Harry Nguyen - 2006 Lexus IS350
Story by Adam Gordon
Photography by Kiet Le (@kvlt.media)
Harry Nguyen’s journey with cars started with his 1993 Honda Civic, a build that leaned heavily into flash and attention-grabbing details. That project taught him a lot but also left him wanting something more restrained, more deliberate. His 2006 Lexus IS350 became the answer — a car that balances aggression and refinement while stepping away from the expected formula.
The second-generation IS isn’t often chosen as a canvas for this type of project, which was part of the appeal. For Nguyen, that challenge presented an opportunity to merge the understated nature of Lexus with cues drawn from VIP luxury and motorsport influence. Rather than commit to one style, he wanted a car that blurred the lines, existing in its own lane.
The exterior demonstrates that approach clearly. A third-gen front-end conversion set the tone, complemented by Vertex Digna side skirts and a matching rear apron. Instead of taking the widebody route, Nguyen stayed within factory bodylines but pushed fitment right up to the edge with Volk Racing LE28N wheels in 19 × 9.5 and 19 × 10.5 sizes front and rear. Carbon-fiber parts — including the hood, fenders, and AIMGAIN lip — were painted to match the body, chosen to support the design rather than dominate it. Subtle teal accents along vents and lips add individuality, tying into details that repeat inside and throughout the car.
Lighting was updated with JDM IS F taillights, side markers, and 2012 IS headlights equipped with LED daytime running lights. Small touches like Huntington Beach eyelids and a smoothed WALD rear lip spoiler reinforce the uniqueness of the setup without cluttering the design.
Inside, Nguyen kept the same philosophy. Bride XAX II seats and re-upholstered rear pieces, including a baby seat stitched to match, highlight the balance of practicality and personalization. A Cusco harness bar painted in Project Mu teal anchors the setup, while titanium hardware from Mazterpiece Automotive replaces factory fasteners throughout the cabin, engine bay, and suspension. Accessories like a Tom’s Racing start button, Project Mu pedals, and a silver carbon-fiber steering wheel give the cockpit a high-end, detailed finish.
The interior also doubles as an audio showcase. Absolute Electronix integrated an Android-based infotainment system tied into a full Sony sound setup: RSX-GS9 media receiver, dual XM-GS6DSP amplifiers, XS-GS1631C components, and dual XS-W104GS 10-inch subs. A custom enclosure with laser-etched Sony branding shows the same attention to presentation as the rest of the build.
Under the hood, Nguyen avoided the popular path of forced induction. Instead, he sourced an ARC intake box, refurbished it, and had Ballistic Motorsport fabricate a titanium intake arm to complete the setup. A Blitz pipe stopper, Sun Auto Cyber Speed Hyper Voltage Ground System borrowed from an Evo X, and custom carbon-fiber covers add layers of carefully thought-out detail. ARC accessories and a full conversion to titanium hardware give the bay a polished, uniform look.
The suspension is handled by Function and Form Type 2 coilovers paired with Lexus F Sport sway bars. Project Mu big brakes, which happen to match the interior and exterior highlights, ensure the IS backs up its appearance with capability.
For Nguyen, this Lexus is less about competing with his show-stopping Civic and more about refining his vision. Every choice was intentional, from the rare JDM lighting to the titanium fasteners holding small components in place. It’s a car that sits at the crossroads of luxury and performance influence, executed with some restraint but no shortage of personality or style.
Originally featured in PASMAG Issue #182
Click here to order PASMAG Issue #182.
ESSENTIALS
VEHICLE:
2006 Lexus IS350
OWNER:
Harry Nguyen
LOCATION:
Aldie, Virginia
HORSEPOWER:
310 whp
CLUB:
Team Emotion
SOCIAL:
IG: @harry_newin
ENGINE:
Carbon-fiber engine cover and radiator shroud + ARC intake box with Ballistic Motorsport custom titanium intake arm, oil cap, and radiator cap + Blitz pipe stopper + Sun Auto Cyber Speed Hyper Voltage Ground System + HKS 40th Anniversary bolts + Mazterpiece Automotive titanium bolts and titanium hose clamps
EXHAUST:
Trust Spectrum Elite exhaust system
WHEELS / TIRES / BRAKES:
Volk Racing LE28N wheels – 19 × 9.5 (f), 19 × 10.5 +22 (r) + Falken FK510 tires – 235/35R19 (f), 255/30R19 (r) + Project Mu Racing Float V2.0 lug nuts, front and rear BBK, and steel braided brake lines
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION:
Cusco Type OS strut bar + Function and Form Type 2 adjustable coilovers + Lexus F Sport sway bars
EXTERIOR:
Lexus IS third-gen front-end conversion + AIMGAIN carbon-fiber front lip + Vertex Digna side skirts and Digna rear apron + Huntington Beach headlight eyelids + Tom’s Racing carbon-fiber side skirt extensions and carbon-fiber rear extensions + WALD rear lip spoiler + SARD rear spoiler with titanium wing extension brackets + Seibon TS carbon-fiber hood + Carbon-fiber fenders + 2012 Lexus IS350 headlights + JDM Lexus IS350 side markers, IS F rear taillights, and window visors
INTERIOR:
Bride XAX II seats, seat rails, and floor mats + Bride fabric re-upholstered rear seat, custom baby seat, and door cards + Carbon-fiber upper door panel + Silver carbon-fiber steering wheel + Blitz throttle controller + Tom’s Racing engine start button + JDM Lexus red shift knob + Cusco harness bar + Project Mu pedals and tissue box + Takata 4-point harness and seat belt comfort pads + RsPro seatbelt harness collars + Mazterpiece Automotive titanium seatbelt slides
AUDIO / MOBILE ELECTRONICS:
Android Audio 12-inch screen + Sony RSX-GS9 Hi-Res audio media receiver + Sony XM-GS6DSP amplifiers × 2 + Sony XS-GS1631C 3-way 6.5-inch components × 2 + Sony XS-W104GS 10-inch subwoofers × 2
SPONSORS:
Falken Tire + Sony Electronics + Vinyldesignz
PHOTO CREDIT:
Photography by Kiet Le — @kvlt.media
GALLERY
