EDITORIAL: JCCS now screening entrants. This is a good thing.

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The 2014 Japanese Classic Car Show is less than three weeks away. It’ll be a milestone event as the JCCS reaches its 10th year in existence. We hope you can join us at the Queen Mary Park in Long Beach, California on September 27th. Doors open at 9am.

This landmark moment in the Japanese classic scene, however, does not come without controversy. This year, JCCS organizers have begun screening entrants, enforcing a long-standing rule that cars have to be up to a certain level of quality in order to be admitted into the show. Owners with cars that don’t meet that requirement are politely refunded the entrance fee and registration turned down. This has spawned some debate, but we at JNC say it’s a good thing. 

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It’s been 10 years since the first JCCS. JNC started a year later in late 2006, and in case you don’t remember the automotive landscape at the time, the idea of a classic Japanese car was considered by many to be laughable. Owning a classic Japanese car was hard. In many parts of the country it was difficult to get a Japanese car accepted into local classic car shows because they were seen as disposable, not worthy of preserving, or simply “Jap crap.”

Now that sentiment has changed for the better, and having a massive show celebrating Japanese cars as classics has done much to change opinions. However, in order for the cars to be respected, we have to respect them ourselves.

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Simply admitting cars because they are 25 years old and Japanese is no longer good enough. There is a difference between an old car and a classic. Old cars are used up and will end up as scrap. Classics will be passed from one owner to the next, being made better as time goes on. You might be the coolest kid in school because you’re rocking a JNC while everyone else drives hand-me-down Camrys, but it’s not a classic if your goal is to drive it into the ground.

Furthermore, in recent years, it’s been fashionable to drive rat rods, purposefully “patina-ed” cars, drift missiles and the like. Sure, it may be cool to flaunt your no-fucks-given attitude, but the question must be asked: Is this car destined for the junkyard or the care of someone who will respect and appreciate it? If the trajectory is junkyard, there are other shows for that. JCCS is and should remain the premier show honoring classic Japanese cars.

This doesn’t mean we celebrate only garage queens; classics are free to be driven and in fact should be shared with the public. Still, Japanese cars of the 80s and earlier already face the stigma of being inexpensive and thus disposable. Let’s not prove that point for the haters.

As we mentioned, there have always been standards regarding the cars admitted into the show. Now JCCS is simply enforcing them. They have looked the other way for nine years. Keep in mind that the standards aren’t even unreasonable for a car show. It mostly means cars with significant dents, rust, and mismatched body panels will no longer be accepted.

There will always be complainers who will argue that their JDM tyte “drift slut” or slammed beater is special, and we all know there’s a vast range of customization styles. However, to determine whether a car is an appreciated classic you can always use Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart’s definition of pornography: “I know it when I see it.

There are 150 people on waitlist to get into the show. The spectators and owners of Japanese classics deserve to see a the best of the best on the lawn of Queen Mary Park. If we want Japanese cars to earn the respect that European and American cars do, this is a necessary step for the evolution of the hobby.

The best comments on this subject will be judged for Question of the Week in lieu of an actual question. For last week, the winner is Censport for his dissertation on the Nissan Figaro.

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93 Responses to EDITORIAL: JCCS now screening entrants. This is a good thing.

  1. Troggie42 says:

    Hey, as long as it doesn’t turn in to something where only stock cars are allowed, I’m all for it! Hold people to standards! Some of the stuff I’ve seen at shows that was up for judging was laughable at best, if the JCCS organizers want to hold people to a standard of not bringing in a rusted hulk, then more power to em!

  2. www.JDMjunkies.ch says:

    think this is a good idea. Over here we have way too much car Shows not worth going because all the over-enthusiastic Kids with their crappy cars wait for entrance 2 hours before the gates open to en Event and fill the entire showspace while the cool cars usually have to park outside in the visitors parking… and then all you have to see is a D-series powered EG civic with “illest” Stickers and knock-off wheels, lowered on cheap taiwan-made Suspension gear.

  3. cesariojpn says:

    So according to the JCCS, if you daily drive your car, then go fuck yourself. Is that it?

    I would rather see a daily driven car over some modified car that only comes out when the moon is full and Venus is at a specific coordinate in the night sky 3 weeks past the summer equinox. To me, daily driving you car shows you not only respect the car, but also proves you value and trust the cars utilitarian use that many people dismiss in our disposable society.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      Nope, not at all. It’s possible to daily drive your car, appreciate it, and have it end up in a state better than when you bought it. However, simply having a 25 year or older car of Japanese make, which is fully intended to be driven into the ground and thrown away, is not okay.

    • mister k says:

      bro do you EVEN read the blog posts?!

      • cesariojpn says:

        I did, and I can see already how this policy will blow up in JCCS’ eyes spectacularly.

        For example, whats to stop the JCCS to tell the guy that owns the “Breaking Bad” Tercel that he’s “not qualified” cause the car is an absolute shitbox under their policy when it was portrayed as a shitbox in the series??

        http://jalopnik.com/i-drove-jesse-pinmkmans-crappy-toyota-tercel-from-brea-1388295896

        Whats to stop them from telling a well documented Spec Miata racer his car was glossed over for a shop car with a “faux” race scheme and mods with no racing pedigree?

        Are they gonna make the distinction whether or not a car should be entered because the guy did the work himself, or the guy paid a crapton of money to a shop to do the work?

        There are many more “what ifs?” if you think about it. The policy isn’t too clear cut and can be abused if given the chance.

        • E-AT_me says:

          “Well documented Spec Miata”… They should stay at the track…I would prefer to see a Spec Miata at a race track racing instead of sitting in some grass. They already do enough of that when they Pinata each other.

          I work on Spec Miatas in case you’re wondering.

  4. xs10shl says:

    There are many ways to skin this cat, and with the popularity of classic Japanese cars growing, it’s inevitable that the “show scene” (for lack of a better word) matures with it.

    In any sort of new world order, there’s still room for cars of every type, be it stock, modified, survivor or project. But at a show like JCCS, there may not be room for more than a small sampling of each. One of the great things about JCCS is that it’s a multi-marque show. Given the limited space available, it’s inevitable that someone with a slightly tired Z, for example, might get left out in the coming years. At the same time, someone with a barn-find project Isuzu they just bought for cheap might be invited, because he is the only one who entered.

    IMHO, the value of a show like JCCS in the future won’t come from “quantity” but rather “variety”. And in order to provide variety, it will be necessary to have certain restrictions on the number of examples in each classification of car (stock, modified, survivor, project). As the list of eligible entrants grows, I wouldn’t be surprised to see other rules applied, such as a “one-year break” rule, so we don’t always see the same cars every year.

