This policeman is a true icon of JDM car culture

Police officers aren’t usually the first people that come to mind when we think of car enthusiasts. However, there is one Southern California official who is breaking stereotypes with two stunningly restored JDM classics – a Datsun 240Z and a Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GTX.

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When it comes to that classic JDM carsfew enthusiasts bring the same level of passion and dedication as Rick. Rick is a Southern California cop by day and a car culture icon by night. He has made a name for himself with his beautiful JDM customs and his unwavering commitment to the automotive community.

The Datsun 240Z has a special place in his heart as it was his first car in 1991. His current project, affectionately called “Final Z,” is the fourth and final 240Z he plans to own, and we think it’s a masterpiece. Starting from a rusted shell, Officer Rick performed a basic restoration by replacing all the nuts and bolts with brand new galvanized hardware. The JDM legend is equipped with a Speed ​​Form body kit, Recaro seats and an RB series inline six-cylinder engine for perfect balance and performance. The “Final Z” was built to be driven, and unlike many pristine restorations that end up gathering dust in someone else’s garage, this 240Z drives to every car meet and car show. Rick’s meticulous attention to detail extends to the interior, where Alcantara panels and polished titanium hardware give the car a retro-modern feel.

And while the Datsun 240Z is impressive, it’s the official’s Skyline Hakosuka GTX that always steals the spotlight. Some people may mistake it for a GTR replica, but it proudly retains its original GTX badging and a rebuilt L20 engine with triple Mikuni carburetors. This is one of the rarest Nissan GT-Rs in the worldand it always attracts attention at any car meet.

The Hakosuka’s exterior has been modified with Speed ​​Form fender flares and side skirts that blend seamlessly with the car’s classic lines. Inside the cab, it’s a well-loved car with textured surfaces that reflect its years of driving. After nine years of ownership, Rick says he’s already planning the next phase of restoration to keep things going.

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Building bridges through iconic JDM cars

Rick’s passion for Japanese classics goes beyond personal enjoyment. Through his car club and meet series called Son Blue, he connects with other enthusiasts while showing the human side of law enforcement. The name reflects his mission: “Son” means respect in Japanese and “Blue” symbolizes his profession. The monthly meetings allow enthusiasts to share their builds and stories while fostering a sense of community.

With his cars and his presence in the car scene, he proves that cops can be as passionate about tuning cars and enjoying car culture as anyone else. By promoting a responsible car culture and denouncing illegal activities such as road takeovers, he becomes a role model for enthusiasts around the world.