10 Best Hondas from Osaka Auto Messe 2019
This car and customizing motor show has been around since 1997, and this year the crowds topped 200,000. Take a look at some of the best modified Honda vehicles that made an appearance at this year's show.
Osaka Auto Messe 2019
The Osaka Auto Messe is an annual auto show that has been held at the Intex Osaka in Osaka, Japan since 1997. The show's primary focus is on modified custom cars and aftermarket kits and parts. Considered one of the biggest auto shows in Japan, it was held this year from February 7-9 and more than 200,000 came through its gates. Honda was well-represented, so click through the following slides to see what was on parade.
S2000 Hardtop
It's been years since a new S2000 hardtop was developed but that's all changed with the all-new Mode Parfume/Volsage option. What sets it apart from the OEM, Mugen, and Amuse tops are the two small side windows flanked by a large, sculpted rear window. A small wing hovers over the back of the roof, and although it sits just in front of the trunk, word from Mode Parfume suggests the lid is still fully functional with their hardtop.
2019 Keihin Honda NSX
Back in April of 2018, Keihin Real Racing ended a seven-year winless drought with a victory at Okayama International Circuit. The metallic blue #17 Keihin Honda NSX-GT shown above finally returned to the top step of the podium, as co-drivers Kogure and Tsukakoshi earned the GT500 class victory in the opening round of the 2018 Super GT season. They led Honda to a 1-2 finish, crossing the line ahead of the #100 Raybrig NSX-GT driven by Naoki Yamamoto & Jenson Button.
Honda 1st Gen CRX
Unlike the Tokyo Auto Salon, which features future cars, Osaka Auto Messe often highlights some of the classic chassis that we just don't see enough of anymore. Add to that a handful of builds from the No Good Racing crew, something most would have never expected to see, and suddenly you are smack dab middle of a can't-miss event.
No Good Racing Civic EJ
No Good Racing, the crew that's had their signature logo stolen by counterfeiters in every corner of the world, made an appearance at Auto Messe and this pink EJ was a destination for enthusiasts. The solid color was a break from the norm as many NGR cars feature themed livery and a slathering of stickers across the body.
2019 Aslan EG6 Civic
This EG6 from Aslan attracted quite a bit of interest from the crowd. One publication compared its massive rear wing and forward jutting splitter to a "snow plow" and if it's true, this Civic can do more than shovel snow. Under the hood sits a K20 with ITBs, and under some dramatically widened fenders sit an FWD stagger of an 18x11 front and 17x9.5 rear TE37s wrapped in Advan AO50. Carbon fiber rear window replacements have made a significant dent in lighting the weight of the EG6.
Five Mart Temple Racing EF Civic
Local Osaka Honda tuning shop, Five Mart, also had a large presence at Auto Messe. Five Mart deals exclusively with Honda Civic and CRX from the 1980s and ’90s, with several built examples on display. This mint-colored ASLAN/Temple Racing EF also sported an FWD staggered look and Osaka JDM widened fenders up front allowed for additional space for a pair of stout Advan tires. Inside you'll find a roll cage with pillar gussets and a fuel rail that sticks slightly out of the hood, thanks to the K20 ITB set up.
Five Mart CRX
Also in the Five Mart booth was this white CRX that sported a re-barreled Mugen MR-5 and authentic Mugen kit.
Five Mart NSX
Another resident of the Five Mart booth was this pristine white/black NSX on Enkei NT03RR. As these NSXs become increasingly difficult to find and their price continues to rise, holding on to one in this condition is like money in the bank. Keeping it in this condition would be no easy feat as the temptation to drive it would be overwhelming.
Mugen FK8 Civic Type R
Mugen displayed a few FK8 Civic Type R aero kit options, the first being a black CTR with dry carbon fiber front and rear bumper, vented hood, mirror caps, side skirts, and a rear wing. The concept aero, referred to as Mugen RC20GT, was on display in 2018 with Mugen-colored graphics that have now been replaced by their Mejikara/eye design. This year's FK8 concept gets an octagonal grille, while the non-R models get a hexagon-shaped exhaust system and a new shift knob, which will fit all models using an 8-sided configuration.
Mugen Civic Type R
Another model under the Mugen tent was this white Type R with a "prototype" aero featuring a carbon fiber upper grille garnish, a front splitter in the spirit of the FD2, and color-matched filler pieces that attempt to downsize the massive side grilles. For the non-R models, Mugen introduced a contoured upper grill cover that showed up at TAS 2018. Extended side skirts add a little more girth to the flanks and both vehicles rely on the same Mugen MDC alloy wheels in 19x8.5 with a conservative +45 offset.
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