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Every month we get up before the sun rises to set up for Carcadia. What keeps us going is a love of cars and a love of car people. Every month there’s at least one “unicorn” ride where I shop and give thanks that we have such an awesome community of creative gearheads at Carcadia.

Luwin is one of those mad scientists who has become not only a friend to Carcadia but also a friend to the community. I’ll never forget the first time I saw his sweet Dodge racer van AKA the “Dajiban.” I’d never seen anything like it and I didn’t know this was a trend in Japan and that are Dajiban races. My dad had a Dodge van and after meeting Luwin, boy did I wish we still had it! I was not alone, he started a trend here and now I’m on the hunt. 

I got a chance to ask Luwin what inspired him to do this. Read on and stay tuned for more conversations with Carcadians!

Carcadia: Tell me about your sweet ride (van)

Luwin: The van is a 1996 Dodge Ram Van. I bought it almost 8 years ago from an older sweet lady that was the original owner - she had used it to haul her frames to art shows. It took me around a year and a half to find one that was in good shape with a full interior, as most I came across were former work/cargo vans without an interior.

C: what inspired you to go Dajiban?

L: Seeing the video that Noriyaro posted on Youtube where he featured the DVanGP at Ebisu Circuit in Japan - an annual trackday gathering. Seeing the big vans scoot and slide around the circuit was so fascinating. I then read an article in Road & Track by Sam Smith which highlighted his visit to the shop of the godfather of the whole Dajiban thing, Abe-San. I thought the whole Dajiban thing sounded so weird, but so cool, so I started looking around to see if there were any built up in that style in the States. There were a few builds that I found but they were scattered all over the country, and so the wheels started turning and I thought hmmmm . . . what if I tried to build one up in that style? So that was what inspired me - I visited Japan recently and made it a point to reach out to Abe-San and visit his shop. It was such a treat and full-circle moment to spend time with him and have him show me his vans, and just be around such a gracious, creative person. If he ever comes to visit the States I'll make sure to bring him to Carcadia - he would love it!

C: how long have you been working on it. What are some mods that were hardest or you’re most proud of?

L: I've been working on it since I got it over 8 years ago. There wasn't a whole lot of information on modifying the van in the Dajiban style, so there was a lot of trial and error or having to problem-solve creatively. Even lowering it was a challenge and luckily I've had the privilege of connecting with awesome shops and people that were excited about the project and did not immediately dismiss it. Some mods that I'm most proud of are the Ferrari 360 Modena front calipers, the six custom mounted NRG bucket seats, the custom wickerbill spoiler, and the Rotiform wheels that were made to spec for me. I am forever grateful for the support from awesome folks like Jason at NRG, Ben Lau and Ron Baugh (Wheel Pros/Rotiform), and many more.

C: what kind of reaction do you get when people see it?

L: I get some confused looks, but also nods of appreciation. It is so neat when someone says "cool van!" as I love that it brings a smile to someone's face. I also love when someone realizes they are seeing a Dajiban-style build in person here in the States after seeing it only in media, and we get to geek out over it together.

C: I heard they made a hot wheel - how did that happen?

L: From what I've read, Hot Wheel Designer Ryu Asada was the one who designed the casting and it was released back in 2021. Although it was simply labeled as "Dodge Van," a closer look would reveal the neat details that make it special - the front diffuser, panoramic roof window showing the go-kart inside, the decals, etc. - all highlight the Dajiban. I wish I would have had the chance to meet Ryu Asada and have him sign a few of the Hot Wheels for me and for being bold and putting this casting out there, but sadly he passed away in 2021. It brings me joy when I see the Hot Wheels out and about - I carry some with me in the van to give out at car meets, and sometimes a friend or stranger would approach me and give me one as they had gotten excited seeing it at their local general or grocery store.

C: Now it’s a family affair - tell me about your son and the Saab

L: Without sounding like we took lines from the The Fast & The Furious franchise, family is such a large factor and motivation for what I do. Part of the reason I switched out the bench seats for bucket seats was so my kiddos could have some head protection from potential whiplash. They were with me the night I picked up the van, and we have made countless memories driving in it to car meets, photo shoots, and just family adventures. I took my son with me on our first trackday in the van and we had an absolute blast. As he got older and was almost to driving age, I started looking for a first car for him. I had a 2005 Saab 9-5 Aero wagon which I absolutely loved, and as fate would have it, a friend in the car scene had a 2000 Saab 9-3 hatchback for sale. It was meant to be - a manual hatchback, turbo inline-four, relatively quick and sporty - what more could you ask for as a first car? It has been such a wonderful experience spending countless hours in the garage working on the car together - and while I'd like to think I've taught my son a thing or two about working on cars, truth is that he has taught me far more. We rebuilt his motor, installed a bigger turbo, redid his suspension multiple times. He is an extremely talented driver and we love carving up the canyons responsibly together and going to car meets as well. At the end of the day, it is about family and people - the cars are just a bonus.

C: You’re a real one! - why have you been such a great Carcadia supporter and volunteer?

L: Carcadia is an absolute GEM in the car community - I have met such amazing people and friends through it. You never know what you're going to see at Carcadia - the diverse and eclectic cars that come are nothing short of spectacular, and the friendly and passionate people really make every minute spent there such a joy. I am so thankful for Glenn and his team for welcoming me with open arms and hoods, and cannot express enough appreciation for the ways Carcadia really invests in the local community. Awhile back, we partnered with Carcadia to host a pet supply drive to benefit rescue organizations and shelters, and to see the community come out and show love and support was heartwarming - Carcadia filled up the Dajiban with pet supplies from top to bottom! I hope Carcadia is around for years to come - for people young and old to enjoy cars and camaraderie.