Alvin Miles Jr From TopRank - EP.166
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Car
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is a famous sports car that many car enthusiasts admire. It's known for being fast and having great handling, making it popular in racing and among collectors.
Term
title
A title is a document that shows who owns a car. It has details about the car and is needed to register it and sell it later.
Concept
importing cars
Importing cars means bringing a car from another country to your own. It usually involves filling out forms and making sure the car meets local rules.
Term
import paperwork
Import paperwork is the set of documents you need to fill out when bringing a car from another country. It helps show that the car is yours and that it meets local laws.
Term
DMV
The DMV is a government office where you go to get your driver's license and register your car. They handle all the paperwork related to vehicles.
Term
JDM cars
JDM cars are cars that were built for Japan and usually have special features that you can't find in cars made for other countries. They're often sought after by car enthusiasts.
Term
VIN
A VIN is like a car's fingerprint. It's a special number that helps identify a specific vehicle and tells you important details about it.
Term
temporary plates
Temporary plates are special license plates you can use for a short time while you're getting your car officially registered. They let you drive the car legally until everything is sorted out.
Car
Nissan Skylines
The Nissan Skyline is a popular car from Japan, especially known for its fast models like the GT-R. It's loved by car enthusiasts for its performance and style.
Car
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra is a small car made by Acura, which is Honda's luxury brand. It's popular among car fans for its sporty design and performance.
Car
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 is a small sports car that is fun to drive and has a powerful engine. It's popular with car fans because of its speed and handling.
Car
Audi R32
The Audi R32 is a sportier version of the A3 that has a more powerful engine and better handling. It's designed for those who enjoy driving and want a more exciting ride.
Car
Audi A3
The Audi A3 is a small luxury car that offers good performance and comfort. It's a popular choice for people who want a stylish vehicle that is also practical.
Concept
car meet
A car meet is when a group of people who love cars get together to show off their vehicles and talk about them. It's a fun way for car fans to connect and share their passion.
Car
Nismo CRS
Nismo is Nissan's performance division that makes special versions of their cars for better speed and handling. The CRS is one of those special models.
Term
California compliance
California compliance means making sure a car meets the state's rules for pollution and emissions. It's important for getting the car registered in California.
Part
exhaust system
The exhaust system helps get rid of the gases that come from the engine. It also helps make the car quieter and cleaner for the environment.
Company
Nismo
Nismo is a part of Nissan that makes faster and sportier versions of their cars. They also sell parts that can make regular Nissan cars perform better.
Term
Z-Tune
The Z-Tune is a special version of a Nissan car that has been upgraded for better performance. It's rare and many car fans want to own one.
Term
carbon fiber
Carbon fiber is a strong and light material used in cars to make them faster and more efficient. It's often used for parts like the hood to help reduce weight.
Term
vent
A vent is an opening in a car that lets air flow through. It helps cool down parts of the car, especially the engine, and can make the car more aerodynamic.
Term
RB26
The RB26 is a powerful 2.6-liter engine made by Nissan, often found in sports cars. It's known for being strong and can be modified to produce a lot of power.
Term
RB28
The RB28 is a version of Nissan's RB engine that is slightly bigger at 2.8 liters. It's not as common as the RB26 but is used in some modified cars.
Concept
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach is a famous car show in California where many rare and expensive cars are displayed and sold. It's a big deal in the car world.
LIVE
Hey, and welcome back to the next episode of the right-hand drive guys podcast the podcast for guys who like right-hand drives
I'm Bobby. This is Aaron. Yeah, and this is episode
166 and today is a special day today is a special day for me
What today what is today?
