Author Archives: Ben Hsu
The New York Times Talks Hondas
The New York Times came out with their take on Honda’s 50 years in America recently. We disagree with the conclusion that they won’t be classics (the same thing was said about every Chevy, Ford and Dodge to come out … Continue reading
Toyota Soarer Soars Through Your Computer
Good lord, this 1983 Toyota Soarer ad looks like a deleted scene from Tron. It’s almost as insanely 80s as this MkII Toyota Celica Supra commercial we found a while back. Just thought you’d like to see what a Toyota … Continue reading
Friday Video: Abunai Deka Cedric 430 Chase
In this clip from 80s Japanese cop show Abunai Deka, a Nissan Cedric 430 unmarked patrol car gives chase to a Gloria Van of the same generation. As you can see, this series doesn’t take itself as seriously as, say, … Continue reading
Posted in JNC Theater
Tagged 430, abunai deka, cedric, datsun, gloria, japanese cop show, nissan, wagons
3 Comments
Sold! 1972 Datsun 240Z for $2000
Yes, you read that right. $2000. Tipster John O. recently wrote that a friend of his bought this 1972 Datsun 240Z from the original owner, an old lady who always babied the car. She only let Datsun/Nissan dealerships perform work … Continue reading
Event Horizon: Heatwave Edition
As summer heats up there’s just more and more events coming down the pipeline!
Posted in events
7 Comments
JNC Book Club: In Search of the Holden Piazza
In case you’ve missed the epic debate in the JNC Forums regarding the Isuzu Piazza (called the Impulse in the US market), here’s your chance to read all about what could be either one of the greatest (or one of … Continue reading
Posted in isuzu
Tagged chris warr, holden piazza, in search of the holden piazza, isuzu, isuzu impulse, isuzu piazza, joe kremzer
5 Comments
Michael Jackson's Message is Suzuki Love
We’re a little late here, but it occurred to us that Michael Jackson did a bunch of Japanese ads for the Suzuki Love back in the day. We always thought they were a little cheesy in that 80s Japanese commercial … Continue reading
JNC Wagon Breaks Down at Another Junkyard
Our poor little JNC Wagon! It’s like the Giving Tree of cars. It relinquishes every ounce of pull we demand of it and yet we just keep asking and asking for more. It hauls loads of magazines and our booth … Continue reading
Posted in how to, toyota, wagons
14 Comments
Kidney, Anyone? Actual J-Tin Toyota Crowns
Forget Tomicas and Choro-Qs, those are nice toys but the real money’s in J-Tin. No, not that J-tin, but actual toy cars from the 60s made of real tinplate. Most have friction motors inside that can move the car if … Continue reading
Posted in minicar, toyota
Tagged japanese tin toy, toyopet, toyopet crown, toyota, toyota crown
4 Comments
Friday Video: Seibu Keisatsu's New Recruits
Hmm, it seems that the last Friday Video, Keishichou Satsujinka, failed to generate the type of enthusiasm among Subaru and Toyota fans that Seibu Keisatsu clips instill among Nissan nuts. How about the unlikely combination of Seibu‘s cast and Toyotas? … Continue reading
Posted in cm, datsun, nissan, seibu keisatsu, toyota
7 Comments
Event Horizon: Independence Day Weekend
While you enjoy your hot dogs and fireworks this Independence Day weekend here’s some activities you can do with your car family.
Posted in events
5 Comments
JNC Wagon: Tokico Shocks Install
A bone stock 1986 Cressida Wagon is a lanky beast, in desperate need of a slam. We’ve had low-down springs on our JNC Wagon for a while now, but 23-year-old shock absorbers meant we were bobbing like a Halloween apple … Continue reading
Posted in how to, toyota, wagon
Tagged tokico shocks, tokico struts, toyota cressida, toyota cressida wagon
17 Comments
Japanese Classic Car Show Registration Open
This is it, kyusha fans. Registration for the 2009 Japanese Classic Car Show is now open! This one’s a can’t-miss because it’s the fifth anniversary of the JCCS and it will be the biggest ever. If you haven’t done so … Continue reading
Kidney, Anyone? 1974 Mazda RX-4 "GTR"
Before we found this 1974 Mazda RX-4 on ebay, we thought the letters “GTR” were found trailing the emblems on Nissan Skylines, Isuzu Bellets, and the occasional Toyota Carina. According to the seller, the GTR was a special edition for the … Continue reading
Carboy, Circa 1998: Draggin' MarkII Wagon
Doesn’t it seem like 1998 was not that long ago, when in fact it’s been over 10 years already? Back before the formation of D1GP, drag racing was still all the rage in Japan. Drifting was on juuust the verge … Continue reading
Posted in toyota, wagon
9 Comments
Our Honda, in the Middle of the Street
This is hilarious: the 80s British ska group Madness (of “Our House” fame) did a series of Japanese commercial for the Honda City and Honda City Turbo. Note the appearance of the Motocompo folding scooter, which came with the car. … Continue reading
It’s Official: Cash for Clunkers is Law
The Cash for Clunkers law we’ve all been dreading passed both houses of Congress and was signed by the President yesterday. Although funding was reduced to $1 billion from its original $4 billion, and is limited to a four-month window, … Continue reading
Posted in laws
19 Comments
Kidney, Anyone? Tomica Grand Prix Circuit
So Transformers not your style? Here’s our first open kidney offer that doesn’t involve an actual car. It’s a vintage Tomica Grand Prix Circuit set that we came across while skimming the Tomica Fan Club forums. Talk about cool… just … Continue reading
