Eric Bizek
JDM Legends
Velocity is tapping into the incredibly popular world of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars, with brand-new series JDM LEGENDS. JDM, a Japan-based car market that houses automobiles and parts that were originally designed to follow the road regulations in Japan, has a dedicated following who carry a deep appreciation for these rare rides. Velocity’s new series, JDM LEGENDS, follows master JDM restorer Eric Bizek and his skilled team at his Salt Lake City based shop, JDM Legends, as they bring these Japanese imported cars back to their intended authentic factory state. A 1972 Datsun 240-Z, a rare 1966 Bluebird race car and a 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R are a few of the vehicles JDM LEGENDS explore this season. Starting Tuesday, April 17, audiences can catch the JDM LEGENDS series premiere on MotorTend.com and the Motor Trend app as well as the Velocity premiere Tuesday, April 17 at 9 PM ET/PT.
“We are thrilled to venture into the JDM community and go inside a skillful shop of JDM experts with JDM LEGENDS” said Robert S. Scanlon, president of Velocity and TEN Content. “Eric and his team at JDM Legends, have truly become the go-to shop in the U.S. for authentic and exquisite JDM restorations. With premieres on Motor Trend and Velocity, we are excited to share this car-culture with as many fans as possible”.
As one of the only restorers of imported Japanese Domestic Market cars in the U.S., Eric and team have been refurbishing vehicles for the last decade, ensuring to keep each automobile’s authenticity. From full frame restorations to modern engine replacements, JDM LEGENDS explores all of the steps it takes to complete a pristine and accurate renovation. This season features a myriad of incredible JDM rides including: a 1972 Datsun 240-Z; a 1989 Nissan Pao; a 1966 Bluebird race car; a 1972 Skyline GT-X; a 1986 Toyota Levin; and much more.
Click here to view video promo posted on Motor Trend
Full JDM LEGENDS Schedule:
“We Are JDM Legends”
Premieres Tuesday, April 17
Eric Bizek started his business in his hometown of Salt Lake City over 10 years ago and has since become one of the only restorers of imported Japanese Domestic Market cars in the country. In this episode, a Datsun 240-Z that the owner tried to re-store himself, comes in for a complete restoration. Eric also imports a 1986 Toyota Levin from Japan for a friend, giving the car a thorough shakedown before delivery.
“The Blue Light Special”
Premieres Tuesday, April 24
Eric and the team at JDM Legends have been importing the rare Nissan Skyline to the U.S. since they opened their doors, and sometimes they never know what they are going to get. The latest project in the shop has really good bones, appears to have a solid engine, but some of the aesthetic choices made will need to be un-done to restore this car back to what it should be. Eric imports a super rare 1966 Bluebird race car and gives it a thorough check down.
“Red Hood Bad Luck”
Premieres Tuesday, May 1
With a sketchy hood, misaligned badges and the wrong wheels, a ‘72 Skyline GT-X direct from Hawaii rolls into the shop for a serious upgrade. Getting the aesthetics correct on this car is only half the battle, as the car needs a full diagnosis and shakedown to get it back on the road where it belongs. A 1970 Bluebird with a top-notch racing engine arrives for a quick clean-up before delivery to its owner.
“Road Ready”
Premieres Tuesday, May 8
A restoration 2 years in the making comes to a close, as Eric and Josh put the finishing touches on a one year only model 1968 Datsun 510. The team has over 6000 hours into the car, but still have to build the upholstery, get the car aligned properly, get all the gaps dialed in, and put miles on the car before it is street ready. Mauricio tries to feed his car addiction with the potential purchase of a new old car and Eric gets a 1989 Nissan Pao dialed in for a customer but has a new co-pilot for the build.
“The Engine Swap Experiment”
Premieres Tuesday, May 15
Most of the builds that come thru the doors at JDM are full restorations, but the latest project is a completely new experiment. Eric and Josh will attempt to replace the original carbureted engine with a modern Nissan engine – triple the horsepower and triple the headache. The guys take a break from the grind of the shop and head to sunny California and the biggest Japanese car show in the country.
“This Is What We Do”
Premieres Tuesday, May 22
Eric and the team begin a full frame up restoration on the most sought after and valuable car in the JDM world – the Nissan Skyline GT-R. This car will be getting everything from a new engine and transmission, the original Safari gold color, all new parts from Japan, and modern wiring and improvements. This is what the shop does and this car when completed will be a true JDM Legend.
