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1965 Volvo P1800S

Cars, Bikes & Coffee 12/16

The late 1980s and early 1990s were a time of significant innovation in the automotive world, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of performance and design. One of the most intriguing collaborations of this era was between Mitsubishi and AMG, resulting in the creation of the Mitsubishi Galant AMG. This vehicle remains a fascinating piece of automotive history, representing a blend of Japanese engineering and German tuning expertise.

The Mitsubishi Galant AMG was produced from 1989 to 1991. At a time when AMG was primarily known for its work with Mercedes-Benz, this collaboration with Mitsubishi was unconventional but visionary. The project aimed to infuse the Galant with performance enhancements that would set it apart from its peers.

The Galant AMG's modifications included high compression pistons, titanium valve springs, and a special intake manifold in a 4G63 engine. These upgrades significantly boosted its performance, making it a competitive vehicle in its class.

Aesthetically, the Galant AMG featured a distinctive body kit, AMG badges, and unique alloy wheels. The interior boasted real wood trim and special upholstery, emphasizing its luxury status.

The limited production of approximately 500 units adds to the Galant AMG's allure as a collector's item. Its blend of Japanese reliability and German performance tuning continues to captivate car enthusiasts.

Though some purists criticized the collaboration, many appreciated the innovative spirit and the performance enhancements AMG brought to the Galant. This unique partnership demonstrated the potential of cross-cultural engineering collaboration.

The Mitsubishi Galant AMG stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when different automotive philosophies unite.

The Mid Night Club, also known as ミッド ナイト クラブ (Middo Naito Kurabu), was formed in April 1982, despite many sources mistakenly claiming its founding year as 1987. The club is best known for its high-speed races on Tokyo's Shuto Expressway at night. Membership was highly coveted, as it signified elite status within the street racing community due to the stringent entry requirements and the extraordinary skill and discipline of its members. The club became notorious for its adherence to safety and speed, with members driving highly modified cars capable of sustaining extreme speeds over long distances.

The Mid Night Club didn't focus on acceleration or cornering ability; their sole objective was top speed. To gain entry into this exclusive group, prospective members had to demonstrate their ability to maintain a speed of at least 260 km/h (160 mph) for prolonged periods and do so safely. Despite the apparent paradox, the club's gentlemen's code required members to avoid endangering others, and any reckless behavior would result in immediate expulsion.

Newcomers who met these criteria became apprentice members, needing to attend every meeting for a year before becoming full members. Throughout its existence, the club had about 30 members on average, peaking at 75. Most members could sustain speeds of 305 km/h (190 mph), while top racers could exceed 322 km/h (200 mph). Races typically began from speeds of 100-120 km/h (60-75 mph), with the third car in the pack signaling the start by honking.

Yoshida Special's 930, often referred to as the "Blackbird," is the most iconic car from the Mid Night Club, and for good reason. This extensively modified Porsche 911 Turbo (930) boasts a 3.6-liter turbocharged flat-six engine that delivers 700 bhp. It is rumored that the owner invested around $2 million in modifications. This substantial investment was necessary to create a machine capable of consistently maintaining speeds of 350 km/h (217 mph) for over 15 minutes—a feat that was challenging and costly in the mid-1990s and remains so today. Remarkably, the Blackbird is still operational.

The ABR-Hosoki Fairlady Z S130, another renowned car of a Mid Night Club member, was a significant rival to the Blackbird. Originally a 1978 Nissan 280ZX, it underwent extensive modifications to become a formidable show car and eventually made its way to the Wangan. This vehicle boasts 680 horsepower and is tuned to race at speeds of 330 km/h (205 mph), with a maximum capability of reaching 348 km/h (216 mph). There is a rumor that it once outpaced the Blackbird on the Wangan, but this remains unverified.

The Mid Night Club remains a legendary chapter in the annals of street racing history. From the iconic Blackbird Porsche 930 to the formidable ABR-Hosoki Fairlady Z S130, these cars and their drivers pushed the boundaries of speed and engineering. With a strict code of conduct prioritizing safety and skill, the club's elite members and their high-performance machines continue to inspire awe and fascination among car enthusiasts and the broader public alike.