation wheels. Enjoy!
