In the ever-expanding universe of Fast & Furious films, Tokyo Drift often flies under the radar. It didn’t feature the franchise’s original stars, leaned into cheesy one-liners, and served up a fairly light plot.
But what it did deliver—undeniably—was unforgettable car culture, jaw-dropping stunts, and one of the most beloved characters in the saga: Han Lue. Played with effortless cool by Sung Kang, Han became an underground icon, and his signature ride—an aggressively styled 1992 Mazda RX-7—just made headlines again.
At this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, a lucky bidder put their money where their fandom is, snapping up Han’s RX-7 for a staggering $1.2 million at a Bonhams auction. That price doesn’t just make it one of the priciest Mazdas ever sold—it cements its place in cinematic car royalty.
A Veilside Vision: The RX-7 That Redefined Street Style
You don’t need to be a hardcore gearhead to recognize the car. Draped in black-and-orange paint and dressed in a Veilside Fortune widebody kit, the RX-7 looks like it just drifted off the silver screen.
As one of only two surviving hero cars used in Tokyo Drift, it’s more than just a collector's piece—it’s a time capsule from the golden era of 2000s tuner culture.
The Veilside kit doesn’t hold back. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Nearly 7 inches of added width for a more aggressive stance
- A massive rear wing and functional side vents
- Styling so dramatic, it’s barely recognizable as a third-gen RX-7—apart from the signature roofline
For JDM purists, it might be sacrilege to transform the beloved FD RX-7, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful Japanese sports cars of the 1990s. But for fans of the franchise and the street racing scene it celebrated, this build is the definition of iconic.
From Hollywood to High Stakes
Imported to the U.K. in 2008—just two years after the film’s release—the RX-7 has since been meticulously maintained. The seller reportedly kept it in storage, drove it sparingly, and had it inspected by a rotary engine specialist ahead of the auction.
To put the sale in perspective: the $1.2 million price tag nearly doubles the previous franchise record. That record belonged to a 1994 Toyota Supra from the first Fast & Furious film, which fetched $550,000 back in 2021.
A Drifting Legacy Reborn
With the Fast & Furious saga still rolling, and Sung Kang developing a new live-action drifting film, Han’s RX-7 may just be the next Bullitt Mustang for a new generation.
Whether it’s preserved in a private collection or hits the show circuit for fans to admire, one thing’s for sure—Han would approve.
Final Thoughts: A Hollywood Hero with Real-World Value
This isn’t just a car—it’s a symbol of Tokyo Drift’s enduring influence on modern car culture. From its jaw-dropping aesthetics to its cinematic legacy, Han’s RX-7 proves that style, story, and sentiment can drive value well into the seven figures.
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