Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Happy 510 Day from JNC
Just a reminder to cherish your Bluebird on this May 10, our day of 510s. Happy 510 Day from your friends at JNC.
KIDNEY, ANYONE? 19k-mile 1974 Toyota Corolla
Proof again that California does not have a monopoly on classic J-tin comes in the form of this Philadelphia-based 1974 Toyota Corolla 1600 Deluxe. Said to be a one-owner car with just under 19,000 original miles, it is likely one of the least … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda S660 confirmed for 2015
Honda has greenlit the S660 roadster, shown at the Tokyo Motor Show last year, for production. The mid-engined kei sports car will begin rolling off the assembly lines in 2015.
QotW: Is Toyota making the right move?
Last week it was confirmed that Toyota USA would be moving from its home of 57 years in southern California to new digs in Plano, Texas. Is Toyota making the right move? On the one hand, there are dollars to … Continue reading
2014 All-Toyotafest, a reminder
There are only three days till the 19th annual All-Toyotafest. As usual, JNC will be there with a booth, and we’ll be making the drive in this black 1980 Toyota Supra. Stop by and say hi. As it happens, the day of … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the greatest nostalgic Toyota?
This coming Saturday marks two very special events for Toyotaku. Not only is it the 19th annual All-Toyotafest, but it’s also the birthday of ToMoCo President Akio Toyoda! Therefore, we take this opportunity to ask a question: What’s the greatest nostalgic Toyota? … Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota USA moving headquarters to Texas
Toyota USA might be moving its US headquarters to Texas, unconfirmed reports say. UPDATE: It was confirmed this morning by Toyota in an official press release. The move would put Toyota USA’s executives closer to its manufacturing hubs in San Antonio, … Continue reading
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T-minus one week: Toyotafest!
Just a reminder that at this time next week, you should be at Queen Mary Park for the biggest Toyotafest yet. This year registration filled up in a matter of days, something that’s never happened before, so you know it’s … Continue reading
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JNC THEATER: Solaris
The 1972 Russian film Solaris is considered one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. It tells the tale of a psychologist sent to investigate the deteriorating mental state of a space station crew orbiting the distant planet of Solaris. Like many sci-fi … Continue reading
Nissan Bluebird and Toyota Levin revived in China, in name at least
Soon, you will be able to buy a 2015 Nissan Bluebird or Toyota Levin. Only, they won’t be available in Japan, and definitely not in the US. Instead, Japanese automakers are reviving these classic nameplates for the Chinese market.
Winning Paul Newman documentary seeks Tom Cruise
Adam Carolla and his crew are hard at work putting together the Winning, the documentary about Paul Newman‘s racing life. We recently met Carolla and producer Nate Adams, and we can confirm that the level dedication and work they’ve committed … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your best fuel-saving JNC story?
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and if we can get real for a moment let’s admit that one of the main reasons Americans bought Japanese cars by the boatload is because we’re cheaper than Scrooge McDuck when it comes to fuel. Japan … Continue reading
EVENTS: Mazda Miata’s 25th birthday steals the NY Auto Show
Welcome back to Miata week here at JNC. We’ve covered the origin story of the world’s favorite sports car, and now we’re at the New York Auto Show, where Mazda’s party for the Miata’s 25th birthday is in full swing. … Continue reading
25 YEAR CLUB: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is officially a Japanese Nostalgic Car
Break out the champagne, because the Mazda MX-5 Miata is 25 years old. Later this week at the New York Auto Show, Mazda will throw a birthday party for what is not only one of the most significant Japanese cars … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your greatest Mazda MX-5 story?
This week at the New York International Auto Show, Mazda will officially celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Mazda Miata, thus inducting it into the “25 Year Old” club of Japanese nostalgic cars. The great thing about the MX-5 is … Continue reading
PRODUCT GUIDE: Koyorad 1971-74 Corolla aluminum radiator
Last summer we informed you that the guys at Koyorad were working on yet another aluminum radiator for classic Japanese cars. This time, the beneficiary was the classic bantamweight street fighter known simply as the TE27. Well the development process has … Continue reading
THE VAULT: That time Mr. K met Barbara Eden
Yutaka “Mr K” Katayama was a celebrity in his own right, but mostly in the automotive world of die-hard Nissan nut jobs. Barbara Eden, on the other hand (for those under the age of 25), was the Zooey Deschanel of … Continue reading
VIDEO: 8-second kujira Crown
So you find one of the rarest Toyotas ever to make landfall in the US, and what do you do? Tub it out, drop in a 2JZ bored .40 over with HKS 280 cams, and take it to the strip, … Continue reading
VIDEO: Chris Forsberg drifting a Datsun 280Z
And now for your viewing pleasure, Chris Forsberg drifting his 500hp, RB25-swapped Datsun 280Z. Chris may be better known his day job as a Formula D champ and pilot of a near-1,000hp Nissan 370Z powered by the VK56 V8 from a Titan … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your best high mileage JNC story?
One of the main reasons people buy Japanese cars in the first place is because of their ridiculous longevity. Ironically, Japanese roadworthiness inspections are so prohibitively expensive that it’s fairly common for many owners to ditch new cars after just … Continue reading