Monday December 22nd
2025 my R34 GTR departed, California
Was that a snort dude you must be pumped dude, what heck? Yeah, it yeah, so
There was a little scare because obviously we're heading into the holidays Christmas New Year's
Yeah, obviously less people on the roads less less delivery guys
And so I had to bite the bullet and have them delivered to our friend's house in South Boston
instead of Maine because it's that extra trek up to Maine that actually
Creates the issue like Maine's considered like a blackout state when it comes to a lot of things including shipping because
It's in the corner like there's no going through to pick something else up. There's very little coming in or going out. So
Yeah, it became an issue
But once we said hey, well, I'll just go get it in Boston within like 10 minutes
Brian from top rank had a guy on the line that already had you know a full load minus a car
He's literally picking it up right after we get done with this podcast
And so today we actually have which this is crazy how this all works out. We planned this a while ago
We had no clue this would happen, but we actually have Alvin Miles from top rank importers
over in Cyprus, California who has been the guy handling my car since it got off the boat and
So yeah, it actually just so happens to work out that he is at work
Waiting for my car to be picked up while he's on the podcast. Dude, that's sick. Yeah
So but we do need to get to it because we don't want them to show up to pick up the car while he's on the podcast
So this is
Episode 166 with Alvin Miles, Jr. from top rank importers
All right, and we're back with Alvin. What's up, man?
Yeah, what's going on man? How you guys doing pretty good pretty good? Yeah, we appreciate you being on for sure
I mean, it's been quite a while that we have wanted to have somebody from top rank on the podcast
So it's cool to finally get one and it's sweet that it's actually the man that has been handling
My car since it got into the United States
Absolutely, absolutely, man. Yeah. Yeah, it's been it's been a journey, you know finally got the car here
So yeah, it's funny because your car here looks exactly like another car like
Almost identical. You wouldn't be able to tell us you check the numbers. Yeah, like I think
You know a decent amount of us like 34 owners have similar taste. I don't know, you know, a lot of people have opinions on that, but
Yeah, I guess we're there is a recipe there. Yeah, for sure
So so you work for top rank importers US
Yes, sir, that's cool. And and so what is your you know, the technical position that that you have over there?
I'm the communications manager
But like I kind of have a few more like a few more hats, you know
So like there's a few of us
but my main job is to
Basically import the car and provide the actual sales documents for the customer to register the vehicle and
So that goes with either auto-state vehicles or California compliance vehicles with art, which is the whole middle process
but
To say the least so that's kind of my primary. I also sell cars market cars
Then what a whatever else that
You anything right it which is cool because you're gaining experience in
Multiple facets of the company instead of just having to do one single thing over and over
Absolutely
That's pretty cool. And so like, you know, I can imagine there's a decent amount of guys that would want to work for top-rank, right?
Especially in the past few years
Yeah, I mean, it's it's a never-going question
And you know, we're a very small shop
So like it gets a little bit kind of I don't say deterring to the person asking
But it's kind of like if you open your own mom and pop shop and someone said, hey, you know
I need a job. Can I flip burgers for you? And then it's kind of like well
We already have our whole family kind of doing that
Yeah, you know, we unfortunately can't accommodate anybody else
But you know, we let them know that hey look if any spouse open up, you know, we'll definitely talk like you but you know
And so how did you get that job though? Because that's like a you know, like well, how'd you do it?
Yeah, it's funny. So like I mentioned earlier, you know, I've known a company since 2016. I
was working at Nissan and
Honestly, it was time for me to go. I was going through a really mental
You know instabilities there working at dealerships dealerships always like that. Oh, yeah, which
actually
And so I always willing to take a pay cut just to get out of that place
I got offered another job and I was like, you know what if I'm going to take a pay cut
I might like a guaranteed one. I might as well just ask and see if there's a spot open just like anybody else would you know
Call the Oscar and I say, hey, you know, is there you know, do you have anything media open for me?
And it's like, no, you know, we still got Andrew doing that and all that kind of stuff because he knows for me to be in the photographer
I've been shooting since 2013. So I thought that would all be off
But then he's like, well, I do need someone that can do this and this is this and then he described what those things were
And it was everything I was doing for me John. Oh
So, you know
Yeah, so yeah, so, you know, I was handling the used car department with
titles and you know
Reassignment forms aka 262s dealing with DMV stuff
I was even a been verifier at one point
And that's exactly what basically y'all can eat it. And so that's how I got I got on board with, you know
In the way that I didn't think I would so that's pretty dope. And so
I mean, okay, so
for guys like this is a really good opportunity for a guy who
Doesn't know what the process is like like what is the process from, you know
Because let's just say a guy thinks well, dude, it got off the boat like it's good to go, right?
