In this episode, I'm joined by Masa Kuji, co-founder of Built By Legends, the renowned Japanese restomod company that brings iconic cars like the Skyline GT-R and classic Honda Civics into the modern age. Masa shares the fascinating journey from producing English-dubbed versions of legendary Japanese car films like Best Motoring and Hot Version to creating bespoke, high-quality restorations with legendary Japanese tuning houses Mines and Spoon Sports. We dive into the meticulous details involved in transforming classic GT-Rs and Civics into reliable, exciting daily drivers that retain their authentic character while incorporating cutting-edge technology and performance enhancements. Masa offers insights into the unique challenges of restoring and improving beloved icons, the evolving market for these collectible cars, and the passion driving the Built By Legends ethos.
Enjoy
Show Notes
00:00 The Evolution of the GTR Series
02:51 Journey into the Car Industry
06:00 Building Built by Legends
08:54 The Ethos Behind Restomodding
11:59 Collaborations with Legendary Tuners
14:51 Performance and Reinforcement of GTRs
18:02 The First Built by Legends GTR
20:57 Popularity and Market Trends of GTRs
24:00 Production Capacity and Restoration Services
26:45 Improving Original Designs
30:09 Customer Customization and Specifications
35:45 Driving Experience of Custom Cars
41:53 Customer Relationships and Build Process
49:08 Cost and Value of Builds
55:30 Restoration Process and Customization
01:00:57 Future of Car Builds and Personal Favorites
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