Danny Nguyen is something of an eccentric personality. This break dancer who goes by the moniker “Goofball” has danced his way into some of the biggest venues, including shows with the Washington Wizards, Nationals and Capitals, and an audition for the popular television show “So You Think You Can Dance.” He even landed a role in “Step Up 3D.”
When he’s not dancing, he’s taking all that energy and rolling it into his other passion: modified imports. Even before he bought his 2003 Nissan 350Z, Nguyen knew exactly what he was after. Nguyen wanted to build a car that was going to be as original as he is. He acknowledges he never customized a car with the level of detail, research, and care that he put into his 350Z, but wanted to do it right because the car had been one of his favorites. The car wasn’t even in his possession before he began work, having the 350Z fitted with a Nismo V2 body kit. There was also some engine work already done, including cam and valve spring upgrades, which gave the car a little more aggressive power on the top end.
“When I picked it up, my jaw dropped. It was beautiful,” Nguyen said. “I knew once I saw it, I wasn’t going to be able to hold back from modifying it further.”
Nguyen continued to build upon the work the former owner did by adding an Injen SES true dual exhaust. To get the 350Z breathing easier, he added test pipes and then a Jim Wolf Technology pop charger. Nguyen then moved to the wheels, replacing them with 19-inch Enkei RPF1s. A Seibon TS carbon fiber hood was installed next and the roof was painted down to the pillars to flow into the color of the hood.
As work was going into the car, Nguyen picked up sponsorship through CiNcity Designs, which created a one-off custom design for the headlights that included color-shifting light-emitting diodes.
Inside the ride, NGR Ferrari racing seats and harness bar were added. Pioneer powers the stereo. And while many car customizers are opting for Xbox 360s and PlayStation 3s, Nguyen lived up to his reputation for the peculiar by adding a 1980s-era Nintendo Entertainment System.
But this “goofmobile,” as Nguyen calls it, is no laughing matter. Along with the three 10-inch JL Audio W6 subwoofers managing the bass and a 26-inch screen delighting viewers with a pixelated Mario jumping and running through the “Super Mario Brothers” video game, Nguyen plans on creating serious power with the addition of a supercharger.
What do you drive? A 2003 Nissan 350Z.
Why do you drive it? I drive it because it provides me therapeutic enjoyment. If I get stressed out, or just want some time to myself, I’ll just hop into the Goofmobile and cruise.
What makes this car so special? I’ve always wanted a 350Z. It was one of my dream cars. … I loved the body and design. The engine note was incredible to me. Every time I saw a 350Z drive by, I had to stop to look at it go by. I told myself one day I would have that car. I became a professional break dancer, and as a reward for my success I bought one. This was my way of saying, “Hey, you are doing it! You are achieving your dreams. Don’t stop!”
What is your most memorable driving experience with this car? I think the first day it was home. Just the feeling like “Wow, I did this! This is my car!” It was the greatest feeling ever.
What was the first vehicle you owned? A sea foam green 1995 Ford Contour.
What music are you listening to in your car? I’ve been listening to break beats and Bruno Mars.
And your first ticket? What was it for? Speeding.
