The times have certainly changed in the automotive world over the lifespan of PASMAG. Trends and styles have come and gone, with some of them sticking around for good, and others resurfacing in cycles. Those in our audience old enough to remember the haydays of the '90s and early 2000s are sure to know exactly what we mean. And while we may look down on some style eras with hindsight, it's important to remember that many of these modifications and styles we consider to be extreme or "too much" paved the way for a lot of the aftermarket automotive world we know and love today.
As part of an ongoing series, we wanted to take some opportunities to dig into the PASMAG archives - all 25 years of it - as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, and isolate certain eras to appreciate, evaluate, or even reminisce. This week, we're looking at the year 2004 in all its glory.
Note: This era is part of some of the "great data loss" in PASMAG history, so I'm writing about these cars without context. All I have is the photos and whatever historical context I can dig up online, or from PASMAG staff.
1. Tajai Das' "Acurabot"
Tajai's "AcuraBot" Integra is one of the most iconic show cars and PASMAG cover cars of its time, with countless Best Of Show awards to its name. Just about every aspect of this Acura was heavily modified in some way, from the exterior to the interior, and of course, the engine bay. Is it a little bit dated by today's standards? Sure, but we bet it would still command attention at any show to this day.
2. CarModifier.com Eagle Talon
One of the earliest and cleanest examples of bronze TE37s on a cleanly executed build in PASMAG's records. The "less is more" attitude to modifying this DSM goes a long way in keeping it from looking too dated. The carbon kevlar cutout hood with bronze wheels and matching minimal decals makes for an aesthetic that wouldn't look out of place at a show today.
As you might expect, an audio install was manadatory - but this one kept in minimal to uphold that power-to-weight ratio.
3. ImportAdrenalin Honda CRX
Molded body kits were a signature of heavily modified cars in the early 2000s. Dated as some of the body kit designs may be, it's impossible to ingore the quality of body work and craftsmanship that it takes to put one of these together in a clean fashion. This Import Adrenalin CRX used a contrast of wild body styling and minimalist graphics for a unqiue look that would still stand out in a show today.
4. AutoMeter S2000
This S2000, sponsored by AutoMeter, kept it relatively simple to show some love to its primary sponsors. In addition to the A-pillar gauge pod which was new at the time, it also sports one of the most unique stripe decals we've ever seen, with gauge faces decorating the sides of the S2000 in a custom printed stripe.
5. "Toucan" Nissan 350Z
This 350Z, identified only as "Toucan 350Z" in the PASMAG archives, could still be considered timeless by many. Simple graphics on a stylish body kit, nice wheels with good fitment, and underglow are hallmarks of a style that started in the late 90s, and survived all this time. Not just for show, this 350Z was also supercharged by a Procharger kit.
A quick look in the cockpit is a reminder that the owner of this 350Z didn't forget about makign it show-worthy. The nitrous bottle in the center console is pretty cheeky.
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