SP Rides: Impulse Drive
by Michael Kitchens
Paul “Ricky” Tan is not an impulsive person. When it comes to a build, he likes to plan everything out to avoid any surprises. So it’s quite ironic that on a chance visit to the Nissan dealer in 2009, he drove home in a limited edition 2008 Nissan NISMO 350Z. How’s that for an impulse buy?
Of course, Paul didn’t plan it this way. Originally, he had plans to soup up his more than capable 2006 Sentra Spec-V. Within 2 days of returning from deployment, he happened to drop off a friend at the local Nissan dealership; test drove the Z, and fell in love. It happens.
“I never expected the salesman to let me push the car. It bit me.” he says.
Now the proud owner of the 1,208th NISMO 350Z off the assembly line, Paul had money to burn and the perfect platform to spend it on. He immediately switched his game, and focused on improving the overall look and performance of this very special ride. “I just couldn’t leave it stock…I had the mod bug.” Within 30 days of purchasing the vehicle, it was already being modified.
Straight from Autech, the car has had its seams welded, a wild and unruly bodykit grafted on, with upgraded suspension and even more goodies. Hence, it’s the perfect platform to build from. Paul has slowly built his ride up with the intent to complete a full turbo-conversion, and has concentrated on improving the vehicle from many different angles including an intense focus on the suspension components.
The first thing you’ll notice when you see the Z is the incredible stance the bodykit & wheels provide, in addition to the striking custom graphics emblazoned upon its body panels. I always say “To each their own” and Paul agrees wholeheartedly “I wanted to be different.” He certainly stands out, and I personally like the design scheme. One of the coolest features would definitely be the trick “Demon Eye” mod that I couldn’t help but notice while photographing the car. It looks absolutely evil.
Paul related to me that his Z has introduced a whole new world of enjoyment as well as camaraderie to him. As a retired military member, I can really understand what it’s like to come to a new place and try to fit yourself in. Paul’s Z presented even more opportunities to meet, make friends, and even introduce himself to his girlfriend of five months (who also has a 350Z)!
With all of the modifications done to the car, I wanted to know if Paul was down to race…on a real racetrack. “Yes. Absolutely.” was his response. He even plans to get back into the SCCA grove once he acquires a better tire/wheel package. Although he currently has some very sick WORK Gnosis GS4s wrapped in sticky Bridgestone RE-11s, they’re not all that suitable for racing.
Make no mistake; Paul is building this car for himself. “Every time I see a well-done car…I just love it. I have to modify them.” He’s got a plan, and he’s got an idea of where he wants to go. It just so happens he took an impulse drive. Aye, aye, Captain.
