Throwback: 5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2009

Vehicle Features Adam Gordon

As we neared closer to the end of the decade in the early 2000s, getting closer and closer to 2010, the builds in PASMAG were incredibly diverse. This was amidst the peak of tuner mags and tuner culture in America, and everyone wanted in on the action. As part of an ongoing series for our 25th anniversary here at PASMAG, we've been taking a look through the archives of the last 25 years, and some of the stuff we've found deserves to be shared with you all.

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.

Throwbacks From Previous Years:
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2002
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2003
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2003
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2004
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2005
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2005
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2006
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2006
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2007
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2007
5 Vehicles from PASMAG in 2008
5 MORE Vehicles from PASMAG in 2008

This week we're looking at the year 2009 in all its glory.

1. Tamon Design S2000

Little known fact: There is a difference between a "body kit" and an "aero kit" - the difference, of course, being that an aero kit is designed for aerodynamics. This S2000 from Tamon Design in Japan not only looks incredibly tough, but it's functional as well. At a time when everyone was making their own body kits, Tamon Design took it a step further and introduced one of the most unique S2000 kits of all time, now seemingly lost to time. There's a lot to like about this entire build.

Full feature here.

2. Eneri Abillar Scion xB

How do you follow up one of the coolest looking S2000s of all time? With one of the coolest looking Scion xB builds of all time! Have you ever seen an xB look this mean? Inside, a full interior which included a rear lounge complete with audio and entertainment from front to back. The second generation of Scion's fun little xB had just started around this era, and Eneri Abillar turned it up to 11 as soon as possible.

3. Satoshi Kondo's ASI "Tetsu GT-R" Bentley

One of the most tuner-inspired Bentley builds to this day, and most certainly one of the most modified of the decade it was featured in, this custom Bentley Continental GT, codnamed "Tetsu GT-R" from ASI, is truly one of the most unique builds featured in PASMAG up to this year. A few of these kits made their way to the streets, but few of them looked as well put together as this example. The gold trim that lines the hood and appears again on the lip of the wheels was a nice touch.

Full feature here.

4. Team Hybrid WRX S202

Team Hybrid has been displaying some incredible builds for a long time, and this bright bug-eye WRX S202 is no exception. If the bright paint and bright lights didn't capture your attention, popping the hood surely did. A nicely assembled top-mount turbo kit bumps the horsepower considerably, and it's got the radar detector inside for obvious reasons. With a wide array of sponsors on Team Hybrid, this WRX was treated to the works, and we're not just talking about the Work wheels.

5. Forrest Wang's FD S14.5

Way before Formula DRIFT was almost entirely 1,000 horsepower weapons, the style king himself Forrest Wang was already drifting an S14.5 - a chassis/body combo he would pilot for years to come. Even though it's his signature green, this SR20DET powered S-chassis is a far cry from Wang's Pro competition cars of today. We love it just the same.

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