By now, my love for Japanese cars is well documented. It’s how I got started with all of this. And before I take you to the PrimeNYC show recap, I’m going to give you a little context…
Yep, that’s my 3000GT and my first 350Z, together in 2004. This was taken in a Pathmark parking lot (that we promptly got kicked out of), and the two cars here were about as exotic as it got in regards to import cars in the early 2000s.
I date myself because here we are, almost 20 years later, at an event that made these two look like wallflowers.
What’s PrimeNYC?
Remember the Mazda RX-7? Of course you do, and it has a passionate fan base that lives on to this day. A bunch of those owners came together on July 7th (7/7), and pronounced it 7s day forever and ever. But what started out as a day for Mazdas has turned into one of the best days of the year to spy exotic Japanese metal.
What do you consider a Japanese exotic?
I have shot million dollar super cars, closed down the BMW Performance Center’s track, and ridden shotgun on a Formula E track. Nothing gets me as amped up as seeing a right hand drive R34 Skyline, weird Kei car, and yes, random 3000GT.
20 years ago, the cars we considered cool existed only across big oceans or made up of pixels in Gran Turismo. It was almost impossible to legally import them, and even if you saw one at a show, it was tucked away in the corner because everyone was busy looking at the Ferrari Enzo.
Now, a Mark IV Supra costs upwards of $100,000, begging the question of what an exotic really is. Should you even import one?
The Show itself
The PrimeNYC show consists of a static display in Overpeck Park in NJ, which overlooks the New York City skyline. Once the sun begins to set, the show moves into the city. The caravan makes stops in Harlem, Times Square and finally Long Island City. This year I could only attend the static display, but I’ll clear my schedule next year.
As always, Times Square can be a dangerous place for both car and shooter. Ever since the exotic rallies took over the space, the police have been pulling more people over. Be careful.
What did you use to shoot?
I’m still playing with my new 70-200mm Nikon Z lens, so I decided to keep it on here. In reality, it’s probably a bit to much zoom for the show, but I wanted to experiment.
Any BMWs?
Like me, many BMW owners started out with a Japanese ride. So it’s cool to see how both import and German car culture have meshed together.
As a result, yes, plenty of M3s were there, in all forms and generations.
I’ll be going again next year with my G80 for the full show! See you then!
Mega gallery
Commissions may be received for product links on this site, so help out if you can. I only write about products I use and believe in.
I use Nikon camera bodies and lenses, a Westcott Ice Light 2, Manfrotto tripod, B + W filters and an iMac Pro to make the art you see here.
Email me at mike@machineswithsouls.com with any questions.
Follow along on Instagram @machineswithsouls
Legal
Due to factors beyond the control of Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this post. Use this information at your own risk. Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this post.
Due to factors beyond the control of Machines With Souls LLC and Mike D’Ambrosio, no information contained in this post shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this post is the sole responsibility of the user and not Machines With Souls LLC or Mike D’Ambrosio.
2 thoughts on “PrimeNYC show recap”