Story and Photos: Amee Reehal

In today's spocom scene, there is no shortage of high-end, high profile show cars backed by reputable aftermarket manufacturers and suppliers displaying their wears or unlikely corporations looking to reach out to a “younger” demographic. Gleaming rides plastered with corporate logos, supporting sponsor icons, and anything else that will garner attention. And no matter what side of the debate you sit on, this is the nature of the business after all, and a demo car is perhaps the most fitting marketing vehicle, literally. But once in awhile, a ride will come along with absolutely no corporate agenda yet still be fitted with the optimal parts available, without compromise in quality and fueled simply by the passion to build a true, properly tuned machine. Influenced only by the latest technology and the pursuit to push the limits. No input from car forums, no shows, no Marketing VP breathing down anyone’s neck.

When longtime auto enthusiasts John Aitken, a successful banker now in his 50s, along with wife Cathy, were in the market for a ‘fun’ car (not a Ferrari, nothing German, but something they could build based on the fundamentals of tuning) they chose the Honda S2000. Since the day Honda originally launched it back in 1999, the AP2 has received praise from motoring journalists, graced the covers of countless magazines, and has served as the platform of choice for large scale projects by companies and private tuners alike, so John and Cathy’s decision was an easy one.

Clearly, the couple had never undertaken such a feat and probably had no idea what they were getting into. Not to worry ... the keys were immediately handed to Tien Hoang of SpeedTech Racing & Development who managed the build from beginning to end. Safe to say, for Tien this was a dream project: full custody of a brand new car with complete client assurance, a private endeavor with no commercial agenda nor timelines, a plethora of available parts coupled with grand schemes and sleepless giddy nights, majority of parts flown in to reduce agonizing waiting time, and best of all ... essentially no budget limit. Really. The mandate for this build was primarily technology driven, an attempt to employ the finest parts available irrespective of brand favorites. Less emphasize on styling, for instance, and more to do with wind-tested aero components that would work best. As Tien puts it, “ We didn’t go with any one manufacturer, we only went with what we felt are the best available parts for the job.” So while the parts list of this S2K smorgasbord of Japan goodies may read like a sushi menu, there’s definitely nothing fishy about the way this ride looks, handles, and performs.