When I hear the term “seat time car” the first thing that comes to mind is a shit-box held together by zipties and hope. I certainly don’t picture a C33 Laurel that looks like it was plucked right out of a 2004 issue of Drift Tenogku and dropped on the streets of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

But that’s exactly what you’re looking at here. It’s the best of both worlds and my favorite kind of car. It’s owner, Jordan Tippman, is a member of Team Breaking and may be their most active driver. A status he will enthusiastically attribute to just how reliable his Laurel has been over the past four seasons.

If you aren’t quite familiar with the C33 Laurel it’s essentially an R32 Skyline sedan with S13 suspension. From the factory they came with the RB20DET under the hood and a wheel base roughly 6 inches longer than an S13. Having drifted one before it drives more like an S13 than a Skyline, which, in my opinion, is a good thing.

I’m not going to lie and say that a purpose built, professional drift car isn’t interesting to me. I’m watching James Dean’s new RDS S14 build series on Youtube like everyone else. However, pro cars don’t hold the same allure to me as a daily-driven street car like Jordan’s does. It speaks to my roots.

Let’s be honest, it’s easy to stand out in a Laurel since there are so few in this country. With that being said, Jordan’s C33 is definitely no slouch in the looks department with a full aero kit featuring a Kunnyz front bumper, Car Modify Wonder side skirts and rear bumper, D-Max trunk spoiler, +30mm front fenders and a carbon hood. It has also had a full re-spray to Lexus Nebula Gray Pearl.

When it comes to wheels, Buddy Club P1s seem to be Jordan’s primary choice, but you’ll see chrome Work Emotion CR-Kai spares in the rear quite often. The Buddy Club is often overlooked, but they’re a great look for a car without huge fenders. You may have also noticed the twin tips sticking out of the rear bumper. That’s actually a rare Works-9 Otsuka Wind “Eardrum Breaker” exhaust.

On the inside you’ll find a full-interior, which seems to be one of the things people tear out in an attempt to “reduce weight”. Let’s be honest, 50 pounds of interior panel and carpet isn’t going to effect your driving, but it’s definitely going to make sitting in your car far less pleasant. There’s nothing crazy going on inside this Laurel. A nice steering wheel, assortment of gauges, nice stereo and a pair of Buddy Club bucket seats. Exactly how a street car should look.

The key to this Laurel’s reliability is under the hood. Back when it was in Japan the factory RB20DET was ditched in favor of an S14 SR20DET. It wasn’t an SR20 that had been sitting in a junk yard for 20 years either. It was pulled directly out of the and S14 and transplanted into the Laurel.

The bottom end hasn’t been touched, but it has received a metal head gasket, A’PEXi cams, and an A’PEXi AX53B70 turbo kit. Combined with upgraded injectors, pump and a Z32 MAF controlled by a Power FC, Jordan has more than enough power to keep up on the track while not stressing the bottom end to dangerous levels.

It looks good, and it goes fast. But, that’s not enough to to make the claim of being a great drift car. It has to handle great as well, and this C33 is no slouch in that department either. Suspension upgrades include Parts Shop Max Competition coilovers, Cusco tension rods, adjustable toe and camber arms. Steering angle has been improved via Japan-style cut and weld knuckles.

When it comes to what a “street drifter” should be, Jordan has nailed it with his C33. It’s stylish, comfortable and reliable. He drives it to the track and back without having to deal with trailers or worrying about breaking down. You can’t ask for much more than that.