The VIP car style had its beginnings,
oddly enough, in the poorer sections of Japan about 15 years ago. Originally,
VIP cars were the creation of a group of enthusiasts called Black Cockroach in
Wakayama Prefecture of Japan. The Black Cockroach team consisted of a black Cima
(Infiniti Q45), Cedric (currently Infiniti M45), Celsior (Lexus LS) and Crown
(no US equivalent), which were uniquely styled and exemplified the owner's
personalities. Many of the VIP cars had deep ties to the Japanese underground
group, better known as the Yakuza, or Japanese mafia. Keeping with the mystic
and underground origins of the scene, most of the cars were colored black. In
the years afterwards, a team named VIP Company was established by Takahiro
Taketomi, the eventual owner of Junction Produce, a leader in VIP styling in
Japan.
In the early years of the VIP movement, there was a Japanese
magazine called Young Auto, which exhibited modified cars predominantly owned by
Japanese motorcycle gang members. The magazine editors selected these cars to
attract readers and exemplify this type of automotive modification. Before the
naming of VIP cars, the cars modified in this style were called a Haiso car
(high society saloon cars). As time went on, the name VIP CLUB became synonymous
with the remodeling of high end luxury cars. This was the birth of the phrase
VIP. VIP CLUB eventually became the very popular Japanese magazine, VIP Car
Magazine. VIP Car Magazine demonstrated the artistry and quality of luxury cars
modified in the VIP style and was instrumental in bringing this style of
automotive customization to the public. With the help of Young Auto magazine and
VIP Car Magazine, the popularity of VIP cars soon spread from Osaka, to Sendai
city in Miyagi prefecture, and eventually across all of Japan.
Traditional Definition:
Tradition VIP car definition is very simple. Usually
pronounced V-I-P (vee-eye-pee) and meaning Very Important Person, the true
pronunciation is VIP, or bippu, where it's pronounced like a word.
Cars that fit into the VIP category are predominantly rear
wheel drive Japanese luxury platforms such as the Celsior, CIMA, Cedric/Gloria,
and Crown, just to name a few. These cars are usually the more expensive models
and are usually purchased by the more affluent car owners. It's not a VIP Car
unless it starts with one of these platforms. Many VIP purists will not consider
any other platforms as VIP, even though other cars can take the styling cues
from the larger VIP sedans. This is commonly known as VIP Styling which will be
covered later.
VIP Characteristics:
VIP cars can loosely be translated to “Low and Wide”. Some
general characteristics of traditional VIP Style (but not limited to) are:
• Large/wide multi-piece wheels (with large lips and low
offsets) that are flush to the fender • Stretched tires in order to tuck the
wheels under the fenders • Low stance via adjustable suspension or air ride •
Substantial body kits to achieve the “Wide” look • Custom body work to
accentuate the “Wide” look • Custom video and audio components and installations
• Wood grain interiors with additional trays and extensions on the dash • Custom
seats and mats • Additional and upgraded internal and external lighting • Louder
exhausts with larger tips • Engine/performance work (though not as popular)
VIP Culture:
When VIP car enthusiasts in Japan build their car, they
immerse themselves in the culture of VIP Car. Accessories like Noburi Flags,
clothing, lighters, teddy bears, fans, and every accessory that a company makes
are purchased and proudly displayed. Some items normally only found in wealthy
homes are found, right at home, inside their cars. Many automotive events and
gatherings in Japan are steeped in the tradition of the VIP culture. Simple
gatherings of enthusiasts can turn into major events. As usual in the Japanese
culture, the cars are the stars, but socializing and even food are main
attractions. VIP Car has a sense of pride within the Japanese community on its
luxury vehicles. It all follows the fascination for those who uphold the code of
living in the lap of luxury.
VIP Styling
VIP styling is taking the aspects that was started in Japan
with the VIP Cars and merging them onto cars that aren't really considered VIP
car platforms. Some platforms that are gaining popularity are the K-cars (Vitz,
Scion, and other econo-box cars), vans (Odyssey and Previas) and many other
vehicles (G35, IS300, 300Zs) that have been heavily influenced by the VIP Style.
That also has trickled into our US domestic market with the larger cars like the
Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum.
Where does this all fit into the US market? If you ask a VIP
purist, it starts with the platform. A Lexus GS, LS or an Infiniti M or Q will
always be considered VIP platforms. Unfortunately, many of the VIP platforms in
Japan have not made it to the US market. Traditional VIP platforms like the
Crown, Cedric, and President, never made it to our shores. As a result, the
market has been narrowed which is why the VIP style has been applied to US spec
cars like the G35, IS3, 350Z, as well as European marques too.
From : http://www.hotimportnights.com
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