    The good news is there are still plenty of great single-marque, and even single-model shows and meets to fill in the void. I think this is a growing trend, so IMHO there won’t be a lack of future venues to show off Japanese classics of all types.

  5. Dutch 1960 says:

    The cars have always been grouped largely by make. Maybe it is time to group them by theme, e.g. stock (high noses, skinny tires, hubcaps), old school street modified , old school race car, new school modified (where the cars with 19″ wheels go), new school race (for old cars worked over Speedhunters style). A special section for the JDM cars, such as the Hakosuka, Isuzu Bellet or the Eunos Cosmo. A Toyota with a 2T-G engine transplant goes to old school modified. A car with a Honda S2000 engine transplant goes to new school modified.

    This way, there is a place for both the “old school” JNCs, but also the “new school” cars, too. The showroom stock cars get parked with their kind, with the makes all mixed together. In this way, the various threads of JNC are each identified and celebrated. I think it would make a better show.

    • xs10shl says:

      Indeed, this is how many traditional multi-marque concours work. There would be consistent categories like “USDM 1960-75”, “JDM Pre-89”, and then perhaps a few “Featured Marque” classes, like “Honda 2-door”, and Honda Wagon”, for example. There are also typically “staple” categories, of popular fan favorites that always show up, like “Toyota Celica”. Mature shows that I’ve been to typically have maybe 2/3 of the classes the same from year to year, and then vary the rest, depending on the organizers.

    • Komeuppance says:

      Lol “speedhunters style”

  6. dickie says:

    this seems to have a lot more to do with the push to increase the perceived value of restored or highly kept original cars by older owners drooling to get muscle car money for their Japanese classics. by gentrifying the scene, they are securing more attention from the investor types willing to spend big bucks on a shiny car and hoard it away for a decade to be flipped at auction when availability is low and the pricing is right.

    stating that it’s a “good thing” is fine as long as it remains balanced with a healthy amount of skepticism; be careful not to drink the kool aid though. especially if it’s just about maintaining relationships with the “right people,” as they’re not representative of the majority of the community.

    Japanese steel owners tend to skew younger than their American iron counterparts, and that’s a good thing. it keeps the community diverse and the ideas fresh. not that they’re all good mind you, but they serve their purpose. if i’m going to a show the size of JCCS, i’d rather see some of these new takes on old cars than rows of showroom stock restorations. i like to see work in progress, builds where the car is literally a completely blank slate open for expression. dirt rust and signs of use and abuse are all indications that the car is alive and not just some painted up corpse being paraded around.

    i’m not trying to be obstinate and add to the acrimony, but i wanted to spread this warning to the organizers: bringing divisiveness into the community is a surefire way to cut your attendance. maybe not by a lot when you just look at the straight headcount, but i’ve heard a LOT of negative feedback on this issue from JCCS regulars, including prior winners and participants whose names and cars are synonymous with the show over the past couple weeks. losing influential attendees doesn’t seem like it’s “good” for the community to me. and that’s a no-brainer.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      It has nothing to do with raising the monetary value of the cars. Yes, that will be a byproduct of growing interest in classic Japanese cars, and that is already happening.

      Modified cars are allowed. Nowhere did they say it will be only stock restorations. There are plenty of ways to represent custom builds without disrespecting the car itself. Unfortunately, in recent years, there have been too many dented up cars with mismatched body panels indistinguishable from a craigslist beater.

      • dickie says:

        sorry for the implication that modified cars weren’t allowed, that was never part of my understanding on the subject. my understanding is that “certain cars” are being denied because of things like visible rust, missing trim and/or accessories, “unfinished” appearance etc…

        growing interest in Japanese cars is great, promoting that by sending certain entrants a “polite refund” if their car doesn’t meet the standards of the organizers is totally contradictory though.

        if you want to “clean up” the appearance of the show, which i’ve heard is the aim of the organizers from proponents of the new rule, i’d start with different categories that might make it easier for the gleaming restorations and no-expense-spared builds to have their own prominent sections for the crowds to admire while the hardcore guys can check out the wild builds in progress elsewhere.

  7. JHMAB2 says:

    I think it’s good to set some rules and regulations, mainly making sure we don’t get some random dropped Civic that’s been sticker-bombed, but why abide or please the Euro or American standards? Why does it matter if we get recognition or not? Everyone and/or group always strives to please someone else, why?

    I think we enjoy classic Japanese cars for a reason, that reason is that they’re different and we’re a part of a down to Earth community. (For the most part anyways…) I’d hate to see the scene turn into a snob fest, but I’d also like to see it grow and be recognized as well. However, recognized on it’s own merits and not because it’s turned into a matching numbers, original paint, nose in the air like your crap don’t stink community. Don’t get me wrong though, an all original J-car is awesome, I just don’t want to see the community to go the way of Barrett-Jackson.

  8. David says:

    I believe this is good for the Japanese Classic Car scene. JCCS is the premier west coast car show for this community and should have high standards. Maybe someday they can get venue where they have the show and a car corral for cars that were not accpeted can park and display. I hear people say every year that some of their favorite cars where ones that they saw in the parking lot.

    Even Cars and Coffee Irvine picks and chooses which cars get in.

  9. Marc Reco says:

    I agree 100% with what JCCS is doing. This a car show where people expect to see high-caliber builds (stock or modified). There are many other shows that explify “trends” and “no fucks given” cars but this is not the place (I would go to slammed society or even local meets to see those). This is a celebration of the best japanese cars out there so why not have the best ones to show??. Yes, there will always be some younger crowds that will not agree with this but for us who have been doing this for more than 10+ years, a nice solid build or resto-mod car is always a welcome sight. Thank you for having a stricter control on the entry cars.

  10. Bart says:

    Yeah, I think a lot of people are reading into this “new rule” too deeply. I absolutely agree that there should be some sort of acceptance criteria. If I am completely honest about it, I can say that I saw a few cars last year at the show that I felt should not have been on the green. These were cars that were still in a work-in-progress state, and in my opinion, detracted from the presence of the other cars there. And there is nothing wrong with having a project car, but a project car is not a complete car. And imo, it is not “show ready” in that state. Would you go to see a movie that was only half completed or in a “rough cut” stage of editing? Probably not, So the JCCS organizers need to keep this event polished. JCCS is THE premiere Japanese Classic Car show, and the organizers make it a VERY nice event. And with the growing popularity in J-tin, I think this is an obvious path for the show.

