The streaks of sunlight are a perfect compliment to the angular 80s design of the R30 Skyline. This pic was taken during the closing minutes of the 2008 JCCA New Year Meeting in Odaiba, Tokyo.
How many kidneys does a human body have, anyway? We’re car nuts, not doctors. Anyway, here’s a trio of interesting finds that crossed our paths over the long weekend.
We posted some vintage Japanese wheel ads a while back. Here’s some more spotted on Riverside. Many have a similar theme: modified OG J-ride, night time shot, the wheel in question and a glimpse of asphalt lit dramatically. The message is clear, get out there and race, foo! This Techno Phantom-shod RX-7 just beckons. (more…)
This week’s video shows the collected opening sequences for Tokusou Saizensen, which translates (we think) to “Front Line Special”. The long running Japanese police drama aired from 1977 to 1987, but the intro had to be re-shot each time Nissan redesigned the Cedric, Gloria or Skyline.
That’s because the cars are featured prominently driving in formation through the sprawling concrete jungle that is Tokyo, and the Nissan sponsorship juggernaut dominated cop shows of the era. As a result, you can see not only Nissan’s bread and butter sedans, but the capital city itself, evolve over the better part of a decade.
Shakotan means simply “low-down” in Japanese, but this shako hako is a superlative example. There is such a thing as going too far though. Suffice it to say, you won’t be seeing this on the JNC project car.
Picture it: you’re cruising along in the Shiz behind the wheel of a rented kei car, minding your own business in the slow lane. It starts as a faint buzz. Within moments, the sound multiplies into a chorus of side draft carbs running in triplicate as a swarm of vintage Skylines rips past. You’ve just been buzzed by the Shizuoka 70s Street Fighters.
John Oshima’s absolutely sinister 1977 Nissan Skyline. See more of this car in Japanese Nostalgic Car: Issue 4! Subscribe now to ensure you don’t miss out on the next issue!
Fueled by the sponsorship of toy car maker Tomica, Masahiro Hasemi’s original fire-spitting KDR30 Nissan Skyline Super Silhouette was at the forefront of every Japanese child’s fevered imagination. The outrageous bodywork inspired legions of bosozoku-style ride-pimpers, countless diecast models, and even made an appearance in Gran Turismo 2. Walk into any hobby shop in Japan and you’ll find at least a few scale replicas of the 570PS monster, emblazoned with the word “Tomica” even if it might be made by a rival minicar company. And now, the iconic livery is back. (more…)
