An Emerald Among the Crowd…
The first time I saw Michael’s car was at Magic City Octane on a warm September morning in 2024. I really wasn’t even looking for it—just casually walking up and down the rows of cars, searching for candidates for a future feature article. As I was walking down the main row, a flash of deep emerald metallic suddenly grabbed my attention. Initially, I thought the car was black until I walked up and noticed the intense metallic at just the right angle. The paint was also perfectly contrasted by a set of timeless Kranze wheels. I began walking around the car, taking photos. The more I took, the more I realized this car deserved to have a feature in Road Blitz Auto Mag.
As I circled the car, framing my shots, I noticed a bearded gentleman nearby, his shirt bearing the same Dirty Wizard Paintworx logo that I had seen on the car. That had to be the man behind the build. A quick introduction led to a conversation, and by the end, an agreement: This 240 WAS going to be in the 2025 magazine.
Nearly a year later, with fresh modifications and final touches complete, the Samurai is ready – Welcome to Hussey’s 240SX.
Forged by two Dirty Wizards
Michael picked up the 240SX through a trade with his friend, Michael Elsea. It wasn’t much to look at then, mechanically sound but visually tired. Unsure of what direction to take, he began piecing the car together with parts left over from an older project. For about a year, the car went through three different colors as he simply enjoyed driving it, never taking things too seriously.
That season also gave Michael some of his favorite memories. His young son Waylon, only three at the time, would spend hours in the garage by his side, calling it “working on my car.” The hood bore the marks of Hot Wheels tires, and the sound of a toy hammer tapping against body panels filled the space. Those moments cemented the car as more than just a project — it became part of the family story.
Continued…
Roughly two and a half years ago, Michael and his younger brother Matt decided to take the build seriously. Together, they stripped the car down to bare metal, correcting old repairs and prepping every panel. It was a labor-intensive process, but one that quickly evolved into a passion project. The brothers had been around cars their whole lives, even painting model kits together as kids, and now they were channeling that same creativity into a full-size canvas.
The paint choice came from Michael’s wife, Kelly, and brother Matt: Tropical Glitz “Luscious Green”, accented with Tropical Glitz “Cosmic Black” on the roof and sides. Custom touches followed: handmade quarter panel glass, fiberglass aero pieces, a rebuilt OEM sunroof, and a bespoke interior featuring carbon overlays and black suede. Every detail spoke to the vision of creating something personal, something one of a kind.
The Blueprint: Powerplant & Exhaust
Power comes from Nissan’s SR20DET, a proven engine choice for the S13 chassis. The setup includes an ISR downpipe with a straight-pipe cat-back exhaust, giving the car a raw and responsive tone. Reliability is supported with Tomei rocker stoppers and an oil filter relocation kit, while an HKS blow-off valve manages boost pressure. Together, the components create a straightforward and effective package that balances performance with durability.
Driver’s Domain
The interior of the 240SX blends function with subtle customization. Thrash Racing seats sit on Planted brackets, paired with a Nardi steering wheel and P2M quick release hub. A hand-made horn button from Smartkrew adds a personal touch, while carbon fiber overlays fabricated in-house refine the trim. The rear seat delete is supplied by LRB Speed, and the headliner was reworked in suede by Mike Reedy.
The dash carries a Coverlay overlay, with the bezel shaved of unused switches, repainted by Matt, and fitted with custom controls for the headlights and cooling fans. Many of the plastics came from Michael’s first 240SX nearly 20 years ago, later dyed black from their original grey. Completing the cabin, green LED lighting ties the interior theme to the car’s exterior.
Every Angle Covered
Beyond the powertrain and suspension, Hussey’s 240SX carries a long list of thoughtful upgrades that define both its look and feel. The exterior features Origin Type 3 front fenders and rear over-fenders, paired with an M-Sports hood and a full suite of Modelo Drive components, including the front bumper, side skirts, rear wing, roof wing, and headlight pockets. GK Tech mirrors add a sharper profile, while Weds LXZ wheels complete the stance. Lighting has been updated with Diode Dynamics driving lamps and classic 180SX taillights, tying modern function to timeless styling cues. Inside, the car balances purpose and detail with Thrash Racing seats on Planted brackets, a Nardi steering wheel with P2M quick release, and a mix of custom carbon fiber overlays and suede touches. Together, these elements transform the S13 into a car that feels both refined and distinctly personal.
A Last Bow
Like all good things, this photoshoot eventually had to come to an end, but it certainly won’t be the last time Michael’s car finds itself in front of my lens. With plans already in motion for more upgrades, we’ve talked about reconnecting once the next stage of the build is complete. This session was one for the books — a standout car, good friends, and an atmosphere that reminded me why I love doing this in the first place.
Special thanks to Blake Farris (@blakefarris__) and Jacob Stewart (@stuszn) for capturing additional video and photography during the day, and a nod to Dirty Wizard Paintworx, whose craftsmanship is on full display in every angle of this car. If the deep Luscious Green doesn’t speak for their quality, nothing will. Until next time.
Dirty Wizard Paintworx (@dirty_wizard_paintworx)
Located in Bessemer, Alabama.