    The bottom line to me is, having your whip accepted into a car show is a privilege, not a right.

  11. Miek says:

    Would my stock Skyline GTS-T be allow? Or because it’s in unrestored condition I can’t bring it now?

    No rust, good paint, plastics kind of marked slightly. I hope they are not that ridiculous.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      Unrestored is okay. As stated in the article, they are screening only for major damage, rust or mismatched body panels. However, if you haven’t registered already space is full. If you already registered and did not receive a refund/email, you are good to go.

  12. BERSERKERZ says:

    This is great. I don’t understand how some of this generation has grown to think purposely beat up or not repairing any flaws is a cool thing. I wish more organizations would something similar. Im tired of telling people that I own a 240Z and then having to explain its not a rusted p.o.s like some of the internet famed Z “builds”. JCCS just got a whole lot better.

  13. James says:

    JCCS has been my favorite car show for years now and I make the trek out from Arizona. Last year my car was finally old enough to show and had a great time. This year my car is not allowed and I am very disappointed.
    JCCS has made a huge mistake by posting up a mission statement about whats allowed and embraced and then not allowing cars that fit that description. “From our start in 2005, JCCS has embraced the totality of the old-Japanese-car hobby, from daily-driven projects to 100-point dream cars, from bone-stock originals and restorations to full-on customs, and everything in between. This diversity is our strength, and it drives our hobby forward.”
    I went to JCCS for the diversity and it is no longer about diversity. They need to drop the bullshit PC statement, be fair, honest and ask everyone registering for pics. They cant just ask a few for pics, deny them and let others in with the same level cars. I understand its their show and they can let in who they want but don’t be inconsistent and lie about not wanting to be a Concours d’ Elegance-type event. It saddens me that I won’t be attending this show again because of these unfair policies and denying cars I want to see as an automotive enthusiast.

  14. Ken S. says:

    People seem to forget that this isn’t a right, it’s a privilege. Reminds me of my z32 owner/friends who are constantly moaning and complaining because their vehicles met the ’25 year rule’ – guess what, there’s no rule or anything that guarantees your attendance, what do you think this is, smog exception reg?

    What has me curious is how some of the early / registered attendees were not screened per say, but this seems to be more for the wait list registers? I wonder if it’s exclusive to that latter crowd, as I don’t see how they would know what every applicant’s cars look like (those that were not solicited or screened)

  15. Dandy says:

    It sucks that the JCCS is beginning to scrutinize its entrants on such a level, but as the premiere Japanese classic car show on the west-coast (and probably the U.S. ?), it has come to the point where the car spectating public is expecting to be “wow-ed” and “dazzled” by an awesome assortment of some of the best looking classic Nippon craftsmanship in the U.S. The JCCS is a very generalized show, with the sole ideaology of “classic Japanese cars are awesome, let’s show the world what makes these cars awesome”.

    I agree that there needs to be a balance of styles, but this show is one of the few places where you get to see an amazing array of clean, stock, or well loved (i.e.- “cared for”) examples of difficult-to-find and restore cars. There are not enough parts and specialists (at the moment) for the JNC community to reach the levels of preservation and/or restoration as the Euro or American communities have; so one of the big appeals of a show like the JCCS is being able to see so many original and complete cars. It’s easier to mod JNCs than it is to restore them, which is most likely why the complete and original cars are more favorable to the JCCS’s criteria.

    There will still be modded and customized cars (the show would be too vanilla without them!), but a track-battered and sun-baked drift Corolla would most likely luck-out in a decision between it and a customized, polished, and structurally-sound Corolla of the same year/model if space at the JCCS was almost full. There will be exceptions and instances where a car will bypass the criteria, but regardless of what the owner does with the car, “clean and complete” is always welcomed. However, that doesn’t mean all the “clean and complete” cars will get in, because SPACE will ALWAYS be the decisive factor.

    The JCCS focuses on what JNCs are and not what they could be, and there are plenty of other car shows that focus on what one or more people can turn a car into when their imaginations and creativity are unleashed. If people don’t know or can’t tell what they are looking at, then they’ll never know why the car parked on the lawn is special or important, or why they should even care. I like to think that the JCCS is about the cars and not the mods, and that it’s a safe place where your unmolested 4-cylinder, 5-speed, beige, bench seat, chicken-wheeled J-tin with almost no-options is can finally be recognized as the classic it is.

  16. Toyotageek says:

    Maybe there needs to be two seperate shows per year. One, the JCCS Concours d’ Elegance. The other, the JCCS anything goes…?

    • Ben Hsu says:

      The sad thing is, there aren’t even enough cars to do a true Concours D’Elegance type show. Plus the Yamaguchis are stretched pretty thin already.

    • xs10shl says:

      Another option is to move the show to the Marina Green just across the bay, if possible. Same great setting, bigger lawn, plenty of room for a corral and vendors, and lots of guest parking across the street.

  17. alvin says:

    Though it is not free, if you’re J-Tin is not accepted into the JCCS show proper just park with the other gems in the lot! You might not win an award, but you too could be featured on Speedhunters…and that’s what it is all about, right?

    Kidding aside, it must be a monumental task to please everyone especially at a car show as large and diverse as this one! Kudos to the JCCS crew for making it this far and changing it up a bit.

    I like the idea of having a place for all of the above mentioned cars/categories. Maybe it is possible to have a FEW “patina’d” and original dirty vehicles to educate/impress the public. You don’t need aisles of them 🙂

    Personally, when I’ve entered my car it’s for the once-in-year experience of driving hundreds of miles to SoCal. Meeting new people and seeing old friends…and checking out what’s new! You won’t find me next to my roadster, sitting in a lawn chair. Or chatting up the judges. However, I do understand that some folks are into this, and it’s a hobby where they feel entitled to win an award for their work or entry acceptance.

    This is where it gets tough. As much fun as it sounds I’d hate to be one of the screeners, as I envision each rejection here is taken as a beauty pageant entrant would…get over it people it’s a car show!

  18. Jonathan says:

    Toyota will always look significant, so with that being said the culture of Toyota should be held with respect and pride. Rust I feel should be accepted, to show the story behind the car. I wouldn’t mind seeing an old rusty model of Toyota being displayed, because it would show no matter how bad the car gets, it will always make us proud to witness the car. Although, keeping standards to preserve the Toyota name does sound like a good idea, I think we’d all hate to have our build neglected over details that show history on the vehicle.

