While Lamborghini might not be the first brand that comes to mind when Liberty Walk is mentioned, it was the Sant’Agata supercars that Wataru Kato turned his hand to originally. Once established creating kei car bodykits in the '90s, he branched Liberty Walk out into super-wide supercars, in the process creating the LB Performance offshoot that has gone from strength to strength since. Need proof? Having widebodied a Ferrari F40 and Countach of late, Liberty Walk is taking it to the next level for January’s Tokyo show: an LB Silhouette Works Lamborghini Miura. You read that right. The original mid-engined supercar, like it’s never been seen before. Prepare to be stunned.
Because this R35 GT-R represents what a Liberty Walk LB Silhouette Works conversion looks like. Extreme to say the least, with drastic, unmistakable alterations to just about every panel. The front wings now cascade over the wheels, the rear equivalents are basically benches, and the rear spoiler could double up as a surfboard. A really large one. The rear screen is now slatted, too, just to make rear visibility even closer to non-existent. A full-house Liberty Walk transformation is nothing if not outrageous - what on earth will this approach do to a Miura? It’s impossible, even if this isn’t really your thing, not to be a little intrigued.
It's worth noting just what a special GT-R this is aside from the obvious add-ons. It was purchased as a Grade 5A auction car in Japan (the highest possible ranking) with just 12,000 miles, and all the LB Silhouette GT-RR work was done there. Check out the interior, only lightly tweaked with contrast stitching and retrimmed leather, for an idea of its condition. It shouldn’t be low mileage and minimal wear that draws you to a Liberty Walk car, but those traits feel notable. It’s a beautifully presented show car.
For those who want to actually drive a Liberty Walk R35, however, there are modifications to take full advantage. The AirRex suspension, for example, meaning it the ride height can be raised or lowered as required; sure, it’s been designed for most impact as a static display vehicle, though it could be lifted to raise hell on the road as well. Or track, for that matter, with something like 680hp from new injectors, intake and ECU work plus, in case you hadn’t seen, Toyo Proxes tyres. An audio upgrade comprising a larger sub and amp, plus additional speakers and later nav, could make the GT-R an ideal road trip companion. If you don’t mind being swamped at every stop.
Nothing has been left untouched by Liberty Walk in its quest to make the ultimate GT-R. As well as the widebody, interior work, engine upgrades and suspension, there’s a rowdier exhaust and forged wheels fitted as well. It’s all your wildest Need for Speed: Underground fantasies brought to life. That something that could look crazy even on screen has been brought to life is quite exciting for those brought up on fast Japanese cars. You can’t help but continue gawping at what Liberty Walk has achieved.
It’s being sold by Harlow Jap Autos, which reckons that this is the only Silhouette Works car assembled by Liberty Walk themselves in Europe right now. There’s a certificate of authenticity and everything. In case it wasn’t guaranteed enough attention. Kato-san has 1.5m followers on Instagram, and his posts of slammed supercars he’s created can attract hundreds of thousands of likes. More than 30 years on since Liberty Walk created its first work, it’s one of the biggest names in the aftermarket. Which is why this GT-R will cost £160k. Great value, surely, if it’s attention that you’re after. Just best hope nobody is around in a Liberty Walk Miura, really…
1 / 4
