Lets kick off this post with a look at our friends at Liberty Walk. Like Rocketbunny, Liberty Walk is now synonymous with “over fenders”. Enthusiasts are still split on their opinion when it comes to this style, but aside from the cars themselves, another word that can describe Liberty Walk is “Fun”. Their booth was one of the most hyped areas of TAS. Kato and the LB staff were hyping up the crowd all weekend. You couldn’t walk by this area without feeling the excitement in the air. Aside from the hype, LB’s booth had quite a few cars on display. Kato’s personal S30Z stole the show. That classic JDM Shakotan style is timeless! Just like the Kenmeri from a couple of years ago, the Z shows us the origin of that low and wide style that has taken world by storm over the past few years. Love it? Hate it? That doesn’t really matter, it’s here to stay and I personally don’t mind one bit!
One of the new offerings from LB for the Maserati Gran Turismo. I’m into it!
Liberty Walk had quite a few lovely models on hand. Naturally the camera boys went nuts, which at this point was expected and almost funny to watch. I guess it’s another part of the experience for the patrons of TAS.
The LB fleet extended to a few aisle past their main area. Honestly, these look really great in person. I admittedly was on the fence about this style. Seeing it in person on many different platforms made me a believer. Not sure if I would do it myself but definitely admirable for those who have the means and balls to do so.
Another new offering for the Audi A5/S5. Nothing is safe from over fenders…nothing.
Ran into my homie Masahiro who works for Liberty Walk. He builds some of the most detailed automotive models I’ve ever seen. He worked countless hours for weeks and finished up the Liberty Walk 1:8 Aventador kit the night before the big show. Nice work Masahiro-kun!
This was actually sold during the show as well. Guess the price anyone? (Hint: Make sure you add a zero or two.)
No strangers to the wide and low game, AIMGAIN also had a massive booth with a few platforms on display. Personal favorites were their GTR and Aventador.
Seeing the name WALD instantly makes me think of slammed yakzua-esque big body Celsiors. The brand seems to have switched directions in the past few years and are now offering their products for higher-end vehicles. Their Rolls Royce Wraith and Mercedes Benz GT were their main attraction, but personally…
I love this! WALD Toyota Land Cruiser. I would rock the hell out of this, in black.
On topic of VIP, here are a couple of sick LS’s that I came across.
This one being my favorite of TAS’s LS offerings. Not sure if everyone noticed this but this is a VIP OTAKU dream. Gundam themed big body will own all as you cruise the streets of Akihabara.
326power. Love their style. Another well known brand that shows you don’t need a slammed Lambo to make a statement.
If you’re a fan of VIP Style Magazine you’re probably familiar with BLACK PEARL. An extreme, almost futuristic take on VIP car style. I’m actually not sure if this can even still falls into the VIP category as they’ve been customized almost beyond recognition. Amazing creative craftsmanship still.
Quick change of gears to take a look at this slammed Hiace. Another TAS favorite for it’s simplicity.
Some of the one-off exotic/high-end builds at TAS were also some of the most interesting. This R8 for example had me snapping away.
Going back to the topic of models, some booths keep it classy, which I can appreciate. Other booths just go all out to capitalize on attention, however misdirected it may be…
Pole dancers. This happened. Really?! Come on TAS!
Wrapping things up with Moroshoshi-San, This man stood next to his Aventador at the Boom craft all three days of TAS greeting everyone. I can definitely respect that vibe. Nice guy too!
One last post to go where we’ll take a look at all things JDM.