  19. Serg says:

    I think you’ve set the bar in the title to be honest.

    classic

    adjective
    1. judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind.
    “a classic novel”
    synonyms: definitive, authoritative; More
    (of a garment or design) of a simple, elegant style not greatly subject to changes in fashion.
    “this classic navy blazer”
    synonyms: simple, elegant, understated, uncluttered, restrained; More
    2. very typical of its kind.
    “Hamlet is the classic example of a tragedy”

    Yes, I know passion for the cars is what makes the hobby a culture and the participants a community – but all of those aspects are appreciated and embraced in other places on other days, and believe me the culture and community will improve drastically by narrowing the fields into their respective sports. There is no better feeling then being at make or model specific cruise and looking across at the guy in the same obnoxiously loud and low car as you, while both thinking about the other guy “You f**king idiot”. That my friends is brother-from-another-mother-hood right there!

    Nobody is saying the rat-rods, resto-mods, daily drivers or drift missiles are in any way unworthy of showing – I hate trailer queens with handcrafted turbos made from unobtanium and seats made from the skin of animals that no longer exist – but if you’re trying explain in one afternoon the decades of history and culture that make JN our passion, you need to design a spectrum that showcases the norm in order to explain the extreme. For that matter yes, a handful of alternative takes on the various styles should be present, but this show represents the industry and it’s history as a whole, not just a small cross section of one or two generations.

    Every true car person is proud of their car, whether it’s a pristine MS75 or the CA Accord you bought from your parents and made your own, but at this show your car should make others proud – to have, want, or even just appreciate that old Japanese tin we’re in such a fuss over 🙂

  20. r100guy says:

    As a long time spectator to the JCCS show, I had perceived this show to be primarily for modified cars as this was the most prevalent type of old school car shown. Aside from the handful of cars Toyota displayed in stock form from their museum, the cars on display were typically modified and I think everyone pretty much understood this.
    I think if the organizers wanted to take the show into a different direction, the rules should have been changed BEFORE any registrations or sign-ups took place. To change the rules in midstream at this late date is unfortunate especially with some folks who registered and were assured a place in the show are now being told your not wanted. Not good.
    My interest is in stock unmodified J-tin and I have toyed with the idea of bringing some of my cars down to the LA area to be shown. I never was quite sure if JCCS was the correct venue to show them and from the responses to this thread, this show is probably the wrong place for me.
    The organizers should make it clear to everyone in which direction the show is going to prevent misunderstandings in the future.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      Sorry if the article made it seem like this just happened. The rules and screening took place before registration began. However, some people with cars that didn’t meet the rules still registered. Those owners got refunds.

      As mentioned, those rules have been in place since the beginning. They are only enforcing them this year.

      JCCS does consist mostly of modified cars, because that’s who registers. It was formerly operated on a first-come/first-serve basis. There is no push towards bone stock cars. From what I know of your cars, they would all be welcome. The now-enforced rules don’t exclude modifications at all, and I expect they will still be the majority at JCCS.

      • r100guy says:

        I applaud the organizers for trying to improve the JCCS experience. I don’t approve in the ways the did it. By not enforcing rules they themselves but into place over the years, is just poor management. They get what they deserve. Instead of a first class auto show they ended up with a “family reunion” type of event. The organizers should learn from their mistakes and move on. Lets hope next year the organizers are clear in what direction the JCCS event will go.

  21. VintageTechZ says:

    I’ve been restoring Datsun S30’s since 1979. I can appreciate all levels of the process and I get why some folks like each stage.
    In light of the needed regulation to grow the show in the direction the founders aim for , it certainly makes sense to have a clear Baseline to reach for.
    It requires big effort to prepare a car worthy of display, even the rat rods. Perhaps the first year of this new step up could consider having a zone for the “projects”off to one side and see what that generates interest wise ?
    I’m building a S30 worx gnose car with R33 drivetrain and look forward to displaying it in the near future, next to a beater or show winner!

  22. bert says:

    In the opening scene of the movie Joe Dirt, Joe “Deertay” is seen driving a rusty banged up, mismatched panel, smoking hulk of a 1970 Dodge Charger Daytona. The security guard makes fun of Joe and his car, to which he responds “It’s a classic!!” Which is true. The Charger Daytona and it’s sister car the Plymouth Superbird were made in very limited numbers for Nascar homologation, and had very storied and famous careers in racing. Richard Petty drove one. I’ve seen a couple well restored examples go for a million plus at auction, and they are well respected and arguably the greatest muscle car of all time. But a crap classic is still a crap classic! If it’s beat up and looks like it was rescued from a junk yard, it will get ZERO respect, especially from the concours crowd! With the exception of a few crazy car geeks, who go nuts over finding any old car with a story rotting away in a field. (Raise my hand) I know this is a site for Japanese classics, and I’m talking about American cars, but consider this, throughout the history of cars, Japanese cars were considered crap appliances, were only good for keeping junk yards going, and could NEVER be considered classic! It was just recently, and after very hard work from a few dedicated “J-Tin nut jobs” that classic Japanese cars were accepted, and very recently, have been honored, or held in esteem.
    My point is this, if a storied well respected car like the Dodge Charger Daytona, can be called a pile of crap just for being unrestored, how much harder will it be for a Japanese car which until a couple weekends ago were just cheap throwaway appliances, to gain respect? If JNC’ers want the world to respect their cars, then show up with your best! If JCCS is trying to show the world that JNC’s are classy cars, held to a higher standard, that can be nothing but good for the scene! It personally irritates me to to go to a car show, and see half-assed done cars, with owners expecting to get the same respect as the guy who spent years, tears and lots of (usually) hard earned dollars on his perfect pride and joy! It just says lazy to me.
    Now, I understand that it can take years to restore a car, and that there are still “barn finds”. But take some pride in your work! Clean the car up real good, fix what needs to be fixed, make sure everything matches and looks good, and I would absolutely drool all over your one owner completely stock all original JNC! Or modified well built car with wheels that stand straight up in the fenders! (Hate the whole slammed look with wheels splayed every which way) One thing I have seen at a couple car shows recently, and I think is very cool and would work well for JCCS, is cars in the middle of a restoration being worked on at the show. Example: A couple years ago a guy was restoring an old Malibu and took it to the show held at my church every year. The seats were out of the car, it had no carpet, and was painted in primer. But throughout the show, he would work on it, and take questions, and some of the patrons got to work on it as well. Everything was clean, every part fresh, and you got a really good feel for how much work went into restoring an old classic. And you got to interact! The next year he brought it back completely restored.
    If you think I have left out the “Rat Rod” folks from my ranting, I have not forgotten you! I have seen some very well built and stunning Rat Rod cars recently, and the pride in worksmanship really shows in every detail! BUT, taking a sledgehammer to your old cancerous Corolla, and throwing rusty old steel wheels on it is not “Rat Rod”!

