CRUISE MODE

NZ Performance Car : Hey, Alex, sweet Crown. What was your first car?

Alex: It was a Honda Civic with the mighty VTEC-E! Rubbish power, but very economical, so it was perfect for a student at the time.

And how did you end up owning the Crown?

I imported it through my company, Moonlight Racing, and wanted to learn how to adjust and use the factory air suspension. It was a hard decision between this shape and the UCF31 Celsior, as they’re both pretty similar underneath. It just so happened that the auction I won on the day was the Majesta.

Both great choices. How did you go modifing the air ride?

It was easy, I installed a Data Systems height controller, which intrercepts the signal between the factory air ECU and the height sensors, it allows me to adjust the height via the hand controller.

You’ve also become known locally as a purveyor of the VIP style; what is it about VIP cars that you like most?

I just love the presence the cars have when rolling into a car park or just cruising down the street. All sorts of people check the car out, and I’ve had many compliments from those you wouldn’t normally expect to receive them from for this sort of thing.

And where do you draw most of your inspiration from?

It has to be Japan, as nowhere else really modifies them like the Japanese do. It’s not too difficult to make VIP cars look good, though — just keep it clean and simple.

While it’s the definition of a cruiser, what’s it like as a daily-driver?

It makes an awesome daily-driver, having all the luxuries you can expect, and, with the air suspension, the ride is very comfortable.

No doubt. Thanks for sharing her with us, Alex.