Bobby Nitro definitely has a weakness for a kwaai Toyota Conquest, especially when it’s canary yellow and rolling on Rotiforms.
So when Nizaam Lee’s 1996 Conquest came onto the radar, Bobby wanted to know a little more. Nizaam, who is 31 years old and hails from Mitchells Plain, has been into the Toyota marque for as long as he can remember.
After all, it’s those early childhood experiences that really form who we become, and Nizaam can remember learning to drive in Grade 6 in his uncle’s twincam. He has been sold on Toyota ever since.
He says: “I’ve had this cabbie about 10 years now, and when I got it, it was green with a 1300 motor. I did the 160i conversion, got it sprayed in yellow, and changed the interior to the twincam seats, which I found online.”
ALLES LOOP REG: Canary yellow cabbie may get a colour change some time in the near future.Photo: Ryan May
He went on to do some exterior tweaks, but nothing too outlandish. He says: “When it comes to the look, I’ve been on the fence. I prefer to keep it original but with small touches. No complete custom bumpers for me.”
Nizaam did, however, fit a Golf S lip, as well as added spotlights in the bumper and changed the headlights to crystal. He also paid attention to a sound system inside, which he describes as a “nice combo between clarity and sheer volume”.
FINE TUNING: Nizaam of Sicario crew puts some finishing touches to his park display at the show. Photo: Ryan May
The drop has been achieved with coilover suspension, for a bit of old-school manual vertical movement.
He says: “The strong points of my Conquest would have to be the sound of it, after I recently fitted a new exhaust and branch it is really satisfying.”
Bobby wanted to know what the weak points are, and Nizaam answers like a true Toyota kop, saying: “Weak points? There are no weak points on a Toyota.”
Nizaam rolls with a crew called Sicario, and dreams of one day owning a Supra. His plans for his Conquest include fitting a sunroof, maybe air suspension and colour change.
ROLLLIN': Kwaai Rotiform rims give this Toyota Conquest a unique look.Photo: Ryan May
He enjoys the Cape car scene, saying: “Normally I just park, as I still have things to do before I get involved in the show n shine scene, those guys really put their all into their cars and the competition is fierce.”
Moenie worry Nizaam, by the looks of things you already have a head start on the rest, just by owning a Conquest.