| » Engine: VQ35DE 3.5-liter V-6 |
| » Performance: Jim Wolf Technology Pop-charger, Magnaflow Cat-Back exhaust, B&M short shifter, Godspeed engine torque damper, Road Magnet performance springs, Skunk 2 5/8-inch plenum spacer, drilled and slotted rotors |
| » Wheels: 18-inch by 9.5-inch with Lexani tires |
| » Exterior: Nismo 20mm rear wheel spacers, C-West replica flat black front lip, flat black roof wrap, hood dampers, tinted windows, LB Design LED running lights, black Nissan emblems, blacked-out taillights, Scoote 2 fiberglass hood |
| » Interior: Pioneer AVIC-F700BT Navigation head unit, A/V harness, white LED dome lights, Nismo titanium shift knob, 3M carbon fiber-wrapped interior pieces, Digital Designs 1,200-watt amplifier |
Some relationships begin gradually, while others are love at first sight. Brandon Fugitt has been a fan of the Nissan 350Z as far back as 2003 when the new body style was introduced in North America. But it wasn’t until 2009 that he was able to consummate the secret affair he’d been having in his dreams.
For many, the 350Z was an instant success, which built upon the legendary 300ZX series that became a staple of Nissan’s performance line of vehicles in the ’90s. And while Nissan has graduated to the 370Z, a sexed-up version of its predecessor, the 350Z remains a modern classic distinguished by its peppy 3.5-liter V-6 and a huge community of supporters.
For weeks in 2009, Fugitt drove by a 2005 350Z in front of a dealership close to his home. The car was special because it was a 35th Anniversary Edition, and the bold yellow paint job was one more reason for Fugitt to ogle. He eventually gave in to his curiosity and took the car for a test drive. The next day he drove it home.
After selecting a set of 18-inch aftermarket wheels wrapped in Lexani tires, Fugitt, who is a graphic designer by trade, created custom body graphics for the vehicle.
“The exterior of any car defines not only the personality of the car but the driver as well,” Fugitt said,
Fugitt had drawn hundreds of graphics for other vehicles, but designing his own was particularly challenging. The stakes were high. It was important that the creative force behind so many other vehicles design an unparalleled graphics package for his own vehicle.
In addition to the graphics, the Nissan’s exterior features blacked-out taillights, a front lip for a lower profile and custom emblems.
Other modifications came quickly. In the past year, Fugitt has added everything from a B&M short shifter and Jim Wolf Technology Pop-charger to hood dampers and a Magnaflow Cat-Back exhaust.
The interior found its own path to expression with touches that included a Pioneer AVIC-F700BT Navigation head unit, a Nismo titanium shift knob and 3M carbon fiber-wrapped interior pieces. Music is pumped through two 10-inch JBL subwoofers courtesy of a Digital Designs 1,200-watt amplifier.
What do you drive? A 2005 Nissan 350Z, 35th Anniversary Edition.
Why do you drive it? Everything about the 350Z platform just impressed me and caught my attention when it came out in 2003. It has always been a dream car to me, so I just patiently waited for my opportunity to buy one.
What makes this car so special? Out of all the vehicles I’ve owned, this is the car I’ve wanted the most.
What is your most memorable driving experience? Driving it home.
What was the first vehicle you owned? A 1995 Chevrolet Cavalier.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? Usually rock music or whatever is on the radio.
And your first ticket? What was it for? Speeding.
