Shakotan, kyusha, kaido runner – bosozoku The automotive lifestyle (to put it loosely) is rich with different niches that originated in post-war Japan. After a few generations, the original “biker gang” aggressiveness became an expression of personal style and a love for bike and car culture in general.
Love and admiration is one thing, but building a bosozoku project outside Japan is not easy. But Janne Kortekuru of Turku, Finland, might have created a kaido runner true to its origins.
Janne’s car of choice for the build was a 1986 Mazda 929. The Mazda was purchased in 2015 as a typical rear-drive thresher, perfect for gliding over Finland’s many frozen lakes in winter.
Janne actually sold the car in 2017 to a couple of friends, who used it for a cheap car challenge type trip from Finland to Norway. He of course regretted it, so when it reappeared for sale in 2018, Janne bought it back.
That same year, Janne had a clear plan for the car in front of him, and the kaido runner conversion work has begun.
It all started with a set of SSR XR4 Longchamps – an iconic Japanese wheel and bosozoku favorite. After rebaring them with wider outer lips, the wheels measured 14×9.5 inches and 14×10.5 inches front and rear, respectively.
Then Janne’s attention turned to ride height. The Mazda obviously needed to ride very low with a static setup, and there was a simple solution in the FC3S RX-7 coilovers that bolt directly into the HB 929 chassis.
A kaido runner most defining feature is its stylized bodywork. There are no off-the-shelf kits for this stuff, so everything was custom made. A Fukuoka-style long-nose conversion was a must for Janne, and to achieve this look the bonnet and fenders were stretched 400 mm (15.75 in).
Out back, things are just as wild. The bumper has been removed and the entire rear section welded on to fit a pair of round Mazda Porters (a JDM kei truck) AW11 Toyota MR2 taillights and side vents.
Although not JDM, California Vitaloni mirrors suit the look and give Janne some perspective on what’s going on behind the car. I’m sure it’s mostly confused faces of other road users…
A previous generation 929 front bumper, random boot wing mounted below the car, a straight exhaust pipe, universal fiberglass front flares and side skirts complete the exterior look. The final, but very important detail was the bright red, white and yellow old school racing livery.
The interior also underwent radical changes. Janne fashioned a 230mm steering wheel from a Luisi item and added a rally bucket seat from local Finnish company Ergo. The purple velvet drape and other small details are all in keeping with the theme.
The Kenwood FM tuner, cassette player and graphic equalizer all fit the Showa-era Mazda-like factory, as do the Pioneer TS-X9 speakers.
Kaido Runners it’s not just about long noses and loud exhausts, it’s about your own style and building the project yourself or with friends.
So I think Janne has done a terrific job of keeping her Mazda build as close to a Japanese kaido runner DIY roots like someone 7,500 miles from the motherland might. Best of all, I’m sure he had a lot of fun in the process.
Vladimir Ljadov
Instagram: wheelsbywovka
car@wheelsbywovka.com
www.wheelsbywovka.com