I hate that minivans have the stigma that they do. While they admittedly won’t win any awards around the track, they are the perfect vehicle for someone looking for serious utility without the drawbacks of larger SUVs. And one only has to look back to the 1970′s to see the awesome styling possibilities with these big wagons. Owner Donald James saw the potential in his 2005 Odyssey and went all out with a classic VIP build, blending traditional Japanese cues with a mostly untouched USDM platform.
While modified JDM Odysseys have found their way into the limelight recently thanks to their aggressive lines and wagon-like shape, Donald asserts that the hardest part of this build was finding parts for this platform. Seeing that this model was not sold in Japan, many of the pieces that were developed for the previous “LaGreat” model by Japan’s van tuners were never engineered for the 3rd generation body. Donald was largely limited to either OEM pieces, or custom work. Nevertheless, the custom Universal Air Suspension lowers the Honda accessory adorned body onto the SSR Viennas perfectly.
The van’s interior has been treated with traditional VIP pieces, including Swarovski crystals and custom-covered carbon dash pieces. A set of Recaro baby seats keep the most important cargo safe and secure.
Personally, I’d like to see more people give vans a chance in America. In addition to the space and utility, most models offer respectable power, stylish exteriors, and well appointed cabins; hardly the penalty boxes that many make them out to be. Donald James has taken what most would consider a vanilla platform and created a classically styled VIP van that competes with the best that Japan has to offer. Granted, an Odyssey isn’t for everyone, but for those that find themselves “stuck” with a mini-van, here’s your inspiration. Get to work.
Modifications
Exterior
- Front, rear and side Honda Accessory Aero
- JDM puddle lights
- Police strobe lights
Interior
- Custom carbon fiber dash pieces
- Swarovski crystal radio knobs and door lock rings
Wheels & Tires
- SSR Vienna Dish 19×10 +24 front 19×11 +11 rear
- Falken FK452 245/40/19 F and 255/40/19 R
Suspension & Brakes
- Universal Air Suspension (Custom spare tire install)
About the Author
Andy Carter
Andy Carter is a photographer, writer, and editor for Canibeat living in Macon, Georgia. He spends his days buried in Excel working for his university alma-mater. Besides automotive culture, Andy enjoys instrumental music, traveling with his wife, and good food.
November 2, 2011 at 9:59 pm
wheels are played out and the paint looks beat but other than that EXCELLENT!
November 2, 2011 at 10:00 pm
i take that back its the reflection of the asphault
November 2, 2011 at 11:00 pm
This is sick …. This would be the only way I would drive a van and be a soccer mom in style !!! Love it!
November 3, 2011 at 12:11 am
That’s a great display of USDM van modding. Nobody here in the US gives vans the respect they deserve. The Mazda5 is another underrated platform here. Micro-van FTW.
November 3, 2011 at 1:56 pm
who gives a shit about a f***ing Odyssey. and like Brandon said, the wheels are definitely played out. looks though as Canibeat will post anything that is lowered 2 inches past the top of the tire. and if thats true then Canibeat might as well come take some pics of my POS civic. just let me adjust the coils and drop it another 2 inches. Pretty nice pics photography wise.
November 3, 2011 at 8:38 pm
Canibeat chooses to showcase cars that are masterpieces of creativity and design, either by their modifications, or in the case of this Odyssey, a rarely touched platform done right. While you personally might not care to see a modded minivan, a lot of folks do. The fact remains that you will never see another one done this well. Thanks for the comment and page views.
November 3, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Not a fan of mini vans myself but this one changed my view upside down. This is one hot ride that is a real deal family daily driver. I seen it in person at first class fitment this year after it made the long trip from Indy to Jersey and it was impressive to say the least.
November 3, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Odyssey is soo sickk and is tucking!! ..But I think the Japanese have it down when it comes to the wheels and fitment for now.
November 4, 2011 at 3:31 pm
For some reason, the Japanese version of these vans look a lot better than our US versions.
November 4, 2011 at 8:22 pm
All the haters keep hating…..I know Donald personally, and he puts everything into his work. Don’t hate cuz he can mod a van better than u can a model car…..he does this out of his garage, not some fancy shop like most ppl…..Donald the VIP is sick and can’t wait to see the next project.
November 6, 2011 at 9:41 pm
I like it, although I don’t understand the title. This is not a classic Odyssey by any means. This is just an Odyssey. If this were a “classic” then it would be when the Odyssey was still offered with 4 doors here in the states like it is in Japan. Just my .02 though. It still looks good for what it is I just don’t like the Odyssey with sliding doors.
November 8, 2011 at 11:44 am
I’m guessing Preston got his moms handed down Acura with 150xxx miles and put some Kumhos on it. I bet its awesome.
November 10, 2011 at 11:19 am
Fantastic work! That’s the first 3rd gen I’ve ever seen modded. Now I understand why.
Don’t mind the haters. It just proves you’re doing it right.
I do wish they kept the second gen front though. I think that would really help.
Maybe you should do it……… poke poke
November 15, 2011 at 9:44 am
Love this van!!!!