Like and you know, I maybe was a little guilty of that myself just thinking like not understanding the full process
So can you quickly just walk us through? You know when a when a car comes into port like what happens on your end?
Right, so I mean so typically to ship a car in general from the time booking starts to
It landing in the states is about 40 days about seven to ten days to get a booking. It's about
You know two weeks on the water
And then once it lands, you know, it takes about seven to ten days to clear customs
And once it clears custom then we have to you know unload it with our third-party
Transport who transports all of our vehicles from the port
And we have to get a delivery date schedule to even get those picked up because the ports especially the port of you know
Long Beach is not really
You know, they could be a pain in the ass. That's why we have our own transport to deal with it and not us
and
Yeah, that's basically it, you know and sometimes
Customs clearance can take again from seven to ten days. They can go a little bit longer
Customs can say, you know what this looks a little fishy and we're gonna keep it for as long as we want to and it's nothing
Weird really we can do about it. So for us to get the cars in
And clear through customs around the same way every single time, you know, car clears that brings us, you know
validity in what we do and we make sure that we bring them in properly
Because if not, that's how stuff gets held at the port
Yeah, it makes sense. And so when it shows up at top rank because you know, we've seen the videos, right?
Like of people's cars and whatnot and do they actually does the container itself come to
You and then you guys unload it from the container or do that just the cars come
No, so you just the car so basically that's where we have our transport coming. So once it clears customs
It goes to our uh broker
Uh, the depending on if they need the car to be there
Or not. Um, if not, our transporter will pick them up straight from the port and then drop them off here
Oh, okay, cool. So you don't got to deal with that whole unloading process
Absolutely. Yeah, and that's usually so like I can't say how to be honest
I have to ask Sean Morris about this because he's been doing it with Long Beach port forever
but I dealt with uh
Eb1 Tacoma Washington's port and you need to have a rod number
Which is a number that shows in real time that you are the person that's picking up the car and it expires
In I want to say minutes or something like that. Wow. So it's like a real time process
So you have to present this number to them with the company that's going to pick it up and who is it like who was the uh,
what do you call it um power of attorney that's
Initiating this transporter to come pick up the car
And if all of those are not in line, uh, they will deny that access of you getting the car
Wow, and you kind of got to start over
Yeah, yeah, and then you have you have to get a new rod number
So you have to call them you have to call the person say hey, I'm here to pick up this car
They give you a rod number and immediately you have to present that rod number to your terminal
Is that if you don't do that is that for like a security reason or like what's the point in doing all that?
Yeah, so I mean we typically we kind of do that here, but for photos of vehicles
Like through for insurance. So they want to know
Exactly that it's you taking this photo of this person's id that's matching
this car
And because if anything I can just take a photo of a id and send it to them
They're like, well, I don't know if this is the real person
So in real time you have to put it on a sticky note
You have to write a code word
And then you have to put that code word that they authorized into the photo with the car
Yeah, dude. Yeah, it's it's called. Um, I think it's called true vision. There you go
The app's called true vision. They make us download an app just so we can send it directly to them
Like it's it's a it's a real process out here
Dang, that's crazy. You wouldn't think that it was that involved. It just hey look, this is my car
Let's get it or whatever that I mean, but hey if if that's what it takes to be secure
So that vehicles aren't being stolen from port like I guess it is what it is, right?
And that's and that's the point like I'm glad you brought that up because eb wanted to coma as a prime example
Um about four jdm cars got stolen from that terminal
That's crazy. So so and you and you would think that's the most secured place to even hold anything clearly it's not
So
Yeah, that's true. So that's why we stopped we stopped dealing with it
um
So one thing that you know, uh, when you brought me through the process on on the us side
One thing that I thought was really cool was when you offered to
Get me a title for the car and that was like
I didn't even realize that that was a thing because I've imported cars like myself before and
Obviously I got stuck with import paperwork and like all of this stuff and bringing it to my
Local dmb and then having them be like what the hell is this?
