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Natsuki,The Sushi Factory ExperimentWords: John Godinez / Chris Chan
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Built not bought. A phrase loosely used in the car scene. People buy parts, install them, then they say they “built” their ride. For others built literally means built. We got to visit a shop deep in the city of Makati that would put those that have “built” their rides to shame.
Jeiven Perez, the owner of Natsuki and Sushi Factory, the artist behind this masterpiece, stayed true to the phrase "Built Not Bought". He resurrected a lifeless 1971 Toyota Celica ST into a gorgeous handcrafted automotive work. In a span of 4 months, they turned a rusty old car to a priceless piece of art. If you had the chance to visit the most recent Trans Sport Show, you have probably seen this beauty there attracting bodies and turning heads.
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The first time we laid eyes on this Celica was at the last Stance Pilipinas / Manila Fitted meet at The Fort. In the blink of an eye, each of us turned into a "fan boy". Undoubtedly this is one of the most eye catching cars around the Metro and I'd bet an arm and a leg that a true car lover would drool for it too!
In a world where most classic car builders are purists, its not a surprise that Jeiven gets flack for doing his own thing to his Celica. Nevertheless, he sticks to what he wants, he is original, and we can't complain with the outcome.
One glance at the exterior and you’ll see some custom parts on Jeiven's Celica. Splitters, fender flares, rear spoiler and front lip are all custom built and installed. Each part defines uniqueness and distinguishes Jeiven’s Celica apart from others. For some tasteful flare, Jeiven has some NeoChrome Benen front and rear tow that made us jealous!
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The heart of Natsuki is a Toyota 13T Engine with a port and polished head. Jeiven tapped SMT to fabricate for him a custom 4-1 header. He also installed a Redline intake manifold for additional power.
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The uniqueness doesn't stop there! Open the door to this beauty and you instantly see a Nardi deep corn steering wheel on top of a NRG quick release. On the driver side, a Bride Vios bucket seat and on the passenger side a nice Bride reclinable seat (we all know why, the Boss sits there!). Continue looking around the interior and you will see a few orange type of flip covers; even some aircraft switches inside!
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Natsuki's shoes are a beauty and looks great with the whole car! ATS wheels wrapped with Toyo Tires. 13x8 up front, while rears are 13x9.5!
Shooting this car was very enjoyable for us. For one, Jeiven is a really nice down to earth guy who anyone will enjoy being around. The world could use more people like him in this scene. He will gladly help out fellow enthusiasts and shows appreciation and respect for every car he sees. In short, it was an all-around pleasure. As for Natsuki, all we can say is, she's a beauty!
Now, say it with us. BUILT, NOT BOUGHT.
Full Spec list
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Exterior Modifications:
Benen Front Tow Benen Rear Tow Custom Front Splitter Custom Front Chin Spoiler Custom Fender Flares Custom Rear Spoiler Celica GT Grill Leather Bonnet Straps Kameari Fender Mirrors Rubber Boot Lid Straps Interior Modifications: Aircraft Switches ARC Titanium Gear Ball Bride Vios Bucket Seat Bride Reclinable Bucket Seat Custom Roll Cage Defi Oil Temp Gauge Defi Water Temp Gauge Defi Oil Pressure Gauge Nardi Deep Corn Steering Wheel NRG Quick Release Hub Kill Switch Push Start Racing Net Takata 4pt Harness |
Wheels, Tires. Suspension:
ATS 13x8 Front, 13x9.5 Rear Wheels Kyokugen Lugnets 30MM Spacers Front and Rear Kingsprings Lowering Springs Kayaba Shock Absorbers Toyo Tires Engine: Toyota 13T Engine Ported and Polished Head Oversized Pistons Custom 4-1 Headers by SMT Headers Wrap Twinside Weber 40s Aluminum Velocity Stacks Redline Intake Manifold Redline Throttle Linkage K&N Breathers Mishimoto Radiator Fan 5zigen Titanium Tip Exhaust Quickshift NGK High Tension Wires |
