In Memory of Jerry Hirshberg

“It’s fun having a weird little piece of Japan in the backyard.”

1994 Nissan Caravan Silkroad
Andy Peterson, Racine, Wisconsin
TMGPS Member since 2018

Gran Turismo may have featured some of Andy Peterson’s favorite cars, but by no means was it the catalyst for his automotive obsession. That passion sparked long before.

“The Nissan fixation goes back to childhood,” said Andy, who also harbors a soft spot for rear-drive Volvos and malaise-era GM products. “One of the first vehicles I really noticed was my aunt’s black 1986 Nissan 200SX hatchback. And, when I was seven, my parents bought an off-lease U11 Stanza, which was so completely different and so much more reliable than the Dodge Aries they traded in on it.  It’s the car associated with so many childhood memories.”

After owning a cherry red first-gen Pulsar NX and a near-mint ’91 Maxima which met an untimely demise, Andy began building a new project in his mind: a Japanese-style street van in the mold of idol @dai_san.5555. The #alljapan24family hashtag was the inspiration. The E24-chassis Nissan Caravan would be the base. Suddenly, Houston-based importer J Cars Import had the van in stock.

That quickly, it was his.

“Honestly, shifting from the RHD side is easy and not difficult to get used to,” said Andy, who bought his diesel-powered luxury van sight-unseen. “Keeping the turn signal and wiper blade stalks straight is another matter. “

Champagne cooling in the chiller. Limousine seats reclined next to panoramic windows. Second- and third-row passengers live a cushy life in Andy’s van, lounging in a space somewhere between business-class and bosozoku.

Soon, a set of tasteful wheels will subtly tuck beneath the fenders to complement a lowering kit on order. First on his list of custom touches: a TMGPS shift pattern decal in the center stack that matches the aesthetic so well, people have asked if it’s factory-installed.

“I’ve also had some questions about the hatch decal at tire shops and parts stores,” said Andy, who doesn’t see the manual transmission minivan as a paradox. ” I certainly prefer a manual transmission in other types of vehicles, so why not a van? “

Winter means the stately Nissan will hibernate until the snow is gone. After the thaw, Andy plans to showcase his modern classic at automotive meets from Milwaukee to Madison — and possibly beyond.

“I don’t hold a ton of hope for the continued existence of the manual in new cars,” said Andy, who admits there will always be at least one comfy auto box in his fleet. “But I’d love to be proven wrong. My biggest hope is that driving enthusiasts from my generation will keep manual cars preserved and fiercely treasured as a hobby. Hot rodders and off-roaders have doggedly kept technology like solid axles and carburetors alive in the aftermarket more than 30 years after the major automakers decided they weren’t feasible for production anymore. Hopefully the ’80s, ’90s, and ’00s kids can do the same for the third pedal.”

If you’re an outspoken ally of the manual transmission active in your online owner community, DM @highmileage on Instagram for your chance to be featured in a TMGPS Member Spotlight.