VeilSide Cars in Fast and The Furious
When you think of Japan, what comes to mind might be samurai, Mt. Fuji, and sushi. But for many, Japan is synonymous with world’s most unique car culture.
Throughout the last five decades, Japanese car culture has placed itself on the global map. From the invention of drifting and touge runs to the legendary Mid Night Club, the popularity of JDM cars has soared to new heights. This enthusiasm reached even greater levels in the early to mid-2000s, fueled by increased media representation in anime like Initial D and blockbuster films like Fast and Furious.
One company that gained significant attention from Hollywood’s sudden interest in JDM cars was the customization specialist VeilSide.
What is VeilSide
VeilSide Japan is a renowned car tuning and aftermarket parts company, established in 1990 by Hironao Yokomaku. The company gained international fame for its high-quality, aerodynamically advanced body kits, which blend aggressive styling with performance enhancement. VeilSide’s designs have made a big impact in the car customization scene, particularly within the JDM community.
VeilSide builds are frequently featured in films, and dominated the first installments of the Fast and The Furious movie franchise.
In this article we take a look at the different VeilSide kits that can be found in the Fast and The Furious series.
Dom’s Mazda 1993 RX-7
Movie - The Fast and The Furious
Driver - Dominic Toretto
Dominic Toretto’s red 1993 Mazda RX-7 FD is featured in the series’ first ever race scene against Brian, Danny, and Edwin. When the police arrive, Dominic quickly escapes, parking his RX-7 in a nearby garage before fleeing on foot. The car reappears later at Dominic’s house when he shows Brian his Dodge Charger, and it’s seen again at Race Wars, parked near Dom’s trailer.
The RX-7 was modeled after a car designed by Keith Imoto. Initially equipped with a roll cage, it had to be removed because Vin Diesel couldn’t fit inside the car with it installed. The RX-7 maintained its stock twin-turbocharged 255hp engine, standard suspension, and aluminum struts. The exterior was modified with a VeilSide USA Aero body kit, an RX-7 GT rear wing, Lexan headlight covers, and VeilSide rims, giving it its distinctive and aggressive appearance.
Johnny Tran’s 1999 HONDA S2000
Movie - The Fast and The Furious
Driver - Johnny Tran
During The Fast and The Furious’ Race Wars, Tran bets the pink slip of his Honda S2000 against Jesse’s Volkswagen Jetta. Brian, understanding the car’s value, speculates that Tran’s S2000 has at least $100,000 worth of upgrades, including a premium Nissan SR20 engine. Despite Brian’s warning, Jesse accepts the bet, only for Tran’s S2000 to defeat Jesse’s Jetta.
The S2000 featured in the film was originally rented from R.J. de Vera, who also played Danny Yamato. Despite the film’s claim that Tran’s S2000 had “more than a hundred grand under the hood,” in reality, the car had minimal performance modifications, with the only notable addition being a Compton supercharger kit valued at $8,000 at the time. The S2000 was modified with a VeilSide Millennium body kit and Wing.
Suki’s 1999 Honda S2000
Movie - 2 Fast 2 Furious
Driver - Suki
Suki’s custom Honda S2000 is introduced during the first three minutes of 2 Fast 2 Furious in the race organized by Tej Parker. In the race that follows, Suki overtakes Orange Julius’ RX-7, jumping over a drawbridge and damaging the front of the S2000 upon landing.
Although Suki’s S2000 is listed as a 2001 model, the car used in the film was actually a 1999 model. Actually it’s the exact same one used as Johnny Tran’s car in the previous movie. After renting it from R.J. de Vera for The Fast and The Furious, the car was purchased by David Marder and repurposed as Suki’s car. The S2000 is easily recognizable through its eye-catching pink vinyl wrap. The car is equipped with the same VeilSide Millennium body kit and Wing as featured in the previous movie.
Han’s 1997 Mazda RX-7
Film - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Driver - Han Lue
By far the most popular VeilSide build for the series is Han’s Mazda RX-7. The 1997 Mazda RX-7 was one of Han Lue’s main rides while navigating the streets of Tokyo. After Sean Boswell’s initial defeat in a drift race against the Drift King, Takashi, Han used the RX-7 to bring Sean into his operations, especially after Sean totaled his 2001 Nissan Silvia S-15 Spec-S.
In the all too famous scene, Han used the RX-7 to escape from Takashi and his friend Morimoto through the Shibuya District. Eventually he gets T-boned by a Mercedes-Benz, causing the RX-7 to flip onto its roof and explode shortly after.
The Mazda RX-7 features the VeilSide Fortune bodykit, VeilSide-built engine with Apexera Power FC engine management system,VeilSide custom intercooler piping and VeilSide 19” wheels.
DK’s Nissan Fairlady Z33 (350Z)
Film - The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Driver - Takashi / DK
DK’s 2002/2003 Nissan Fairlady Z33 (350Z) makes its debut when he challenges Sean to a race. The Fairlady Z33 appears again when DK confronts Sean, warning him to stay away from Neela and is later featured during DK and Morimoto’s pursuit of Han. The final appearance is during the high-stakes race down Suicide Mountain, where DK races Sean to determine who gets to remain in Tokyo.
The Z33 has a full VeilSide Ver.3 wide body aero kit, which includes a redesigned front end, front and rear over fenders, side skirts, rear bumper, and a sleek rear wing. Though the kit is extravagant, its smooth lines and factory-like finish make it difficult for most to spot that this Z has been fitted with one of Japan’s most sought-after aero kits. Additionally, the car features a VeilSide carbon fiber hood and Ganador mirrors for a subtle yet distinct touch. The rear wheels are VeilSide Andrew Evolution Vs, measuring 19x11 inches, with 19x9 inches at the front.
Devon Aoki’s Suki: A bold, unforgettable character in 2 Fast 2 Furious