Visiting South Africa's one-stop JDM shop

Shiran Samuel might have worked in finance for most of his life, but today he focusses on his true passion: Japanese performance cars. We visit JDM Collective.

Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms

It is no secret that the performance cars from the '90s, noughties and even some from the 2010s have become quite sought-after. In terms of percentage growth, some of these cars’ prices have increased much more than cars from Ferrari or Lamborghini, for example.

But Shiran Samuel didn’t jump on this bandwagon, he is arguably one of the guys that saw the potential of the cars while also being a true enthusiast. He worked on the financial markets for a number of years. However, after that stint in the corporate world, he decided to live out his passion and get involved in the car community and dealer side. He founded JDM Collective PTY Ltd. Today he offers a range of collectible Japanese performance cars as well as some European exotics. He swapped a job for a passion!

As I walk through the door I’m welcomed by Shiran and then moments later the my attention is immediately grabbed by the Japanese performance cars – perfectly parked, with almost military-like precision. A couple of the cars are stored here by clients, some are for sale and a good number belongs to Shiran himself. As expected, most of the R35 Nissan GT-Rs are not standard, as most owners prefer to customise these cars to a certain extent – some more liberally than others. Of all the cars in the collection, it is the white R34 V-Spec II that is without a doubt the most collectible. As we take a seat Shiran shares his automotive history with me.

Where it all started

“My first car was a Colt Galant, a hand-me down. I started modifying everything I could, from the engine to the exhaust. When I left school, I acquired a Ford Escort. I obviously read car magazines, browsed the classifieds and learned everything about cars, their figures and their prices. The media and the stats said at the time that the Nissan Sabre 200 GXi was the car to have. That was in 2001 when I got a 1997 model and from there my love and interest really kicked off. This was also the year that the movie Fast & Furious hit the big screen and there was even more of a focus on performance parts. With the Internet you could now see what people in the USA and Australia were doing to their cars. The love for Nissan started there and with the SR20 engine. I did an engine swap with an imported Japanese engine.”

The car he has owned the longest is a modified R35 GT-R. “I’ve done an AMS Alpha 7 conversion on the car, a NISMO Time Attack rear carbon-fibre wing and an updated turbo, to name only a few modifications. It makes 620 kW at the wheels… it is a lovely car.” NxGen in Johannesburg does Shiran’s maintenance and builds. 

“I do enjoy modifying some cars. I believe they are meant to be played with, as if they are a platform to be enjoyed. With JDM cars it really is an expression of yourself. I like the old cars because they are so engaging. They are visceral and you need to work behind the wheel.”

The importance of the car community

“The only way you get access to special cars is through the car community, you need to really dive into it. That is how I acquired most of my cars, through the community. That is what JDM Collective is for, to open it for the broader community and petrolheads, be it to buy a car or to meet up for a coffee.

“The Japanese car culture fascinates me. The desire for perfection can be seen in these cars. Take for example the honour associated with the engine builders. I love it that they take such jobs so seriously. These Japanese cars’ reputation is well founded.

“The other thing I like about them is that they are naughty. This whole thing regarding gentleman’s agreement of the top speed and power. But, in the end they always catered for the enthusiast… but quietly. In many cases a car company’s marketing department takes over and then they lose their true petrolhead DNA. It is always a nostalgia thing. Which generation do you come from and which are your fondest car memories.”

Shiran has also been to Japan with his family, visiting some of the most important places in the country for motoring enthusiasts. But, he admits that he wants to return as there is still so much to see and experience. I can easily sit for another hour and talk to Shiran about all things JDM and other cars are coming or going. He shares some big plans for the future, which clearly shows that he hit the nail on the head by opening this business. 

Visit JDM Collective’s stock here or their Instagram page to learn more about them, their stock and the services they offer.