Mark ‘Loony’ Bystron’s modified Honda Civic cranks up the heat on the US/UK/JDM fall out.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. Life is full of ‘em. To save or to spend? Do I tell our Jules his bald patch is getting bigger? Four wipes or five the morning after curry night? If you drive a Honda though, the only important choice in the universe is whether to roll on import JDM goodness or UKDM trustiness, and then whether to dabble with USDM looks or not.
Thankfully, no-nonsense Mark ‘Loony’ Bystron has abandoned the ‘JDM vs’ argument and instead invested in a bit of all three for his steaming hot EK.
While towing the Jap line with scene-tastic touches, like those dapper Integra DC2 Recaros and that cool Mugen front lip.
Mark has also thought outside the box and looked across the pond for inspiration in crafting this super-clean Civic. Just take in the near Hellaflush static stance and the fit NASCAR wink mirror.
Add some fresh, original UK finishes to the JDM and USDM roots, like those sticker-bombed rear struts, and you have a scorcher of a ride sitting pretty for our shoot at the South Mimms Summer Honda Meet.
So, with worldwide car culture killing it on Mark’s ride, where did he get his inspiration from? “Well, I’ve always liked how the Americans build their cars,” says Mark, or ‘Loony’ to those who know him. “Especially Hasback with OEM+ styling, so I guess some of the influence came from there.”
Mark got hold of his standard EK four years ago and has enjoyed a steady project, building the car while studying away at uni. Loony says: “The build was a slow process due to the lack of funds and beer being my first priority. But it gave me more thinking time to plan how I really wanted my car.”
Well planned it is too. The car looks mint and although Mark rolls Hellaflush he’s had no major balls-ups on the daily hoot, apart from once ripping the exhaust off on a speedbump. Doh!
“The car has been through a lot of stages to get to here though, especially with wheels,” says Mark. “I guess I’m more of a wheelwhore than a pistonhead.”
Wheelwhore, pistonhead, car culture collaborator, whatever you call it. Mark’s Civic is proof in the Cali, London and Tokyo pudding that your ride can rep global goodness and still be two thumbs fresh. Summer style year round, here in the UK.