  23. yellowdatsun says:

    I think this is a good thing. I for one am tired of shitboxes winning top prize, just because ugly-and-rusty is in style. Given there’s a waiting list of entrants, I don’t see why you wouldn’t pick and choose the best cars for the show. I can see crappy J-tin anywhere, but we come to this shows to see the well done rarities. This is something that NEEDS to happen, if the J-tin crowd wants to be taken seriously. If the show is constantly half-filled with junky crap, then we’ll never get past the stigma of Jap-crap.

  24. Demuro1 says:

    I have mixed emotions about it. I , as of right now, am registered for the show. I have not gotten any emails or anything to that effect. I don’t think of my car as being better then anyone e else’s, but I do love my car and drive it as often as I can and take care of it to the best of my ability and finances allow. And for me that is more what the jnc scene is more about. Not beating the piss out of them. But driving and enjoying them. I know people who will buy a jnc do piss poor work to them and try and sell them for a ridiculous amount of money. And when they crap out it makes jnc ‘ s look like crap.

  25. Randy says:

    Personally, I’d rather see the survivors and such than the riced-out neon green eclipse with the LEDs, 10-foot-tall wing, and fart can. Not necessarily the rat that someone picked up for $50 and flogs around in, but like those stock, and the “day-two” machines from the Nissan Jam that got so may of us bug-eyed a couple of months ago.

    If they move it to a bigger location, they can make room for all classes, or, as was already said, multiple shows; one for restos/original-maintained and such, and the anything goes show, which I think would be more of a cruise.

    Maybe do regional shows? California is a big state, so Northern and Southern shows?

    About the rules: “[T]here have always been standards regarding the cars admitted into the show. Now JCCS is simply enforcing them.” They should have been enforcing them since the first show. I went to 2 Carlisle events over the years, and as I recall, entrants must submit 2 pictures of the vehicle, showing all four sides. Not everybody gets to show, but the rules are known.

    • Ken S. says:

      If I was part of the couple organizing this massive event, the last thing on my mind would doing multiple or geographic based shows just to cater to wider audiences. It’s got to be time consuming enough, putting on a volume heavy annual event at a single location every year.

      Not saying you are, but it always seems to get to a point where people just start asking for things, because it’s easy to demand, especially when you’re not having to do the work. Regional shows, or multiple shows… lot easier said than done.

      • Randy says:

        What you said about being “part of the couple” doing the organizing is a big part of the problem in “expanding;” it can’t be one poor guy making all the calls, getting permits, bonding, etc., AND deciding what does/n’t make the cut That’s just frickin’ insane! If there are a few clubs to spread the work out, it makes things much easier.

        If Carlisle can do however many shows a year, that’s the model to follow. I know, it’s one location, but I only threw the multiple locations out there as a thought.

        I’m assuming there are vendors, and companies would like to get their advertising out there. Is there a swap section? Show and sell?

        If it’s just you and whomever organizing the whole shebang, then you deserve way more credit than anyone can actually give you, but I’ll give you props right here and now!

  26. Dutch 1960 says:

    It has to be tough to try to figure out who to turn down and then deal with the pushback. I suppose you need to treat the acceptances like the judge who recognized p0rn when he saw it: When a car is “in”, you can just tell, stock or modified. For example, my personal JNC favorite is the RX3. Some RX3s at past shows, stock or modified, “grabbed” me, others flat out did not. Can’t say it was the color of the car or the engine spec or the level of restoration or whatnot, but you walk along the row of 3s and go, yes, yes, no, YES!!, no, yes. The planners need to ask the “no”s to stay home, maybe with some constructive suggestions (we all get blind to how our own work looks to others). I don’t know how the organizers can decide without substantial photography or a walkaround of cars unknown to them.

  27. pstar says:

    JCCS doing this is fine. It is already the premier Japanese car show, and I suppose its standards should reflect that. If you are assembling the best old Japanese cars Western North America, and Southern California in particular can provide, you really ought to have very high standards.

    Now, for a more local, more casual car show, I would say implementing such standards is going to be counterproductive. Most places can’t bring together 3 dozen 25 year old Japanese cars, let alone a few hundred, and in those cases turning people away because their stuff is bust defeats the point. The point being meeting like minded people, getting ideas, or even getting motivated by each other.

    But JCCS isn’t that kind of show, it’s more for the best of the best, the kind of venue you’d want to show off your restored classic that you spent 10 years and $25k doing. Guys that do that kind of need an environment that does their time and money investment justice. Not to mention the rest of us kind of need a place where we can see everything at its best.

    Finally, with any luck, the growing prominence of JCCS and some of the other JNC shows will actually spread to other places. As a non-Californian I’ve dreamed of Japanese classic shows like the Brits, Italian, and German cars all have had for decades. I would love to see a bunch of nice old Japanese cars in my region once a year, but it hasn’t happened, yet. Maybe JCCS getting more exclusive will prompt some people elsewhere to start seriously organizing some lower-tier but no less appealing events?

  28. Gary says:

    From all the way across the Pacific and from a guy who won’t actually attend (well this year anyway); may I make a suggestion:

    We use a slogan at Toyota Heritage; Love One, Love All. We go on to say we don’t care what you do with your old Toyota (Japanese car) if you love it so do we.

    On this basis, surely the answer here is to have a limit in the category ‘drift slut’ or whatever you wish to call it.

    Hopefully in the fullness of time you also have drag cars too and you limit the number, same with dry lakers, race cars, show cars, daily drivers and so on…and that way you’ll have a wait list in all categories and a balanced show…

    We are all in this together!

    • James says:

      Bravo Gary! I wish JCCS would share that same spirit. I love Japanese car culture because of the aggressive styles, unique modifications and all the passion and work put into their cars. I would think that the people that run JCCS would feel the same way and appreciate anyone that loves the cars as much as they do. JCCS has been so great up to this point because they have not enforced these ridiculous rules.
      I was told in my denial emails from Koji Yamaguchi ” your registration cannot be honored this time unless there is any plans to change body/paint condition.” ” just not for a direction JCCS would like to encourage to help future of Japanese classic car restoration hobby.” My car has had a feature in Custom Car magazine in Japan and a full feature on Speedhunters and does not need to be changed.
      Since when does an Event Organizer dictate the direction of car culture and what people do with their cars? Its the car owners, builders, and fans that decide that.

