Monthly Archives: August 2022
This 1960 Toyopet Crown Custom Sports is the only known survivor from Japan’s first coachbuilder
The Toyota Automobile Museum has shared some images of one of the rarest and most seldom seen cars from its collection, the 1960 Toyopet Crown Custom Sports. The hand-built car was the first attempt at a coach-built car from Japan. … Continue reading
NISMO reproduces Silvia S15 and Skyline R34 gauge clusters
NISMO has begun selling reproduction gauge clusters for the Silvia S15, Skyline R34, and Skyline GT-R BNR34 models. Note that these are not the OEM Nissan units, but actual NISMO aftermarket ones that would have been in-period upgrades for these … Continue reading
QotW: If you could only drive cars from one marque, what would it be?
If car companies had their way, every buyer would be a return customer. Start your automotive life with a Tercel, move up to a nicer Corolla at your first job, get a Camry when your family expands, and arrive in … Continue reading
Tetsu Ikuzawa’s 1967 Japan Grand Prix-winning 906 gets factory homage from Porsche
No, you haven’t mistakenly clicked on German Nostalgic Car (no relation). Granted, this isn’t the type of car we normally cover, but it’s too cool not to share. Porsche Japan has created a one-off factory custom tribute to Tetsu Ikuzawa’s … Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged 1967 Japan Grand Prix, fuji speedway, nissan, porsche, prince, r380, r381, r382, Tetsu Ikuzawa
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New California laws will mean stricter smog tests, phase-out of gasoline cars by 2035
The strictest state in the union in terms of emissions and fuel economy is about to put the hammer down on gasoline cars. Two laws introduced in California this week will crack down on emissions cheats and fossil fuels. It’s … Continue reading
Oops, someone has already wrecked a new Nissan Z
As you read this the Nissan Z is just arriving at dealers, but the first documented crash involving the new 400-horsepower sports car has already occurred. As it happens, the Z configurator went live on Nissan’s US site only two … Continue reading
Honda has been quietly reproducing parts for the 1988-99 Acty Truck
In recent years Japanese automakers have been remaking genuine parts for many of their most popular discontinued models. Thus far, such programs have been for sports cars and enthusiasts’ models. However, Honda has also been quietly reproducing parts for the … Continue reading
QotW: Daily, Garage, Sell — Roadster Edition
Welcome to another edition of Daily, Garage, Sell, JNC‘s version of Bang, Marry, Kill. You are presented with three cars. One is going to be your daily beater no matter what the weather, distance, or cost. Another will be parked in your … Continue reading
When the Kawasaki Z1 smashed the 24-hour world speed record
Today is National Bike Day in Japan. While the occasion has an emphasis on motorcycle safety, we’re going to focus on achievements. The game-changing Kawasaki Z1 turns 50 this year, and it came right out of the gates with a … Continue reading
Toyota Land Cruisers sure are starring in a lot of movies and TV shows these days
I don’t get the chance to watch a lot of movies or TV, but even with my limited media consumption I’ve seen a ton of Toyota Land Cruisers appearing in all types shows. They’re not just retro background decoration, either. … Continue reading
Toyota Supra successor rumored to spawn Mazda rotary variant
According to reports out of Japan, Toyota is reportedly working on a new sports car to be released sometime in 2026, around the time the current GR Supra is scheduled to sunset. The next version will allegedly be an electric … Continue reading
QotW: What formerly unremarkable JNC now sparks joy?
I’ve been in Monterey since 10:30 Sunday morning preparing for Car Week festivities. So far this 1991 Honda Accord Coupe has been the coolest thing I’ve seen, and it’s unlikely to be surpassed. It’s got a 5-speed manual, Pebble Beach … Continue reading
Japan’s motorsports history unfolds at Suzuka Circuit in the 1960s
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Suzuka Circuit. Japan’s first full-scale race track. It was the brain child of Soichiro Honda, who so fervently believed in racing as a means to improve his motorcycles and cars, he carved out … Continue reading
The Nissan Z configurator is now online, so this is how we’d build one
After what feels like eons of waiting, the time has finally come when you can get a new Z. Nissan has just launched its online configurator, prompting us to wonder how we would build a new Z. When a JNC … Continue reading
Rate This Ad: Nissan off-roads through the decades
A new Nissan commercial takes viewers on a ride through the decades. Titled “60 Years in 30 Seconds”, it features spokeswoman Brie Larson time-jumping from the 1959 to present day in various Nissans. If you think that sounds familiar, it’s … Continue reading
Posted in cm
Tagged 240z, Armada, Baja 1000, d21, datsun, hardbody, nissan, pathfinder, S30Z, safari rally
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How good are you at Japan’s Car Meister Test?
Can you correctly answer 100 questions about cars in one hour? If so, you might have what it takes to pass Japan’s Car Meister Test. Since 2014, the Japan Meister Test Association has held exams to see who qualifies as … Continue reading
QotW: What is the most “Japanese” car?
On this day 45 years ago, August 8, 1977, the fifth-generation Nissan Skyline debuted. We know the car today by its nickname, the Skyline Japan. It originated from the car’s ad campaign slogan, which claimed (by way of translation), “A … Continue reading
Building a tiny Mazda 787B model in 1/87 scale
The 1991 Mazda 787B needs no introduction. Its iconic orange and green paint scheme is one of the most recognizable liveries ever to grace a Le Mans winner. Due to its historic nature countless models of this car have been … Continue reading
