Jon Lowrey - 1977 Datsun 280z “Wenchi”

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TL;DR – Key Takeaways

• Jon Lowrey’s 1977 Datsun 280Z “Wenchi” is a raw, Mil-Spec-inspired Kyusha build with Shakotan and Shōwa-era influence.

• Powered by an L28 inline-six with a Motorsport Auto camshaft and BC Racing/AirLift suspension, it mixes old-school tuning with modern stance.

• More than just a car, Wenchi represents Jon’s philosophy of grit, creativity, and keeping automotive culture real.

Jon Lowrey - 1977 Datsun 280z “Wenchi”

Instagram: @gritandgrid

Photographers: Donnie Roc
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Website:r0cean11.com  

Instagram: @xavierstudios.hi

From Helicopters to Hot Rods: Meet Jon Lowrey

I’m Jon Lowrey, 43, a former Army helicopter mechanic now working as a rocket engine build and test technician. Originally from Dallas, I’m currently living the lake life outside Austin, Texas.

Cars have always been in my blood. Growing up in the 80s, I was hooked on car culture thanks to shows like Knight Rider, Dukes of Hazzard, and movies like Smokey and the Bandit. But the defining moment came when my daycare took us to see Cannonball Run. The fade-in of that Lamborghini Countach at full throttle changed everything for me.

From that moment on, cars became more than transportation—they became a passion, a way of life, and eventually, my creative outlet.

Early Influences: From Family Cars to JDM Dreams

My mother had a base model ’68 Camaro, later trading it for a ’72 Karmann Ghia. My dad eventually upgraded from a Ford Escort to a 1990 Acura Integra—my introduction to the world of attainable performance cars.

I’ll never forget the day we were cruising down I-35 and got challenged by a red FC RX-7. The Integra put up a fight, but the RX’s turbo spool told the real story. My dad saluted as the Mazda pulled away and told me, “It’s honour among thieves.” That moment sealed my love for JDM.

Finding the Z-Car

In 2008, I was looking for a classic Japanese car while working in Oklahoma. I stumbled on a rough ’71 Datsun 240Z and bought it for $500. Even sitting dead on a trailer, people would approach me at gas stations to share their Z-car stories. That’s when I realised the cult following of the S30 chassis.

While the 240Z project is still in the works (future feature alert—VH45 swap incoming), I came across this 1977 280Z. The car had been wrecked into a fire hydrant and was barely drivable, but I wanted something I could actually get on the road. I traded a Honda VFR motorcycle for it, and “Wenchi” was born.

Wenchi’s Philosophy: Stay Gritty

Wenchi isn’t a polished show car—it’s an anti-show show car. Built with dents, dings, and imperfections left intact, it carries grit and character that a pristine garage queen never could.

The Mil-Spec olive drab paint is a nod to my Army background. Instead of rattle-can flat green, I went straight to military spec CARC coating, the same used on helicopters. Like an old pair of jeans, stains and scars just add to its story.

The build blends Kyusha style with hints of Shakotan and Japanese shakotan car culture. Yet it also borrows from Porsche aftermarket mirrors and custom U.S. parts, making Wenchi a mash-up of styles that still feels cohesive.

What do you think?

Please leave your comments in the comments section at the bottom of the page

 1977 Datsun 280z Modifications:

Engine & Drivetrain

• Original L28 inline-six
• Motorsport Auto Stage 1 performance camshaft
• 1982 280ZX 5-speed close-ratio transmission & distributor
• MSD Blaster coil
• Mishimoto radiator
• Custom exhaust with Cherry Bomb muffler & glasspack

Suspension & Handling

• T3 GTX2 front/rear control arms & tension rods
• ST Suspension rear sway bar
• TechnoVersions R200 diff mount
• Energy Suspension bushings
• BC Racing coilovers with C2B airbags & AirLift Performance P3 management
• Garage Theory front & rear tower bars

Brakes, Wheels & Tires

• R1 Concepts brakes & pads
• 1982 Maxima rear disc brake conversion
• Atara Racing wheels (15x9 front, 15x10 rear)
• Toyo Proxes R1R (205/50ZR15 & 225/45ZR15)

Interior

• Skillard Automotive console, radio delete, and door panels
• RetroSeats KPGC10 bucket seats
• Takata 4-point harnesses
• DIY flocked dash for racecar feel
• NotionsAndDevotions custom boots
• Mr. Grip custom window knobs

Exterior

• Skillard aero: aggressive side splitters, 4” front lip, hood vents, rear diffuser
• Speed Forme ducktail spoiler
• Hella 4004 GT mirrors (Porsche aftermarket)
• TC3 carbon fiber rear light panel
• ZLEDs LED turn signals & tail lights
• Klearz lenses
• Mil-Spec Olive Drab CARC paint

The Future of Wenchi

Next on the list is a MegaSquirt ECU with LS coil packs from Godzilla Raceworks to modernize reliability and clean up the wiring. But the wildest part? I’ve got a Toyota 1GZ-FE 5.0L V12 sitting in the garage. Full Cannonball Run homage, Reynolds style.

Staying Busy, Staying Gritty

Car culture is more than machines—it’s therapy. As someone with social anxieties, I often feel more comfortable wrenching in the garage than in crowds. But bringing Wenchi to shows lets the car take the spotlight, not me. Seeing people’s reactions makes it worthwhile.

My dream car? A Toyota 2000GT with a 1GZ-FE swap, slammed on RS Watanabes. Roll up in that and the world stops.

I live by the motto #StayGritty—face challenges head-on, stay raw, and keep your vision uncompromised. Wenchi is proof of that philosophy.

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