You know, so is that that's like just something that top rank offers
Yeah, so I mean we basically do that for that specific reason and
Being in california the strictest state of all united states
Um, there's a few states that kind of follow our kind of thing colorado's one of them in florida's another one
um
So if a vehicle is already us titled it kind of eliminates that whole process because the envy do not know what they're looking at
When it comes to import documents when it comes to well, they know what a bill of sale is typically because it says bill of sales
they should
When it comes to import documents 90 of them don't know what they're looking at because these cars were never
Created here in the first place. So they never had to go through that process
um
And because of that some people don't want to go through the
Proper channels to do that because it's more than what they've ever been trained for and they will tell you that oh
Even though you have the right documents, we're still going to tell you that you have to get a title
So it can make it easier for us and not for you. Yeah, for sure. That's how I feel like it
It is here because they're just there's so we're up here in main as as you know, but there's just so few JDM cars and so few
You know of those type of things once they start seeing that tangent digit vin and like all that paperwork. They just like red flag
Yeah, they're just like no just get out of here. We don't want to so yeah
When you offered me that that was super exciting because it was almost like a relief like oh, wow because yeah
If you bring him a title, they're just they're just like, oh, okay. Yeah, california figured this out for us. We're good. Yeah
Right exactly um and then like I mentioned like, you know for temporary plates
We offer three months temporary place any out of state vehicle
Um, so you you know, you have you know, 90 days to get the car registered and still be riding into the streets fine
Yeah, that and that was also really cool because I hadn't seen that on a JDM car
Like where when you say when you sent me the message and said I got your temp plates on I'm like, what is he talking about?
Like I figured you meant the black top rank ones. I was like cool, man
I like those like but no these are real plates I can drive on which
Yeah, it saves like a huge hassle for me if I just wanted to take my family out and on a quick drive when I got it here, you know
So, um, yeah that that all was super convenient for sure. So shout out to top rank for making that easy on us buyers
Yeah, I know that we yeah, we definitely I mean that's what we try to do
We try to make the process as simple and quick as possible. I mean we understand that we can't really please everybody
You know, I'm not just gonna get my business in general
But you know, we still make sure that we uphold, you know, our reputation when it comes to this kind of stuff because we don't want it to
You know buy us an ass ever
You know what I mean? Because like that's not what we're in the business. So
Yeah, I mean that makes sense. Like, you know, it's it's like right always cover cover your ass
So then the customer is happy. You're getting good reviews
People are coming back. Right. I mean it kind of makes sense. Um
You know, we've worked at top rank now you said
Um
Can like so, uh, you know a lot of people would say that that's potentially their dream job, right?
Like working with skylines jdm cars, right? Like I I mean you could say it's our dream job in some form or fashion, right? So
like
Do you like have there been some just really standout situations?
Whether it was at the shop or on trips or whatever that you just kind of found yourself in a situation where you were like
Wow, like I'm really living this, you know, like I'm living that like kind of
Dream, you know in that jdm sense
Um, I mean I I can I can we can talk for hours on it. Um, but then the funny part about that also is
Um, and and I I'm in the
The best way to say this man is uh
Personal development has always been my you know thing that I really need to really, you know ground myself with
And the reason why I say that is because it's everything that's involving your everyday life
Now as you mentioned people say this is a dream job. It is
Um, I'd be lying if I said it's not the difference is, you know, a lot of times
It's called a dream for a reason because eventually you wake up
um
and the reason why I say you wake up is because
You would have to constantly like you have to be real with yourself first and foremost because
Seeing these cards every day
You will be lying to yourself if you said not one time you kind of said, uh, you know, I'm just going to work tomorrow
right
It's it's it's it's no different than going to the gym for the first time you're hyped your pump your pump
Like you're going every single day, but then there is a fall off day
Unless you have discipline to understand that you will have a fall off day and that's the same thing here
You know, there's life that happens. There's other stuff that happens
Um, but to answer your question though. Yes, I've had some crazy moments, man. Um
Where I read it's kind of it's gonna be in my mind. It's corny, but to us car guys
They won't ever be so that's why I feel you know good talking to you about it
But uh, I don't know if you guys ever watched, um
You know, I'm pretty sure you know who rj de vera is correct? Yeah. Yeah, he's on the podcast
Oh sick
So, uh, he did this short film with this one guy
I honestly don't even know this guy's name, but I think it was called the last race or something like that
It was like a really low budget kind of film
Uh, you know, this guy was in a souped up need for speedy underground style integra
Um, he pulls up to the stop light
And then you know, he I guess he just finished talking with his girlfriend. She broke up with him or some some some kind of
Stuff like that
Um, and then he's at this light
And then all of a sudden you just see a black ass 2000 pull up the ap1
And it's the typical like Honda boy. He has to be an Asian guy
He had his girlfriend in the car kind of he had it right and then he's playing alice the dj
um elements of life
And then he's like
And then the guy looks over and then
And then rj kind of looks at him and he gives him like this kind of nod and he looks at the stop light
And he looks at him again like you want to go basically, right?
