2013 Nissan GTR build, featuring Top Secret Japan inspiration

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Alson Lara - 2013 Top Secret Nissan GTR

Instagram: @hello_itsAl

Photographer: Marvin Recinos

Instagram: @mr2mivin

Performance Stats: 630 Wheel Horsepower/616 Wheel Torque

A Passion for Cars That Never Fades

I’m Alson Lara, a 44-year-old car enthusiast living in the SF Bay Area. While I’m not exactly young anymore, my love for cars has always kept me grounded and happy. My weekends usually revolve around car-related activities like car meets, cruises, or shows with friends.

Growing up in the 90s, the golden era of Japanese tuner cars fueled my imagination. Those cars graced the pages of popular magazines, and I’d spend hours reading them in class, dreaming of one day owning a souped-up import. That era shaped my passion for everything automotive.

First Cars and Early Modifications

My journey began with a 1996 Honda Civic Sedan, which I absolutely loved. It was an automatic, and I still remember modifying it with Rota wheels, a Cusco wing, Eibach springs, a carbon hood, and a Tsunami lip. Eventually, I moved on to more notable cars, like a Honda S2000 and a Camaro SS 1LE—both of which hold a special place in my heart.

The GTR Dream Becomes Reality

We never got the Nissan GTR in America until the R35 was released. Games like Gran Turismo built an air of mystique around the nameplate, captivating me for years. When one of my best friends decided to sell his R35 and upgrade to an Audi R8, I couldn’t turn down the offer.

The car was originally the OEM Gun Metallic color and already had tasteful, subtle modifications. I enjoyed it in that format for about a year, telling myself I’d keep it close to OEM+. But as any car enthusiast knows, the urge to modify is hard to resist. Once I started, there was no turning back.

Inspired by Top Secret Japan

I’ve always admired the builds from Top Secret Japan, especially their Nardo High-Speed Challenge car from over a decade ago. My goal was to create a catalogue build that paid homage to their iconic designs. This meant incorporating a full Top Secret aero kit, accessories, and engine parts to set the theme.

Instead of sticking with the OEM paint color, I decided to wrap the car in gold, reminiscent of the current Top Secret demo cars. The result is a stunning homage that stands out while staying true to the inspiration.

Build List and Modifications

Here’s a detailed breakdown of my build:

• Performance Mods:

• AMS Downpipes

• AMS 90mm catted midpipe

• 3" Specialty Z Intakes

• 1300cc Injector Dynamic injectors

• DW300 fuel pumps

• Specialty Z Flex Fuel Kit

• Ecutek tuning

• Akropovic Titanium exhaust with carbon tips

• Turbosmart dual port blow-off valve

• Top Secret coolant tank, oil catch can, and engine cover

• Exterior Mods:

• Top Secret ver. 1 bumper with carbon lip

• Top Secret 20mm wide front fenders

• Top Secret ver. 2 side skirts

• Top Secret rear fenders

• Top Secret rear wing

• Top Secret carbon hood

• Wheels and Suspension:

• HRE 593 wheels (20x10.5 front, 20x12 rear)

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires

• Swift Sport Springs

• Alcon rotors with Endless MX72 pads

• Interior Enhancements:

• Bride Stradia III King seats

• RSW Japan carbon accents

• Mines steering wheel

• Top Secret floor and trunk mats

A DIY Effort with Friends

The car came with an AMS 600 package installed, but many of the modifications were done by me and my friend Mike, who also happened to be the previous owner. Installing the brakes, seats, and body kit was a labor-intensive process.

The body kit install was particularly challenging, involving trimming the crash beam, modifying the fender splash guards, and lots of finesse work. It took us about three days, leaving us with sore backs and arms but a sense of accomplishment.

The gold wrap was installed by Lok of Lok’s Car Wraps in Redwood City, CA. Lok did an amazing job, bringing my vision to life.

Future Plans for the GTR

While the wrap was a test run, I plan on eventually giving the car a full gold paint job. I’m also considering a custom interior treatment for the rear, possibly a custom rear seat delete. Other upcoming upgrades include:

• Top Secret rear diffuser

• New wheels

• Full Aragosta coilovers

• Endless big brake kit

• Roll cage

• Bigger turbos

• Transmission upgrade

Dream Car and Inspirations

My ultimate dream car is a Ferrari F355 Spider in Giallo Modena. As a kid, I had two posters of that car. Its timeless design continues to inspire me to this day.

Shoutouts

@norcal.gtr

@modsgarage21

@team.shabuya

@lok_lcw  

Share Your Car Story

I hope my journey inspires others to chase their automotive dreams. If you’ve got a car story to share, submit it to Stance Auto Magazine. Let’s celebrate the passion for cars together.

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