      The venue at the Queen Mary is amazing and has limited space, I agree with you Gary about limiting the number of cars in a specific category to help diversify the field and make for a better show. I don’t want to go to a show with a sea of all silver Datsun 2000’s, I want more variety. It saddens me that this show on its 10 year has lost its spirit and gone blind in direction with pressure from purists that only like one style of car. I believe a true enthusiast enjoys all types of automotive modification and appreciates anything done well. Cheers!

      • mister k says:

        james please show us a pic of your car so we can know why it was denied

      • markstoys says:

        While I agree with the idea of being more selective of who they allow in the show, I am really surprised that they wouldn’t let you in. Your car is not really my style (as if I had any), but it is NOT a rusty POS. It is rust with a lot of style. You clearly had a goal, and did a great job achieving it. I have seen many cars at previous shows that really didn’t belong, while hearing about guys with really awesome cars who didn’t get in because registration was full.
        Ironically, I always feel a little wrong for showing my Corolla at JCCS, as there is not much of the original ‘classic’ left of it–but they let me in again this year. If they had told me ‘no thanks’, I would probably be a little upset, but would still attend as a spectator because it is a REALLY good show.

        • James says:

          Thank you Markstoys, I know this build would not be liked by many and stir things up. I built it to have creative fun and do what I want, not what others want. I have been so happy the car has received a lot of support and love, obviously shown through all the coverage and insight from Sean at Speedhunters and others. I have been a huge supporter of JCCS over the years and was very disappointed to be turned away.

          • James says:

            I have also supported JNC with stickers on my car, t shirt purchases and a magazine subscription that wasn’t fulfilled.

        • alvin says:

          uhhhhh…not being rude but your Civic was already in the JCCS show in 2013, correct? I took lots of pictures of it, because it was cool to me!
          http://www.zcarblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/DSC06176.jpg

          In support of variety, freshness, etc. why are people getting upset if their car was already in the show before!??

          Since when does being featured on Speedhunters = instant entry in to a car show?

          • Tim says:

            OK, so to use that same logic, everyone who’s ever appeared at JCCS in previous years is not allowed to show this year. Ridiculous statement… Speedhunters has nothing to do with it and EVERYTHING to do with it. IMO, haters hate the fact that his car has gotten publication attention and that people love the uniqueness of the car when it shows up at events. This event should be “inclusive” not “exclusive.” If show space is the issue, congratulate yourself on your show’s success and get a larger venue! I believe that everyone had access to the same registration website and knew when registration opened, so I have little sympathy for those who waited several days, then complained that they couldn’t get in since registration was full.

          • James says:

            Thank you Alvin, great pic and I am glad you liked the car. I had a great response from spectators last year.
            I never stated media coverage should be a instant entry. I wasn’t denied registration for the sake of variety, quite the opposite. I was denied registration because of my cars finish. I was told by JCCS that I would be allowed to show if I painted the car. I used my media coverage to show that the car was a finished product, not a rusted pos or something unfinished and just in need of a paint job.
            I have supported JCCS and been the last six years, last year was the first time my car was old enough to enter. So I believe its still a fresh new car in this venue.

      • Karl G says:

        I started out reading this with some sympathy for James and others, but as the thread got longer the increased sense of entitlement has sucked that away.

        “Since when does an Event Organizer dictate the direction of car culture and what people do with their cars?”
        Um, you mean the guy who puts on a show doesn’t get to decide what’s in the show? JCCS is not a charity. It’s not the government. You may disagree with the organizer’s opinion but no one is entitled to entrance.

        James himself calls the car a Rustbucket. I know it’s meant ironically, but he intentionally rusted the body to make it edgy (ie, controversial), and now it is.

        Who CARES if it was in Speedhunters or Custom Car? Those aren’t the Bibles of what car gets to be in what show. The editors of those publications liked the car. Congrats. Feel honored but don’t let it give you a big head.

        Having said all that, I happen to LIKE your car too, James. I admire the craftsmanship and thought that went into it. But some of the commenters here need to show some respect for the organizers who bust their balls to put on a gigantic show for the rest of us.

        • James says:

          Hi Karl, I am sorry if I came accross as big headed or entitled, I am actually the exact opposite. I just built this crazy little car for me and never expected anyone to like it. I am very humbled by the positive responses and feel extremely grateful for the support.
          Look, I can’t imagine what it takes to put together a show like this. JCCS is my favorite show every year and that is why I am so passionate about it. JCCS has been great and I understand there is always room for improvement.
          I have two areas of concern about the show. First, the direction of the show is changing yet the verbiage on the website says it’s still the same old show with all the diversity of previous years. Cars I love to see at this show are now being turned away and I know of some awesome cars that aren’t even trying to register because of enforcement about the cars finish.
          Second, they way enforcement is being handled this year is very inconsistent. I bet 70% or more of registered cars were not asked to provide photos of their cars and many have the same issues as cars being turned away.
          In my opinion this confusion could all be fixed very easily. The website needs to drop all the talk about what is accepted and just list the years of cars that can be registered. Part of registration needs be submission of photos that way event organizers can pick the kind of show they want to have. From there the fans will decide if it’s a show they want to support and got to.
          I personally like the old show and a bunch of shiny cars bores me. I have just tried to stand up for the JCCS I have enjoyed the last 6 years. I will be sad to see it change but like you said it’s their show to do with what they wish.

        • Jim Daniels says:

          My thoughts exactly. After 50 years of America becoming about entitlements, those ideas keeps slowly infecting the minds of Americans like a fatal disease.

          I am surprised for the reasoning given for your car not being accepted this year. A simple explanation that you were in the show last year and can reapply again in a year might have been more understandable. Your car has made a statement, it appears, in more than one way. It is a car that will be invited to some shows for what it is and the artistic talent of the designer and will be excluded from other shows. There are different types of shows (Hot Rods, Rat Rods, Classics, Concourse, Low Riders, Art cars etc).

          You have put together the largest combination of automobile styles I have ever seen in one vehicle for the good or bad of it. Pushing the envelope will always come with controversy and headaches. I would not change a thing about your car nor would I own it.

          However, it is causing change like it or not. Art frequently makes people rethink and draw new lines. You caused a new line to be drawn by the JCCS staff and the side of the line you wound up on is not the side you thought you would end up on. Again, you will be invited to shows for the controversy style and artistic value your car is. But the staff at the JCCS show have a different focus for their show.

