To build the perfect car is something we all strive for in the Honda world. We want the most powerful engine, the rarest parts, and the newest mods that will, with any luck, make us stand out from the crowd. Standing out often means different things to different people of course, but a solid paintjob never goes out of style. Just like fine art on canvas, cars can sometimes reflect artistic genius with innovative coats and intricate details, and can turn a beater into a neck-breaker in a matter of hours.
Savinski Claude of Coconut Creek, Florida, is one of many out there dead set on the perfect paintjob. When he noticed his neighbor throwing a For Sale sign on his ’96 Accord EX, Savinski couldn’t resistit just had too much potential. When he closed the deal, the Accord moved from one to driveway to the other, hardly prepared for the firestorm build that was about to rain down upon it. In fact, no one knew just how far Savinski would take itand how many changes it would go through to get it right.
The first order of business was a fresh paintjob, so the car went to a local media blaster to have all the filler, paint, and primer removed in preparation for the bodywork. He replaced the dinged up hood with a carbon-fiber bonnet, and also replaced the haggard front bumper. When the paint finally dried, Savinski realized how good everything lookedand decided to go further with the build.
Claude’s sedan is the epitome of simplicity and classy execution.
He picked up a new set of coilovers and wheels for starters, then quickly got busy scouring Accord sites for directionwhich clued him to the event that would change everything for himthe Accord Florida Meet. AFM was hyped in every Accord site out there, even YouTube. It was just hard to miss, Savinski explains. It promised to be the biggest Accord meet in the States and it delivered! One hundred and twenty-five Accords, and not a single Acura or Civic!
An H22 armed with a Skunk2 valvetrain and bumpsticks is the centerpiece under the hood.
That year, Savinski threw some requisite JDM goods on the Accord to keep up with the rest of the locals. I wanted to make it stand out and get some unique parts that would flow well with my car, he said. Not go so crazy that it would look like a circus ride, but build it classy. He also made a trip out to AFM for a little inspiration. It was then that he realized in order to gain any recognition for his work, he’d have to go a lot further with his build. Deciding to change the color a second time, he settled on a frost-white paintjob with some complementary black rims. But when he found out that AFM was planning a special category for fifth-generation Accords the following year, it was back to the paint shop for a third visitthis time for a pearl-white coatand a new set of rollers: Work VS.
Savinski’s respray paid off, earning him the Best 5th Generation Accord title, as well as Best Overall Accord. This was one of the happiest moments of my life, he recalled. Not only did I get to participate in a 100-plus Accord meet, but I also got recognized and took something home.
Hooked on AFM, but still not happy with his car, Savinski had big plans for the following year. My engine was still stock, and I didn’t want to be another car that was all show and no go, he explained. After some careful research, he picked up an H22 engine and transmission and swapped it in while performing a full wire tuck, ABS delete, and shaving the engine bay. For parts, he scored an SiR wing; Function Form coilovers; and a new, wider set of Works. When all the parts were on, Savinski took the car in for yet another paintjob. This time I went with teal blue and I fell in love! he recalled. Finally satisfied with his car’s paint, it was back to AFM for another go at the big title, where Savinski took home Best 5th Generation Engine Bay, Sedan, and Overall once again.