IDLE AUTO EXPO
The legendary Japanese craftsman Akira Nakai, founder of RAUH-Welt Begriff (RWB), made history at this year’s Idle Auto Expo, held at Montecasino by completing his very first RWB Porsche build on African soil. RWB is a legendary Japanese car tuning company that specialises in custom, heavily modified classic Porsche 911s, and Akira Nakai is its founder.
As the official tool sponsor for the build, Adendorff Machinery Mart played an important role ensuring Nakai had access to the latest equipment needed to transform a standard Porsche into one of his unmistakable wide-body masterpieces. Throughout the weekend, crowds gathered around the build area watching every cut, measurement and bolt being tightened.
Unlike modern production methods, Nakai’s approach is refreshingly hands-on with no two cars ever being exactly alike. He carefully studies each Porsche before making his first cut into the bodywork, shaping and fitting every wide-body panel by eye rather than following factory measurements. It is a process built on years of experience and why he enthrals fans and followers with his live build demonstrations.
His calm, methodical approach and willingness to work in full view of spectators creates an atmosphere unlike anything seen before at a South African automotive event and was something right down our collision repair alley.
Beyond the RWB build, Idle Auto Expo delivered an impressive automotive mix. Visitors were treated to modified cars ranging from Japanese performance machines and classic restorations to European supercars, American muscle cars and custom motorcycles. Exhibitor stands showcased the latest aftermarket products, detailing equipment, performance upgrades, while live demonstrations, entertainment and food vendors kept families and enthusiasts entertained throughout the weekend.
Although Nakai’s talents often steal the spotlight, quality tools remain an essential part of every RWB build. Throughout the project he relied on trusted workshop equipment, including pneumatic grinders, drills, cutting tools, rivet guns, torque wrenches, hand tools, measuring equipment and polishing tools.
Story and pics by Jay Groat