          I have seen people drool over my car until they see the stereo system then they turn their nose up in the air and walk away in disgust. It’s not their thing. That’s OK it is not their car. It’s mine and I like it and that is all that matters. Be proud of what you created and the controversy it has created. My guess is that you are starting a new trend, only time will tell.

  29. innocentbystander says:

    It’s amazing how many have gotten bent out of shape on this issue. On so many different points. Let’s break it down.

    1. Logistics. (I know some of you said move to a different location.) They only have so much room to work with. No room = Restrict the number of entries, simple. You should’ve registered earlier. If it means at their denying certain cars at their discretion/opinion oh well.

    2. It’s THEIR show, not your show. They can do whatever they damn please. Don’t like it, organize your own show.

  30. Tofuik says:

    I think its a stupid idea, but its not like I was ever going to make the cross country trip anyway.

  31. conservancy@MHR says:

    … make no mistake, not everyone with vintage, mint, antique Japanese vehicles are welcomed, by JCCS organizers. It’s only certain, particular people with vintage Japanese cars, who JCCS welcomes. In avoidance of what happened last year, lamenting their annual All-Toyotafest having been subverted and overrun, by the Scion, Lexus, Subaru-GT86 and Prius people (horrors!), it’s the very same TORC organizers behind the scenes performing double duty organizing JCCS, disenchanted at having lost control of their All Toyotafest, whom are desperately clinging to power in keeping JCCS a neat, clean, pure insider-only thing, where the only participants permitted participation are (1) persons arbitrarily deemed sufficiently steeped in mainland Japanese culture (2) whom are in possession of certain antique Japanese cars JCCS/TORC organizers have arbitrarily white-listed. The sole exception being (3) people with the hose-through-the-headlight fetish; heat sinks Home Depot’d to their front air dams, the JCCS/TORC people are always eager to roll out the red carpet for. The JCCS/TORC people, they are horny for the hose-through-the-headlight thing. That gets you in, without fail, every single time. And, your entry won’t even have to bear a decent coat of paint — asj.

    • conservancy@MHR says:

      … example which didactically serves to underline my contention that, proof positive, only certain particular people with certain vintage Japanese cars are welcomed by JCCS/TORC insiders, denote how, in its first year of eligibility, one of the rarest vehicles ever made, Toyota’s supercharged mid-engined AW11 is systematically blocked from participation. No room for argument, elitist JCCS/TORC insiders aren’t one iota dedicated to antique Japanese cars as mush they are, themselves. Painfully obvious, they neither want these people, nor their cars, in their organization, nor in their events — asj.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      If you only knew how the Japanese (which the organizers are) truly felt about bosozoku (hose though headlight) style. And there have been plenty of AW11s shown at Queen Mary Park.

    • Robakun says:

      @ Conservancy-
      I do not understand your hate or “insider information” but if you plan to whine, then go set up your own car show and see what kind of heat you will get from the public.

      … make no mistake, not everyone with vintage, mint, antique Japanese vehicles are welcomed, by JCCS organizers
      —I am sure this is true. I hear there is a VERY long waiting list so some will have to be turned away.

      In avoidance of what happened last year, lamenting their annual All-Toyotafest having been subverted and overrun, by the Scion, Lexus, Subaru-GT86 and Prius people (horrors!),
      — I have no idea what you are talking about… can you explain?

      it’s the very same TORC organizers behind the scenes performing double duty organizing JCCS, disenchanted at having lost control of their All Toyotafest, whom are desperately clinging to power in keeping JCCS a neat, clean, pure insider-only thing, where the only participants permitted participation are (1) persons arbitrarily deemed sufficiently steeped in mainland Japanese culture (2) whom are in possession of certain antique Japanese cars JCCS/TORC organizers have arbitrarily white-listed.
      — You mean the experts? You mean the ones that have been involved in the import scene when these cars were almost new? You mean the volunteers? why don’t you raise your hand and show your expertise in a specific field where you can participate and see HOW difficult things may be.

      at any rate, I feel that you are not in a position to “attack” this event in any way shape and form so please refrain yourself in making such statements that are full of assumptions.

      • conservancy@MHR says:

        … denote, terminal end of his very first sentence the admonition, JCCS is, indeed, incurring a significant external social pressure. This marks the very first time a TORC/JCCS insider has freely admitted so — asj.

  32. Drew-ski says:

    I’ve purchased and have read your book Japanese Classic Performance Cars, Ben and I now watch as the few proud owners of the select few vehicles now look down their nose at the average person who is now screened out due to these new standards. Half the fun was that the average person would come to these events to get ideas of what they would like to do to bring their vehicle to higher standard. The fact that cars that where not yet to this standard could be shown and each year afterwards, I would notice the improvements. Now I have a reason not to invest in the travel that I use to take from New York State to California to see this classic car show. I moved across country to finally bring my vehicle to the standard that I would be proud to show at one of these events. Now I’m not sure if I want to be a part of that select few. You can weed out the cars and eventually the economy level of each of the participants to make that statement that, certain folks and their cars are not good enough to stand within your shadow.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      I think you’ll still be pleased at the variety of cars in the show. It’s not as if large numbers of individuals were turned away, or as if money was the sole deciding factor. Markstoys, who commented above, has a real home-grown hot rod and he was allowed in.

      Though I’m not sure what it has to do with this topic, thanks for reading my book!

  33. dsp979 says:

    I didn’t know JCCS is screening entrants until today. I was actually at the 2006 JCCS show and enjoyed it greatly. I was hoping to bring my car down, but is on the “wait list.” I don’t think it’ll come off the wait list. =)

    That said, I will be down there this year to enjoy/support the show.

    My “classic” 71 Celica. I do have a whole new front end, but I thought the damage gives it character.

    In 2012 (16th pic down): http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/07/classics_by_the_ba/

    This year (4th pic down): http://www.speedhunters.com/2014/08/getting-nostalgic-norcal-bayline-gathering/#chapter-bonus-images

  34. gypsy says:

    I’ve never seen so many grown up people get upset over a car show that I actually find it funny. Are you telling me in the USA this is the only decent car show for Japanese cars?

    There’s plenty of large quality events along the east coast of Australia.

    As for the organisers keeping damaged and rusty looking cars out of the show, well frankly on this side of the globe the cops would no doubt take care of that. You’d be slapped with an expensive defective notice and a mandatory tow home either on the way to the event ot outside the gates lol

    • mister k says:

      no gyp it isn’t but you’d never guess from the comments?! hehe

      having said that don’t pretend you aussies don’t have to deal with politics and the take-it-way-too-serious crowd

  35. gypsy says:

    Yeah I’m sure politics exist over here, I’m never part of it though. The only time I’ve really seen it is when my brother had a hot rod years ago. All the voting and awards were rigged towards friends etc….. Pretty much was a load of crap but that didn’t stop us having fun.

