The world of automotive manga has inspired countless enthusiasts, but one creation stands out as a perfect homage to its comic origins. This meticulous replica of Hajime-chan’s Soarer from the classic manga series “Shakotan Boogie” isn’t just about looks—it’s a performance powerhouse, too. Built by SPEED, a now-closed tuning shop in Fukuoka, Japan, this car merges retro aesthetics with modern engineering to deliver a truly awe-inspiring machine.
A Faithful Recreation, Down to the Heart
At a glance, this Soarer looks like it’s been pulled right out of the pages of “Shakotan Boogie.” The team behind the build sourced an original model through an online auction. However, age presented challenges—replacement parts for the vintage Soarer were nearly impossible to find. As a result, most of the aerodynamic components and decals, except for the mirrors, were handcrafted.
But the biggest surprise lies under the hood. Staying true to the manga, SPEED swapped the Soarer’s original 1G-EU engine for Nissan’s legendary RB26DETT, sourced from a BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. The engine is paired with a head cover from the BNR34 model. Although this RB26 features only light tuning focused on intake and exhaust systems, its 300 horsepower gives the Soarer more than enough bite.
Side view of Hajime-chan’s Soarer with retro-styled wheels
The installation was a careful process. The Soarer’s original six-cylinder layout provided sufficient space, but the engine mounting points differed. After adjustments using R32 Skyline mounts, the RB26 sat snugly in its new home. A custom one-off driveshaft connects the engine to a compact R32 Skyline Type M 5-speed transmission, ensuring seamless power delivery.
Exterior Details: A Blast from the Past
Hajime-chan’s Soarer sports the unmistakable retro-modified style of its era. The wheels are Longchamp XR-4s, with stretched 205-section tires mounted on wide 10J rims. Fender flares, widened by 30mm using steel welding, enhance the car’s aggressive stance. The result is a wide-tread look that perfectly captures its manga roots.
Close-up of wheel and stretched tire setup on Hajime-chan’s Soarer
Classic elements abound, including a Vitoloni mirror rediscovered in SPEED’s shop storage and a “meteor light” placed on the dashboard. The aerodynamic upgrades feature a chin spoiler and rear wing, staying true to the iconic styling of the manga. Nighttime practicality was also considered, with HID headlights replacing the original units for improved visibility.
Front profile of Soarer showcasing chin spoiler and HID headlights
Suspension and Handling Tweaks
The suspension setup balances old-school charm with modern upgrades. Up front, 60mm-shortened coilovers modified from S13 Silvia units improve the stance and handling. In the rear, time constraints led to a practical solution—Bilstein dampers paired with slightly trimmed (2.5 coils cut) stock springs.
Rear suspension setup with Bilstein dampers
Bridging the Generations
Hajime-chan’s Soarer isn’t just a faithful recreation; it’s a glimpse into the evolving world of car tuning. By blending the timeless appeal of a Showa-era classic with the raw performance of one of Nissan’s greatest engines, SPEED has created a car that captivates both purists and modern enthusiasts.
While SPEED has since closed, this build remains a shining example of how manga-inspired vehicles can be brought into the real world with precision, passion, and innovation.
Highlighted Specifications
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | RB26DETT (BCNR33 GT-R), BNR34 head cover |
| Power Output | Approximately 300hp |
| Transmission | R32 Skyline Type M 5-speed manual |
| Wheels | Longchamp XR-4, 10J with 205-section tires |
| Front Suspension | Custom 60mm-shortened S13 Silvia-based coilovers |
| Rear Suspension | Bilstein dampers with trimmed stock springs |
| Headlights | HID units for improved night visibility |
Rear profile of Hajime-chan’s Soarer
Capturing both the spirit of its origin and the imagination of car enthusiasts, Hajime-chan’s Soarer demonstrates the brilliance of creative restoration and tuning.
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