so and then it's so bro, it's so like
You have to watch it like if you have not seen you have to watch it. It's so low budget
But the feeling it gives you is ridiculous, right? So one day
And then and then once he the guy accepts it, he's like, you know what? All right, I'm gonna accept this
So he just starts revving the car, you know, the typical like, all right, I'm about to go
So boom it turns green they take off
Then then the music is playing and like it's like, oh my god, right? So one night I was driving
One of our age three r32s
Um, and I just watched that film like I want to say like I don't know a couple hours ago
And I was just it was on a night drive. It was like maybe 10 that night
Um, I was driving in San Pedro. It was pretty much like a city to our left. Um
of from where I met in Long Beach and uh
I was coming down the hill and I happened to play I said, you know, I'm gonna play the song
I played the song
And then I pretty much mimicked that scene
Like
So so so a part of the song the guy he turns up the music on a certain part of the song
And then that's what made the guy look at the first place
So I turned up the music at the same part of the song and then when the light turned green I took off
And I screamed like I was like, yo like oh my god, like, you know, like hearing the turbo go off like
but
it's it's stuff like that man that
Reminds you why you love what you love in the first place
And if you do not realize you get the opportunity to do it, you will miss out on the blessing of you ever even
You know, like you won't be able to remind yourself how
Lucky you are to be doing these things. Um, because there will be days where you're just gonna be like, uh, I've seen this already
I see this every day
but
What helps me to this day is remind myself what I get to do if somebody
Else can't even if I don't feel like it's the greatest at sometimes because I still have to deal with customers
I still have to deal with my own day life like my my everyday life. I still have to deal with
You know, just stuff that I don't like just life in general
I still have to remind myself within this eight hour period or even before that the stuff that I get to do by working here
Um, and I wouldn't really trade this for the world. Um, I would
You know, I I still will work on my own freelance projects and stuff like that, but
Me had like realizing that some people have to go to work and do stuff that they really hate
I don't have that problem
So and I'm blessed to say that and I'm grateful for it
Yeah, hell yeah, like you said sometimes no matter what you do you're doing, you know
Like you said, it can be somebody else's dream job, but it's easy to kind of get
Jaded when you've been doing it for years and like you said every morning you walk into a 34
You know, eventually
Yeah, it's it's one of those things right like you're like, ah, it's a friggin 34 over there
You know, whereas another guy would literally shit his pants seeing that thing that close, you know
So it is easy and it and it's hard to stay grounded sometimes for sure
Yeah, 100 I was that guy and that's so you have to understand once when you were that guy it gives you perspective
Like you're like damn. I remember when I was like that
Like I cried when I saw my first 32 when I touched it and the and that owner of that 32
He's like my uncle now
Who's the fuck the founder of our day?
