Former employees of GLM, the company behind the second-generation Tommykaira ZZ, have decided to give this rare Japanese sports car a new lease on life. The result of their work is a unique car called the Number Nine Works Sweep 9, which exists in a single example and is fully legal for use on public roads.
Who Is Behind the Project?
The project was born from a collaboration between automotive designer Ryuhei Ishimaru and engineer Yuji Fujitsuka, who was previously responsible for developing the second-generation Tommykaira ZZ. Both specialists formerly worked at GLM but later founded their own companies: the design studio Fortmarei and the engineering firm Number 9 Works. This year, they joined forces to modernize the appearance of the discontinued sports car.
Design and Technical Changes
The main goal was to redesign the front section of the bodywork with factory-level quality, while preserving the rear section and the original paintwork. A key feature of the updated design is the ultra-thin elongated LED headlights, which look significantly more modern than the originals. Additional LEDs were placed on the bumper, which received a cleaner look without air intakes. The grille-less front end and sculpted front fenders harmoniously blend with the bodywork carried over from the donor car. The rear remained largely unchanged, retaining the round Lotus taillights.
Technical Specifications
It is worth noting that the Number Nine Works Sweep 9 received no performance or chassis upgrades compared to the donor car. Unlike the original 1990s Tommykaira ZZ, which had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the second generation, which debuted in 2014, is fully electric. The sports car is based on the Lotus Exige chassis and is equipped with two electric motors that together produce 305 hp (227 kW) and 415 Nm of torque.
Uniqueness and Future
The entire project was carried out by an engineer, a designer, and a few skilled craftsmen. Most importantly, this is a fully functional model with Japanese license plates that can be driven on public roads. The team does not plan to apply similar modifications to other examples of the model, although owners of the second-generation Tommykaira ZZ would likely be interested in such a collaboration.
Designer Ryuhei Ishimaru told CarScoops: “Number Nine Works Sweep 9 is a 2026 street technology demonstrator built on the Tommykaira ZZ EV platform, balancing strict safety requirements with the original design language. For me, this is a very personal ‘moment of truth,’ as it is a collaboration with the original engineer 10 years later.”
This project is a vivid example of how targeted design changes can significantly impact a car’s perception, even if the technical component remains unchanged. It demonstrates that even after production ends, a car can gain new life thanks to the enthusiasm and professionalism of the people who once worked on its creation. The Sweep 9 is not just a restyling but a kind of manifesto proving that true passion for cars knows no bounds of time or corporate restrictions. It also highlights the growing trend of personalization and small-series projects based on existing but rare models, allowing their uniqueness and historical value to be preserved.