Image : JUN Auto

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 r ecords 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.