Damn, you know what I mean? Like it's just a weird like it's not weird because it was set in stone like I
He lived like 20 minutes or 15 minutes from me originally years ago. His car was um, cage tooth. It was the gray card
um
And uh, I saw it one day. This was like 20
But 2009 2010 I see a drive. I'm catching a bus at this time and I'm like, oh shit. It's a 32
Oh my god. Like I'm kind of like, you know bugging out. Yeah
Yeah, the next time I saw it
It was a little closer. It was across the street where I was like, oh shit. There he goes again
The third time I saw it. It was inside the parking lot
Uh at an ice cream park
My buddy was like, you know, hey elvin look to your left and I looked and it's a r32 gtr
It was my first time ever seeing one that close and it happened to be that same car that I saw
Two times prior. Damn the next time I seen it
Uh, I found out that he was holding a meet through another friend that I know
And he was there with his team because he had teams back then also sick
um, and then
The fifth time I met him. I actually took photos with my camera
The sixth time I met him. It was at arse day
Damn
So and that was his first event in 2017. Oh, so everything came
You know what I mean? Like and that's how I met top. I met Sean Morris there. I met garage bummer akifuchigami
Uh the purple 32 I met garage sores
Uh, um, you know, I you know, I and I and I some of the guys that I met
Um later on they were at that arse that I didn't know before so
You know and because of jack
I'm a photographer 2019
I got featured in gtr magazine. I had a four page spread. Oh damn. Congrats. That's sick. That's like bucket list
dude
Yeah, dude like and and again like I say that to say
You know
Continue with doing what you're doing, especially that like that is your passion like and and it's something that you
Like mentally or spiritually feel like that's something for you
Things will fall into your lap as long as you participate in what you signed up for
Um, and you're not going to know where it's going to come from
So just you might just keep doing it anyways, you know, dang that's some good advice
Yeah
Yeah
Yeah, I got a question man, uh
I think I saw online you guys had a nismo crs in the shop, which is crazy. What oh bro
You want to see it like like look so the guy so a quick story quick story first is uh
The guy who bought it so we recently just sold it. Um, nice
The guy the guy who bought it happens to be a japanese guy was just sick. Um, and he actually lives out here. Um
and
So it had zero miles on it
And so we we gave him his uh temporary plates
So well, yeah, basically like we did those the fees because he's doing californian compliance on it. Oh, wow
That's crazy. That's that's a whole yeah, so um
And that and the whole process of that is a whole another discussion
But we basically took off in this mode exhaust to put on that regular stock one so it can pass emissions
Um, and then once it passes obviously, you know, whenever he goes dandy to use it. He would just put the nismo exhaust right on
um
But uh, yeah, that
Just do here the mission. So you guys
It's pretty it's pretty wild
I've driven it. Um
Damn, that's crazy. You're like one of not many dudes that's gotten to drive one of those
Yeah, like and and this was after he put miles on it because it was zero kilometers, but here it is
Wow, dude, that's crazy. See that's the thing dude. That's at your work, dude. Like what the heck is saying, dude?
Like yeah, no
This thing is really wild. Uh, so today we were
Trying but we're basically doing the exhaust
Um, so I'm gonna show you a little bit right now. So it looks like
It has the the r4 engine
Oh, wow, man. That's so cool
Like that like there's nothing there's not even dust on that thing that thing is like
pristine
No, you can eat off of this you can eat off of this thing. It's the nismo air box
And people don't know though, but this scoop here
Is only for the z-tune and the crs. Nobody can get this
What? Yeah, that's cool. Me neither
Yeah, so this whole the whole hood is obviously carbon fiber, but like this piece in itself
Is like a vent and it's only for the z-tune and the uh, crs car
So when you drove it like how did it feel?
It uh
It definitely doesn't feel like a normal rv 26. I mean it's
If I'm not mistaken, it is still 26. No, I think it's a 28 actually
Um, I have to do more uh information on it because Sean told me all of this kind of stuff, but
It definitely feels a bit
It had it feels like it has so much power underneath the pedal like and like it's
It wants to go
All I can really describe it
um
This is the closest thing you're going to get to a z-tune. Yeah, um, that's insane the next wait time to get one of these is eight years
Yeah, I was I was talking last year when I was talking to yasuka about it at that point
It was six years so I can imagine it's only only gotten gone up. So dude, that is insane
And uh, what did you guys are you allowed to say what you guys had it listed for?
