Johhny King - @mateihp
For years, Johnny was obsessed with Nissan’s S-Chassis, ranging from S13s and S14s to a Spec-R S15. However, after moving from the United States to Thailand, he couldn’t ignore the pull of the hugely popular EG6 Civic. In Thailand, Civics are among the most modified platforms, arguably even more so than elsewhere in the world, and many builds follow the Kanjo style.
Johnny acquired the car as a freshly painted shell already fitted with a K24 powerplant. As with most swaps, some fettling was required, so he enlisted MGB Motorsports in Bangkok to complete the build. Their work included fitting a new radiator, refreshing all the gaskets, installing a standalone ECU, and adding cosmetic refinements such as a tucked wire harness and custom tucked AC lines. After tuning, the car produced a potent 220 wheel horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque, screaming all the way to its 8,000 rpm redline, just as one would expect from a K24. Fortunately, the Civic was already well sorted underneath, with fresh suspension arms and bushings. It sat on Ohlins coilovers, perfectly dialed in for street use. To finish the look, Johnny fitted a set of SSR Type-X wheels wrapped in sticky Bridgestone tires.
“One of the biggest advantages of building here is the skill of Thai fabricators. If you can dream it, they can make it, and they do it with precision,” Johnny said, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind the car. Compared to his RB25-powered Silvia K’s, the Civic may lack brute force, but it is lighter, sharper, and far more agile, like piloting a go-kart. “When VTEC kicks in at full tilt, the sound bouncing off the concrete on the Bangkok loop is pure chaos,” he added, treating the statement as fact.
What makes this car special is not the spec sheet or the parts list, envy-inducing though they may be. It is the vibe. The Civic encapsulates the workmanship, creativity, and know-how that define Thai car culture. Johnny’s Instagram is filled with unique, high-quality film photographs that capture his journeys in the car, each image radiating the joy of driving a truly one-of-a-kind build.
Allura Writing Editor - Finn Bosworth
