Imperial JDM vs. Domestic Car Meet Focused on Unity and Community

A total of 50 car enthusiasts showed off their vehicles on Saturday, June 28, for a classic JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vs. Domestic car meetup. “Engine heads” traveled from as far as Tijuana, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and even Texas to join in Imperial for the old-school-style social event.

The event took place at Kameleon Monkey Collision in Imperial, a local auto body shop that offered its location as a safe haven rather than relying on public parking lots or other less secure options for participants.

One of the hosts of the night, Jesus Trevino, a.k.a. “Vino Jake,” shared his thoughts as friends and curious car lovers trickled in to check out the fun. Trevino said it was important to bring awareness to the community that car enthusiasts like himself are simply driving and showcasing their vehicles without malicious intent. He emphasized that part of his mission within the local car scene is to break down the stereotypes people, especially law enforcement, often have.

“I would like to team up with law enforcement and the car community to break down those negative stereotypes,” Trevino said, referring to his larger vision. He acknowledged that a small percentage of drivers have illegal modifications or participate in illegal racing, which unfortunately tarnishes the reputation of the entire community. “That’s just a small group, a minority,” he added.

Alexis Garcia, another organizer and car lover at the meetup, echoed Trevino’s sentiment. “Nowadays the cops are on the car scene because they think we race or we’re doing illegal activities, and little do they know, we’re just having a get-together, like a big family,” he shared.

With cars lined up around the property, attendees walked the shop yard chatting and admiring the various makes and models. Families with children ran around, with little ones hopping into driver seats whenever possible to get up close and personal with the horsepower.

Trevino said one of his main goals was to bring different kinds of car lovers together. “It’s always been a rivalry in the past between JDM and domestic vehicles,” he said. “But now, with the revolution of hybrids and electric vehicles, we’re showing that we’re two opposites coming together. And we’re not a dying breed.”

Music played from a speaker inside the auto shop, where drink and snack vendors sold refreshments. Out on the street, a local taco truck, Revolución Asada, grilled up carne asada tacos to feed the growing crowd throughout the evening.

Another enthusiast at the meetup was U.S. Marine Sebastian Arriaga, who came out with two friends and their vehicles for a casual night of car appreciation. Arriaga shared that his right-hand-drive 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 was imported from Japan earlier this year, following his return to the States.

U.S. Marine Sebastian Arriaga smiles in front of his right-hand-drive 1983 Toyota Corolla AE86 at the JDM vs. Domestic meetup on Saturday, June 28. The car was imported directly from Japan earlier this year. | Kimber Dial PHOTO

Arriaga enjoyed the event but confessed, “I prefer racing,” adding that he hates to see cars just sitting around unused.

“I like walking around, there’s a lot of cool cars here, and a lot of really expensive ones too,” Arriaga said, smiling with clear respect for the car scene.

The event brought out not only diversity in vehicles—with 27 import and 23 domestic cars present—but also diversity among the car owners themselves. Drivers of all ages were represented among the Nissans, Mustangs, Dodges, Jeeps, Corollas, and more. A few revved their engines a little to give the crowd some extra entertainment throughout the evening.

Two brothers, Dylan and Johanny Beccera, were eager to show off their rides for the paper. “We have two cars here,” Dylan boasted, leading a photo shoot of their parents’ vehicles and pointing out key features of the cars parked side by side. 

The Becerra family poses for a photo at the JDM vs. Domestic car show on Saturday, June 28, at Kameleon Monkey Collision in Imperial. The family brought two vehicles to contribute to the growing car scene in the Imperial Valley. | Kimber Dial PHOTO

Later, Dylan was seen chatting with Jose Carbajal, another car lover present on Saturday. Carbajal brought his 2017 Nissan GTR to the meetup, not as a salesman, but as a genuine enthusiast.

“I really like to enjoy the ride of the vehicle, the feel,” Carbajal said, adding that he’s not into racing or drifting. “I’m very conservative. I do take care of it.”

Safety, he emphasized, is a top priority. “Always think properly when you drive a car. A lot of things can happen when you’re not thinking clearly at high speed,” he advised.

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