"Every build I’ve witnessed is exuberant, few experiences compare to watching such an artist perform live"
The RWB movement in the states is pretty recent, but a strong. While still rare, it seems as if it quickly went from a handful of builds in the whole country to a handful from every major state. Like the majority of people, our first encounter with an RWB build was online which, on any given night, leads you to Google to do some research on what's behind the story. One of my first encounters with learning about the RWB was a video by E-garage on Nakai-san here.
This is a process that is not for the purist, however with being heavily involved in the scene, traveling and taking pictures for a living, the shock has worn off. That doesn't mean seeing one being built or seeing it in person isn't impressive.
The internet tends to make the world a small place. With the current state of social media, you would think everyone in the world has a ridiculously modified car, but that’s far from the truth. So, while we find ourselves referencing any new trend as a “me too” trend, that’s not always the case. It just feels that way.
The first RWB I saw up close belonged to Mark Arcenal from Fatlace at the 2012 SEMA› show. It was bright pink, work wheels, a front wheel and tire size that I am used to seeing on the rear of cars, and stretched 335 tires on the back.The added width is pretty insane if you find time to sit back and admire what is done, but it flows. This 993-turned-extreme-widebody belongs to our friend Ralph Santos, a Porsche enthusiast whom we met at Parkhaus1 (a South Florida Porsche madhouse).
When Nakai came down for the build, it was on public display, so, of course, we went to cover the build, Watching Nakai work in person, as I have always said and will keep saying, is pretty cool. He takes on the spotlight well, finds time to engage with fans, and lays out all his tools on the floor in a manner that any garage building enthusiast can appreciate.
STEERING AWAY FROM THE SIGNATURE WORK WHEEL, RALPH OPTED FOR A SET OF FIFTEEN52 3PC CONCAVE OUTLAW WHEELS INSTEAD.
Nakai-San was not the only person around during the build process. Magnus Walker stopped by as well to check out the build as it was coming together.
For the average person, the thought of ink over paint is blasphemy, but in this case, Ralph wanted the signatures of everyone involved in the build. Nakai-san always signs his cars because to him, it's more of an art piece than it is a body kit. Ralph also had Magnus Walker (Outlaw Wheels) and Alvaro from Parkhaus 1, the shop which hosted the build, sign the hood. It is now a conversation piece rather than a mark on an immaculate paint job.
With so many widebody cars on the market, this is one of the few that flows. Due to the nature of the curves, by default, this view, in my opinion, feels just as natural as it does excessive.
From my research over the past few years, I’ve noticed that in Japan the RWB modified Porsches tend to fall in the hands of those who find the racetrack on the weekend (look up Idlers 24 for reference).
In the States, while few race, many seem to enjoy them as street cars. If you saw our build post, you saw some of the detail on the upgraded brakes and suspension, which give the car the right balance for its TPC supercharger setup. We can confirm it's a very fun setup with just enough power to keep you grinning from ear to ear.
I understand that some are not pleased with the cutting of cars in the wide body movement. Some people love it, others hate it. Many, for the most part, don't care as long as the owner is cool. For myself, I love the story. If the owner is willing to share their story, we will always do our best to share it with you guys.
We met up with Ralph at 5:00am to shoot this car and to avoid traffic, so there's no pressure, and, of course, to take advantage of some great lighting opportunities. We couldn't have been blessed with a more perfect sunrise. It was almost as if the day was prepared just for us.
Personally, I’m a fan of the RWB build. Perhaps, one day, I will even find myself in a position to get a 993 and run it through the gauntlet. What started out as a normal 1995 Porsche Carrera 3.6L is now a piece of art. The RWB lives and dies with Nakai, and after speaking to Ralph throughout the entire build process, I see that it’s more than just some overfenders. It’s all about the experience.
Overall, the RWB build is more than just overfenders. To us, it’s all about the story: from getting everyone involved to the build and the enjoyment afterwards. Sure, taking an already difficult to obtain car and cutting it up can make some cringe, but as long as there is pleasure found in the drive by the owner, I’m sure Nakai is pleased, and the car community gets one more piece to an already complex puzzle.
- 1995 Porsche Carrera 3.6L
- 67,830 Miles
- Sparta front and rear brake kit
- tpc supercharger
- 993 turbo upgraded transmission and clutch
- 993 turbo upgraded suspension
- fifteen52 3pc concave outlaw wheels
- Toyo r888 265/35zr18 335/30zr18
- Porsche classic radio
- Sparco seats
- Zuffenhaus steering wheel