Um, I mean, well, I mean it did sell so
Basically what we went off for it first we were trying to figure out. So I don't know if you remember the black crs
That was sold at pebble beach. Yeah, like last year or whatever
Yeah, yeah, yeah, so that one was around I think it was like
I think it was six
It was like high sixes. Uh, we were basically like in the in the mid sevens. Okay. Yeah
I mean, that's right. That's right along the lines of a bbl like
So I feel like it that kind of makes sense. Yeah
Yeah, it was
No, this thing. I mean, this is my favorite color
Um, out of all the crs is I think this is what makes it look the most aggressive like I've seen a few crs
There's there's even like an eb1 yellow one
I don't even know if you've seen that
Um, but there's an eb1 crs. I mean, it looks clean. Don't get me wrong
But it doesn't look like get the fuck out of my way kind of thing. Yeah
Yeah, I mean, I think that's like the flagship color right there. That's like the color
Yeah, no, absolutely. Um, and so
Dang, yeah. Oh, are you guys there? All right, your screen went off. I'm not sure if
Yeah, we can we got you
Okay, no, I can't see you guys. Oh, there you go. Yeah word
Um, dude, that is cool though to be able, you know, and like you said like, you know
Now you've walked into work past walking past the crs, you know for days, right? Like that that is like tough
You know, I mean, I'm sure because it's easy to be like, oh, yeah, there's a crs. Yeah
That's insane, man. Yeah, it
Yeah, it's
pretty and and that's
Again, that's the thing, right? Well, you're basically
Stop see like what again is more like
Other things than just seeing them. Like I do get to drive them, you know, I'm
You know, I'm looking enough to say that I that I can drive them. Um
And uh, the people I've met like I've met some crazy people
Um people that I didn't think I would meet I have I still have a couple goals of people that I want to meet meet
Um, you know, I've met RJ de Vera just randomly talking to him one day
Like he came to one of our open house and I was just kind of in things to one of my friends and he came to the table
Say, hey, you mind if I sit down? I just look up. I was like, oh shit
absolutely, yeah
You know what I'd be like it was and we had a normal conversation. Um
That was like the second time I met him actually the first time I met him
Is when we sold when we had paul walkard r34
I don't know if you remember
Um
So basically that was the silver 34. He bought after the two vastly furious uh franchise. Yeah
Um, he put the same original c west kid. Um, he just changed the wheels out totally forgot the name of the wheels that he put on but
Um, yeah, so he was at the event where we were showcasing it. It's called auto conduct
um
And so
Yeah, I have an uber on the way and I have to leave
But I got it has to
Load up the bar. Oh, I'm over here. Yeah. Well, yaskas on the phone
Got it. Okay. So the guys are here to pick up the whip. You want to see it?
Sure. Yeah, let's do it live on the podcast
Okay
Yeah, um the guys are here
So let me grab a couple things because I do want to take some it is kind of dark
So I'm not going to be able to take as many photos. Yeah, but
Dude, that's here. Yeah. Yeah, for sure. Yeah, we we can check it out and then we'll just uh, we'll let you go so you can handle it
Oh, for sure
What would this just be like the the interview the
Don't wanna would you want to continue?
No, I think we were thinking but if you have to go this is like
Yeah, we yeah, we can end it here and then we can uh, we can just have you back on another time when we're not, you know
Doing this type of thing
Oh, yeah, okay. All right, let's see. Let me turn this around
Where we are actually
There she is there she is dude. Wow, that's crazy last time it'll be in california next time and it'll be in this garage
That is sweet
Dude, yeah, man
We we definitely appreciate you being on and and again, I personally appreciate you making sure that um
Everything with my car was handled with absolute professionalism. Um, you know, my top record experience has been awesome the whole way through
So I appreciate you closing it out on an awesome note
No, absolutely. Yeah, man. Um, I'm glad I was able to you know, to help us sort of take
Taking care of all this kind of stuff because this kind of stuff matters because at the end of the day
I was the last person to probably see it. So I want to make sure everything is in proper hands. So
Um, yeah, I look forward to you receiving the car. Please let me know since you get it. Um
And uh, yeah, I look forward to talking more next time you could be on I definitely want to you know
I don't know. I kind of like this kind of stuff. Like, you know, I'm not used to speaking on podcast or stuff like that
No, you didn't know I got interviewed for the yeah
I got interviewed for the first time by jccs
So it was pretty I don't know if you saw the video, but it was pretty nerve-wracking, but I did it
So, you know, looking forward to what's the time so hell. Yeah. Hey real quick. Where can people find you on the internet?
