Shiran Samuel might have worked in finance for most of his life, but today he focuses on his true passion: Japanese performance cars. We visit JDM Collective.
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 who saw the potential of the cars while also being a true enthusiast. He worked in the financial markets for several years.
However, after that stint in the corporate world, he decided to follow his passion and get involved in the car community and -retail. He founded JDM Collective and today, he offers a range of collectable 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, moments later, 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 of them belong to Shiran himself. As expected, most of the R35-gen 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 collectable. As we take a seat Shiran shares his automotive history with me.
The origin story of JDM Collective
“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. It goes without saying that I read many 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.
I got a 1997 model in 2001 and from there, my interest kicked off. This was also the year that Fast & Furious hit the big screen and there was even more of a focus on performance parts. Through internet searches, I could then see what people in the USA and Australia were doing to their cars. My 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-gen Nissan 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 truly 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. Consider, for example, the honour associated with the engine builders. I love that they take such jobs so seriously. These Japanese cars’ reputations are well-founded.
“The other thing I like about them is that they are naughty. Yes, there was that ‘gentlemen’s agreement of top speed and power’, but in the end, the brands always quietly catered for enthusiasts.
“In many cases, a car company’s marketing department quashes the brand’s true petrolhead DNA. It is always a nostalgia thing… The generation you come from defines your fondest car memories.”
Shiran has been to Japan with his family to visit some of the most important places in the country for car enthusiasts. He says he is keen to return to Japan because there is still so much to see and experience.
I can easily sit for another hour and talk to Shiran about all things JDM. He shares some big plans for the future, which clearly shows that he hit the nail on the head by opening this business.
Check out JDM Collective’s stock or their Instagram page to learn more about them, their stock and the services they offer.
