Discover the Unreal History of the Mid Night Club's Porsche Haven at Auto Garage TBK
Even if your passion for Porsche isn't ablaze, the name Auto Garage TBK should still ring a bell. Nestled in Yokohama, this workshop holds an almost mythical status in the Japanese tuning scene, primarily due to its ties with the elusive and infamous Mid Night Racing Team. The mere thought of setting foot in this iconic space was enough to send chills down my spine, and I certainly wasn't going to pass up the opportunity.
A Legacy Built on More than Just Porsches
Although Auto Garage TBK is celebrated for its bespoke aero kits for legendary Porsche models like the 964 and G-Body 911, their prowess isn't confined to European classics. TBK also crafts aftermarket bodywork for Japanese titans like the Nissan Skyline, Mazda RX-7, and Toyota Supra. My expectations were elevated, but even then I was awe-struck to stumble upon a certain sapphire blue 911 perched on jack stands at the back of the workshop.
The Mid Night Club: Japan's Notorious Street Racing Elite
To grasp the full significance of this blue 911, one must first understand the Mid Night Club—arguably the globe's most famous underground street racing faction. Active in the '80s and '90s, these drivers ruled Tokyo's sprawling and intricate expressway system at blistering speeds. Despite their dangerous antics, Mid Night emphasized safety and strict discipline among its members. Recklessness that endangered public safety resulted in immediate expulsion.
A Treasured Piece of High-Speed History
The 930 Turbo that lay in the workshop isn't just another high-performance car; it's a relic built by Auto Garage TBK for one of Mid Night's founding members. Back in its heyday, this metallic blue masterpiece dominated the Wangan and Shutoku highways, hitting speeds allegedly as high as 340 km/h. A historical gem, this 911 clinched a domestic top speed record of 305.8 km/h at the now-defunct Yatabe test track in Tsukuba in June 1995.
Currently, the 930 exhibits some missing parts, including its wheels and a few paint sections. However, its splendid state despite nearly four decades of existence is nothing short of miraculous. Takahashi-san, the guardian of TBK, revealed that the classic Porsche is undergoing an exterior revamp coupled with minor upgrades to maintain its blistering speed, safety, and aesthetics.
The Art of Fusion: JDM and European Ingenuity
This 930 Turbo stands out with its clever integration of several Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) parts, including a colossal Trust/GReddy intercooler core and pipes suitably modified to fit. Equipped with an early model Trust/GReddy Profec electronic boost controller, this car is a showcase of simple yet effective engineering brilliance.
While I didn't get the thrill of seeing this legendary beast in motion, its sibling—a fully operational 964 Turbo featuring TBK's signature aero kit—was on hand to quench my curiosity. Owned by another original Mid Night member, this 911 replaced his circuit-spec 991.2 GT3 RS and embodies the undying spirit of high-speed innovation.
On the Road with a Legend
The 964, with its largely original mechanics save for a stainless-steel exhaust, dazzled in immaculate condition and exhibited speed that defied its modest powertrain specs. Following a tour and a rich history lesson on both Auto Garage TBK and Mid Night, Takahashi-san extended an offer I couldn't refuse—a test ride to the famed Daikoku PA.
Though my ride was relegated to the chase car (a decidedly underpowered Suzuki Jimny), I had no regrets. Capturing rolling shots of this Porsche blitzing through Tokyo’s tunnels and the Bayshore Route was an unforgettable experience. Despite it being a simple 300hp car, its acceleration was nothing short of magical.
The Timeless Appeal of Air-Cooled 911s
Air-cooled 911s may not top the charts in speed, but their soul remains unmatched. Coupled with the legacy of the Mid Night Club, these cars exude an allure that no modern supercar can replicate. Immense gratitude to Takahashi-san and Katsumi-san of Auto Garage TBK for their heartfelt hospitality and incredible insights.
Special Thanks to:
Alec Pender
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