The Devotees Of Cefiro: A31 Adoration At Vintage Chaos

Purchasing Oreos in Japan just doesn’t align with logic. While they are alluring and chocolaty, the iconic twist-lick-dunk ritual is undeniably clever marketing. However, indulging in imported luxuries from the U.S., albeit manufactured in China, comes at a cost. On the other hand, in Japan, the locally produced counterpart Noir is equally irresistible as the original, at a much more affordable price. In fact, some might argue that it’s even more decadent.

The array of snack choices in Japan is abundant, much like the variety of cars which encompasses the JDM scene.

Reminiscing about searching for Eastern delicacies while residing in the UK, primarily Asahi Super Dry, I vividly recall my shock at the price of an imported six-pack from Japan. This scenario extends not only to international beers, snacks, but also to cars found in any country.

Imagine paying more than four times the local price for a beer, snack, or car. While splurging on an original packet of Oreos at such a mark-up might be feasible, when it comes to investing in a Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, or other revered JDM vehicles, the expenditure skyrockets.

This financial disparity is the lived reality of a Malaysian JDM performance car enthusiast.

However, there is a silver lining for local enthusiasts; Japanese models locally assembled and previously sold as new vehicles in Malaysia are within reach. Interestingly, some of these cars are surprisingly more affordable to purchase in Malaysia compared to Japan. A prime illustration of this phenomenon is the A31 Nissan Cefiro.

During the late ’80s and early ’90s, Nissan’s inaugural Cefiro captivated the Malaysian market as a new car, solidifying its status as one of the country’s most sought-after performance car platforms. The A31, to this day, continues to be celebrated in Malaysia due to its chassis, drivetrain, and suspension shared with the revered R32 Skyline.

Empowered by either a naturally aspirated RB20DE or turbocharged RB20DET and accessible with a 5-speed gearbox, A31s have become synonymous with Malaysian drifting and modifying car scene.

To put things into perspective, the most budget-friendly R32 Skyline I could discover for sale in Malaysia came with an asking price that was the equivalent of US$42,000. The most affordable one I could find in Japan was the equivalent of US$20,000. Conversely, an A31 Cefiro can be acquired in Malaysia for as little as $US3,000. That makes them perfect for customization.

Unsurprisingly, there were more than a few Nissan Cefiro builds on display at Retro Havoc 2024. A full feature on one of the prime examples will be shared soon, but before that, here are some A31s crafted by Endperfect Performance in Kuala Lumpur.

These individuals are renowned in Malaysia for building Nissan RB-series engines that would captivate even the most dedicated Skyline GT-R modifiers globally. Additionally, Endperfect Performance specializes in preparing cars for circuit racing, drifting, and street performance.

This azure A31 is possessed by Endperfect chief Maxx Arel, with all renovations completed in-house. It’s difficult to envision now, but the Cefiro remained neglected for four years before undergoing a rescue and restoration.

I inquired Maxx about the Cefiro’s appeal causing it to be so well-liked in Malaysia. His response was elementary: As the A31 shares its framework with the regionally unattainable Skyline, 99% of R32, R33, and R34 components fit seamlessly.

Yet what adds to their enjoyment? You can relish all the power of a modified Skyline GT-R… within a rear-wheel drive framework. I’m confident you recognize the allure as well.

TobyThyerPhotography-38