Um, you know instagram alvin miles dot jp alvin
mi les dot jp
Um, and uh, I have a photography page called four seasons four seasons dot jp as well
And uh, yeah, that's it man. Oh, yeah, man. We appreciate you for sure and uh, make sure they load that thing up gently, man
No, absolutely. Yeah, I'm I'm watching. I mean, it's definitely I could show you the trailer as well
Just so you can
Sure context and you know what it looks like
So here's the enclosed trailer
Long boy
Nice
Yeah, and then as soon as it gets loaded, I'll send you a couple photos so you know what's inside
Hell yeah, man. I appreciate it 100 man. Enjoy the evening
Yes, sir as you guys do man. Congratulations again. All right. Thank you very much, man. Peace
Take care
Dude, wow, that was that was crazy dude like
My car got picked up and loaded while we're on the podcast. Yeah. Yeah, that was kind of uh,
That was a cool surprise. Yeah, this is a great way to document it too. Like I definitely didn't expect that especially, you know
We booked him two plus weeks ago and
It's like it's just crazy that it just so happens to land on the night when my car gets picked up from top rank
And I can see it. Yeah, that that's really cool. So I'm glad everybody got to
Experience that with us, right? Like because if you think about it, you know
From the first episode is when I got like around when I got the 34, right? We weren't super deep. Yeah
So like now it's like
The culmination of all of that time in all of these episodes like
You know the car's been in japan and like we've obviously taken it reclaimed some famous cheekies in it
Yeah, like and now and now it's here and it's like a full circle kind of type of moment. So
Yeah, I appreciate alvin 100 for being on and taking care of the car
You know, this is just another testament to
Like how I feel about top rank, you know in the fact that
They, you know, nothing, you know ever goes 100 smooth, especially over years, right? Like a year relationship
It's just like any relationship. There are tiny hiccups, but like overall like, you know, I am completely happy with my top rank experience
You know
For sure and I fully recommend them, especially if you're looking for that type of
Care, you know, maybe if you just want to get a car get it over here asap and and then flip it
Maybe they're not your guys
But if you want an experience and then when you get it over here if you want it titled for you with 90 day plates, like the whole deal
Like
That works out. Yeah
So yeah, check them out check alvin out. We'll definitely have you know, we'll have him on like sometime in the spring when he's not waiting
To ship out my car, but um, yeah
So you can find us online, of course at our hd
GUIS, but for episode 166 with alvin miles from top rank. I'm bobby. This is Aaron. See ya peace
About this episode
Excitement fills the air as Bobby shares the news of his R34 GTR's departure from California, coinciding with a special guest appearance by Alvin Miles Jr. from Top Rank Importers. Alvin discusses the intricate process of importing JDM cars, including customs clearance and the importance of proper documentation. He shares personal experiences and insights about working in the automotive industry, emphasizing the passion behind the job. The episode culminates with a live car pickup, making it a unique and engaging listen for enthusiasts.
Original notes
In this episode of the Right Hand Drive Guys Podcast, we go behind the scenes with Alvin Miles Jr. from Toprank Importers — a name synonymous with being the go-to source for importing JDM cars into the U.S.
This one is extra special and completely real-time: Alvin literally loads my car onto the trailer live during the episode, walking us through the process and giving insight into what actually goes on behind the scenes when a JDM car makes its journey stateside.
We also get an unforgettable tour of an ultra-rare Nismo R34 GT-R CRS, breaking down what makes it so special, why cars like this represent the peak of Skyline evolution, and how Toprank continues to set the standard in the import world.
From logistics and trust to passion and preservation, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever dreamed of importing their own JDM legend.
🎙️ From the dock to the driveway — this is what the import process really looks like.
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Socials - @RHDGUYS
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