HERO CONTRIBUTOR

SHAUN CONSTABLE

What a privilege being asked to be the hero contributor for this issue, and what great timing too. I think there’s no debate that I love S14 Koukis — having two myself might be a slight clue. I started my journey with Silvias back in 2011 when I purchased an S14 Zenki for $1700 — automatic and non-turbo. I spent about two years with this car before I sold it for $7K, and during that time I did a manual conversion; bought coilovers, arms, and wheels; and then certified it. Some of that money was used to buy a Canon 5D Mark III, which helped me improve my photography tenfold. The rest went on my first trip to Japan, and, like most people visiting Japan for the first time, I fell in love with the country. The year 2016 brought with it the purchase of my second S14 and my first Kouki. I spent four years living in Japan, drifting most months at Bihoku Highland Circuit. Once back in New Zealand in 2022, I added my second Kouki to my collection (of two): a bone-stock full-aero 1998 S14 Q’s SE, which I talk about this issue, including the struggle registering an older car in New Zealand.

Street Legal is the other article you’ll find written by me in NZPC. On these pages, you can find Peter’s S14 Kouki on beautiful Nismo LMGT wheels. I pitched this segment to René nearly two years ago now, and it’s still going strong. It’s all about finding the coolest streetlegal drift cars in New Zealand. So far, I’ve covered Auckland and Hamilton, so if you’ve got something that hits the track and has a WOF sticker outside of these cities (or in), give me a shout! I’m always on the lookout for more awesome street-legal drift whips to get in front of my camera and on the pages of NZPC. I’m honoured to be able to write and photograph for you. I hope you enjoy the articles on Peter’s and my Kouki S14s — until next time!