TOM'S Inc. (株式会社トムス, Kabushiki-gaisha Tomusu) is an automotive aftermarket parts manufacturer and tuner of Toyota and Lexus vehicles, as well as a factory-backed racing team. The TOM'S head office is located in Tokyo, Japan.[1][2]
TOM'S most prominently produces aftermarket parts for current Toyota vehicles, and has also created its own special edition of certain current Lexus models.[3][4]
The name stands for Tachi Oiwa Motor Sport, as the company was established in 1974 by Nobuhide Tachi and Kiyoshi Oiwa.[7] Despite an oil crisis at the time, the two were able to show productive results and a healthy development of motorsports for Toyota.[8] With the support of Toyota, TOM'S went into business in 1974.[8][9]
In 1975 the Toyota Motor Corporation officially recognized TOM'S as an authorized tuning shop.[8] In 1978, the firm opened a garage in the Tama area of Tokyo.[8] TOM'S entered the Japanese Formula 3 as an engine tuner in 1981.
In 1987, TOM'S expanded to Hingham in Norfolk, England, setting up as TOM'S GB LIMITED.[8] The factory initially housed the TOM'S engine shops and Waters's Formula 3 team before expanding to running the Sportscar World Championship and BTCC programs. in 1992 TOM'S attempted to lure Toyota into F1 by embarking on a Formula 1 feasibility study which included the establishment of a 40,000 sq. ft. R&D center. The design of the R&D center was overseen by John Barnard and a TOM'S F1 car was designed (dubbed the 011F) but never built . After Toyota rejected the idea of a Formula 1 entry, TOM'S sold the Norfolk factory to Volkswagen in 1998 and left the European market .[10]
In 1993, TOM'S produced vehicles for the Japanese Formula 3000.[8] In 1994, the firm marked its 20th anniversary with "TOM'S Angel T01", a commemorative model.[8] 1995 saw the lightweight sports car series T101, T082, and T020.[8] In 2003, TOM'S modified vehicles entered the All Japan F3 Championship group of the All Japan GT Championship.[8]
List of complete cars
TOM'S T020 (MR2) complete carTOM'S Supra 340kmh speedometer
In addition to aftermarket tuning and parts, TOM'S Racing has a long history in motorsport. Since its founding in 1974, TOM'S has continuously stayed involved in automotive racing, as a tuning partner, engine supplier, or racing team, especially with Toyota factory-backed racing teams.[2]
Super Formula Lights (aka Japanese F3) Championship
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