    For me the number 1 draw card to a show is the mandatory sausage and onion bbq sandwich and a cold drink to wash it down. I could’nt care less about the cars and awards. Catching up with a few guys and talking about what ever people are up is number 2, then come the cars lol

    What seems to have taken off over here is the more casual large turnouts for exactly what I mentioned above lol I missed a couple of new ones in Melbourne but Sydney has the same style events as well. You’re probably seen the moderator Kev with his skyline at one of these generic meets. Personally I think they are the way of the future for their no fuss casual approach. All Japan Day in Melbourne is really good as far as traditional shows go for visitors.

    A few of the larger shows have come and gone over the years, nothing lasts forever….

    Just wanted to say it’s about the bbq at the event not the cars themselves , I can only look at so many Mazda’s and Toyota’s before I loose interest lol

  36. Andre says:

    Aren’t “rat rods, purposefully “patina-ed” cars, drift missiles” and “JDM tyte drift slut(s) or slammed beater(s)” rice to begin with? Just sayin’.

  37. Andre says:

    Aren’t “rat rods, purposefully patina-ed cars, drift missiles” and “JDM tyte drift slut(s) or slammed beater(s)” rice to begin with? Just sayin’.

  38. conservancy@MHR says:

    … if you’re having problems with JCCS/TORC inclusion, getting your car through their newfangled red tape barrier (e.g., “pre-inspection”), just Home Depot a makeshift inter-cooler to your front bumper, and run some faux aeroquip to it, through one of your headlights. When the TORC/JCCS people see that, they’ll automatically bump you, to the front of the line and they’ll give you a prime location – asj.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      You are clearly delusional, so I don’t expect you to understand my previous comment, but the style you are trying to describe, bosozoku, is NOT favored among Japanese people. The organizers actually dislike that style but let the cars in despite the fact that it is not their personal preference.

      Don’t expect a followup response from me either. Instead, please seek help from mental health professionals for your paranoid fantasies. This is not sarcasm. I am 100% serious.

  39. Nihon Tinman Machine says:

    Dear Mr. conservancy@MHR

    I quoth you,

    “… JNC/JCCS/TORC insiders are always right. And, everybody else is always wrong — asj.”

    Close, but no cigar… I think you miswrote that, it seems what you meant to say is,

    “I are always right. And, everybody else is always wrong — asj.”

    Chill out, oh inflammatory conservancy person.

    There’s no right and there is no wrong. The event is evolving. Maybe it could be handled better or differently, but it’s not your call. JCCS isn’t your show or my show, so come up with a show you can call your own and make your own rules or lack of them.

    I like what the Aussie guy said…. it’s all about the food and the people.

    Peace out.

    bzzzzzzt!

  40. Trollcop says:

    I spy with m little eye… a Troll.

  41. Trollcop says:

    I spy with my little eye, a Troll.

    • Ben Hsu says:

      Thanks for the heads up x2. The troll has been tagged & banned.

      conservancy@MHR thinks I used personal attacks? He’s damn right and I’ll do it again when it is so properly deserved. Cry censorship and conspiracy all you want, but your comments that make wild accusations of racism and use sexual orientation as a pejorative have been removed and I stand by that decision.

      • robakun says:

        Good call. this guy was no good news for this thread.

        There is discussion, dispute and disagreements. There are other things that people can agree on. However when you cross the line, you should go take a walk.

        If he wants to come see me, I will be at JCCS! I just dont know if I want to give him any time!

  42. ccrunner says:

    Several good posts on this topic, but I’d like to approach it from the spectator side.

    When I go to a car show, I gravitate toward the modded, personalized stuff.. I have a street rod background, and over the years found that the ‘stock’ 57 Chevy/65 Mustang/67 Camaros etc, etc are nice, but unless the owner has made it his/her own, I find I just give it a glance and move onto something more interesting. Same is true for the Japanese makes- I love looking at the stuff that is NOT factory fresh/#s matching/restored …let’s be clear, I have much respect for something that’s loved and restored and clean, I just have more interest if it’s been breathed on/ improved/ modded in some way.. Take it for what it is.. my oddball little J-tin project has been in the show (I missed signup this year and likely would have been rejected anyway) and people seemed to groove on it.. Maybe I’ll try again when my panels all match… In the meantime, I’ll be in the parking lot, talking to the guy that drove his heap there, and asking him about the hundreds of hours he’s spent improving his marquee to suit his style and passion

  43. Wilbur says:

    This show was started 10 years ago as a grassroots show for japanese cars which did not have a show to “show off” what the japanese classic car scene was “all about”
    Back in the 50’s a Classic American Car Show would had shown within its ranks ratty cars as well as pristine ones.
    It was a young scene back then, young in life of the classic car scene. Nowadays an American Classic Car Show would have lots of cars in pristine condition because the movement has matured, as well as its followers. Most American Classic car owners are those who were teen agers in decades past, now older and financially stable people with money to spend and style well defined.
    Todays Japanese Classic Car Scene is what the American Car scene was back in the 50’s and 60’s and 70’s. Most owners of these cars are what owners of the american cars were in those times, younger, with less money to spend, doing what back then elders did not approve, like todays elders still do not really acept (a japanese car moded ).
    The problem I see with this JCCS deal is that its founder is barking at and bitting those who comprise the japanese car movement. Those who supported and made this show grow and develope, are those whom these organizer is showing animosity.
    Also adding insult to injury, a big part of this Japanese classic Car Show will be devoted to cars that do not belong in this class (post 1979 cars). Call ot for what it is becoming, a Japanese Car Show. The Classic element is going the way side.
    I do not see a future for this show. The turning point has been reached. The founder did not grow with its soul, the founder has decided to morph into a all inclusive japanese car show, and it has decided to estrange itself from tghose classic car enthusiasts that are the fan base and the young blood this movement needs.
    If you want to se a Concourse Du Elegance Japanese deal, your only option (at least for a few decades) will be to have the most invested and finalized examples of the most regarded models of japanese tin accepted into the real Concourse Du Elegance, there you will be able to see a Skyline, a Cosmo 3 Rotor, a Toyota or any high strung example of Japanese Cars at that kind of show.
    But to attempt to turn todays Japanese Classic Car scene into a Concourse is as silly as asking young americans not to take rat Chevys to Hot Rod shows back in the 50’s

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