Japanese Nostalgic Car

Today, October 5, is James Bond Day. It marks the anniversary of the world premiere of Dr. No, the first 007 movie, in 1962. In July of this year, the Japanese government set up its own MI6, called the National Intelligence Bureau, which raises the question of what tricked out car a Japanese spy would drive. Traditionally, James Bond has driven British models, except for a period in the 90s when BMW threw a mountain of cash at the franchise. Assuming Jin Bandoh could not be bought, he’d need a Japanese car that’s swift enough to evade captors, classy enough to pull up to a casino, and moddable enough to hide an arsenal of gadgets. The cars can span decades too, whether he was saving the world in the swingin’ Showa or Bubble Era or modern day.

If James Bond was Japanese, what would he drive?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How have you given old parts new life?“. Continue reading →

Believe it or not, there’s a Used Automotive Parts Day in Japan and that day is today, September 28. It falls on this date because the words for car (kuruma), used (chūko), and parts (pātsu) sound vaguely like the numbers nine, two, and eight. The purpose of the occasion is to remind people that it’s more affordable and better for the environment to take advantage of parts that are still usable. In fact, the Japanese kanji for used is 中古, which literally means “middle old”, as in “not completely old and useless yet”. Whether it’s an entire drivetrain or a window switch, a used parts is sometimes the best (or only) way to keep your JNC running.

How have you given old parts new life?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your ultimate lightweight JNC?“. Continue reading →

Today, September 21, is officially Lightweight Day in Japan, established by Kawakami Sangyo Co., Ltd., a Nagoya bubble wrap manufacturer. Kawakami literally means “river’s source” and thus chose the water nymph Naiad from Greek mythology as their symbol. Naiad also happens to be the third moon of Neptune, the ninth planet according to Kawakami, this making Lightweight Day the third Monday of the ninth month (nevermind that Neptune’s really the eighth planet).

Dilettantes obsess over horsepower, but connoisseurs care about weight. And Japan is known for its many lightweight, nimble, and well-balanced cars, from Datsun 510s to Toyota AE86s to Mazda Miatas to Acura Integras.

What’s your ultimate lightweight JNC?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your best story about moving a dead car?“. Continue reading →

Being into old cars, most of us have almost certainly been in a situation where we’ve had to move a completely dead car. Maybe something went catstrophically wrong while on the road, or maybe you had to rescue a car that was destined for the crusher. Perhaps you had to rely on a janky improvised wheel chuck, some life-saving tool like an electric drill-powered winch, or the power of friendship. Anytime there’s two tons of steel free rolling there’s the potential for tragedy or a great anecdote.

What’s your best story about moving a dead car?

The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your favorite song or jingle associated with a car?“. Continue reading →