I first visited 326Power’s headquarters back in March but I only took a handful of photos on my phone at the time. A couple of weeks ago I found myself back in the picturesque town of Higashi-Hiroshima, ready to visit the company again. Now equipped with my DSLR camera, I decided to take a few photos that captured the hive of activity that was taking place on this particular Saturday afternoon before discussing 326POWER UK matters with bossman Mitsuru Haruguchi.
Unlike most aftermarket parts companies in Japan, 326Power are definitely not short on space. The main office, packing and dispatch area and office can all be found within a traditional looking house. It feels extremely homely for a workspace, which is helped by the fact that shoes are not to be worn in the office (which is why you’ll see most of the guys wearing Crocs!).
Next door to the house is a much more modern looking unit, which is where the majority of stock is held alongside the company’s numerous demo cars. The workshop features everything you could ever want, with a pair of ramps (sunk into the floor, of course) featuring alongside an alignment rig and the usual tyre machine and wheel balancer combination.
The first time I visited the workshop, Mitsuru apologised for the “mess”. Suffice to say, it was the neatest and tidiest aftermarket car parts workshop I’ve ever set foot in.
The car sitting first and foremost in the workshop on this particular day was the company’s infamous Lexus RC-F. Taking Lexus’ flagship luxury coupe and slamming it on a set of 326Power Chakuriki coilovers isn’t what most customers would do upon leaving the Lexus dealership but that’s exactly what happened here. As you can also see, a set of WORK CR-2Ps with quite ridiculous offsets were also fitted, mounted with a set of 326Power wheel nuts and spike end caps.
This is serious commitment when it comes to achieving the wildest fitment possible. You don’t get a car to look this aggressive without going that little bit further than everyone else; it’s this approach that 326Power have become well-known for over the years.
Sitting alongside the RC-F was this VW Beetle. I was never really a fan of these new-generation Beetles and I had my doubts when I saw photos and videos of the guys at 326 putting together this demo car just a few weeks ago but, having seen the car in the flesh, I’m definitely now a fan of a well-modified example. Featuring a set of Yabaking Mesh wheels and 326’s soon-to-be-released air-over-coilover Bagman system (allowing the front of this VW to be raised when required to negotiate speed bumps or ramps), I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for this Beetle in the coming months.
Just as I finished taking photos of the Beetle, the guys began reversing in this little Daihatsu Tanto Custom.
This boxy little kei car made me smile so much. Featuring a set of Chakuriki coilovers, a Gachi Stop big brake kit and Yabaking Spoke wheels with 326’s trademark negative camber, the whole car seemed so fantastically over-the-top.
And then I saw the interior; have you ever seen a full Bride interior on a kei car? I’m guessing not but, suffice to say, it was hilariously brilliant.
Sitting outside and being readied to be parked up in the workshop was another of 326’s Lexus demo cars, this one being an IS-C. Featuring Chakuriki coilovers, a full set of Control adjustable arms, Gachi Stop big brake kits and a stunning set of Yabaking Spoke wheels, this car’s presence was unquestionable.
I hope this feature has helped to give you a little glimpse into the world of 326Power and, should you have any questions about their products or cars, please do not hesitate to get in touch via email (info@streettracklife.com)! All 326Power products are available from the Street Track Life shop.