Last week Junichi Tanaka, founder of Jun Auto Mechanic, died as a result of complications from cancer at 76 years old. Tanaka was at the forefront of Japanese performance for years, first as a Nissan L-series engine ace and later expanded to building any number of engines into four-digit horsepower monsters. Jun engines were in a number of impressive 1990s Japanese hot rods, and won a number of speed records at Bonneville.
Perhaps the most famous of Jun cars, Jun Akira Supra above, featured 1200 turbocharged horsepower from a 2JZ-GTE engine and broke the 400 kph (249 mph) barrier at Bonneville in 2001, setting the E/BGCC record in the process.
For a comprehensive history of Junichi Tanaka’s life, check out Japanese Nostalgic Car. Ben has put together a very nice overview, and it’s well worth a read.
Rest in speed, Tanaka-san.
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