Power and balance meet the ground by way of an Auto Factory Hirota-built front suspension, which uses TRD AE92-spec Japan strut dampers. Cusco threaded damper bodies are mated with Bestex springs and Cusco pillow ball mounts. The rear suspension is of its time: Japan Spring Factory racing leafs, with shock motion taken up by long-discontinued Tomei shock absorbers.
Lamco oil temperature, oil pressure and water temperature gauges underline yesteryear's digital divide. The Smith tachometer keeps an eye on the high revs, while a Nardi steering wheel, connected to a rigid steering box, allows Hirota to feel the corners. A Garage Altair roll cage beefs up the frame and supplies the necessary safety for racing use. An Autoloc Type A seat, and a worn set of Sabelt four-points, offers a glimpse into a time before the HANS device, before headrests, before Nader.
The semi-annual Japan Classic Car Association event showcases exposed oil coolers, carburetors, taped glass headlights and vinyl door skins, hinting at bygone times and evoking nostalgic feelings. There are always a few standouts in any race, but fewer still reach iconic status. Stateside, it was John Morton's BRE Datsun 510. On the eastern side of the Pacific, it was Takahashi Kenji's Tomei Sunny.
Garage Hirota/Tomei Datsun 1200
Engine
Engine Code: A12
Type: 1300cc in-line four, iron block, aluminum head, OHV
Internal Modifications: Tomei 5mm overbore pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, Top End kit (78-degree cam, pushrods, 40mm valves, valve guides, head gasket), Garage Hirota ported head
External Modifications: Twin Weber carburetors w/quad Tomei trumpets, Setrab racing distributor, Woko external coil, Ultra 8mm spark plug wires, Tomei crank pulley
Engine Management Modifications: ATL fuel cell, twin Nismo fuel pumps, aluminum surge tank
Drivetrain
Layout: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Drivetrain Modifications: Tomei flywheel, Nismo clutch,F56A Omori gear package, Nismo LSD, final drive gear (Tsukuba: 4.38:1, Fuji: 3.90:1)
Suspension
Front: Garage Hirota/Japan Strut AE92-based coilovers (Cusco threaded damper bodies, upper pillowball mounts, Bestex springs), Cusco tower brace, spherical suspension bearings
Rear: Japan Spring Factory racing leaf springs, Tomei dampers, Cusco tower brace
Brakes
Front: Stock rotors, Nismo MK63 calipers, Luvix pads, stainless steel braided lines
Rear: Stock drums, stainless steel braided lines
External
Wheels: Tosco wheels, 13x8 (F), 13x9 (R), 5mm spacers
Tires: Yokohama Advan R-compound, 205/50/13 (F), 225/50/13 (R)
Body: Garage Hirota fiberglass 50mm fender flares, front air dam, rear wing, hood, front racing jacket, Garage Altair roll cage, rigid-mount steering box
Interior: Sabelt harness, Autolock Type A seat, Odyssey PC680 battery, Lamco oil temperature, oil pressure, water temperature gauges, Smith tachometer, Nardi steering wheel