Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Starlet Baja Racing, Presence of Popeye Inexplicable
The title really says it all.
Vintage Racing Hart and Bilbo Ads
Just came across these vintage JDM wheel ads from Racing Hart and your favorite JDM wheel named after a Tolkien character, Bilbo. Follow the jump to see more ads.
JNC Magazine Sneak Peek
We’ve added a brief rundown of the first issue’s table of contents, which you can see here.
JNC Magazine Update
The last few months have been a monsoon of activity here. But finally, the magazine is at the printers! They will be mailed out directly from the printers at the end of next week to take full advantage of savings … Continue reading
Taisho My Ride!
Check out this image modifier. It makes any photo you upload look like it was taken in the Taisho Era, which lasted from 1912 to 1926. Make your own and share them here. [Source: Wanokoto]
Gas ‘N’ Mach GoGoGo with Speed Racer
In Japan, the 60s manga and anime series known here as Speed Racer is so popular that it’s even spawned a chain of service stations and used car lots. Everything is Speed Racer themed, including the in-store service computer menus. … Continue reading
More Skyline Ads with Ken & Mary
Ok, by now you guys have all figured out yesterday’s post about a majority share of Nissan being bought out by Tata Motors was an April Fool’s joke. Sorry, we couldn’t resist! Well here’s some old Nissan Skyline that are … Continue reading
Tata Motors to Buy Nissan, Revive Datsun Name
Not content with its recent purchase of Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford, India’s Tata Motors is turning their sights eastward with a lock on Nissan. The Ford deal netted India’s largest conglomerate three other hallowed marques too – Rover, … Continue reading
Skyline Drives Through Alien Desert with Spacefish
When George Lucas wanted to zazz up Star Wars with an automotive cross-promotion in 1977, he opted for a Toyota Celica Liftback. Say what you will about the prequels, but the man had vehicular taste. A dozen years later in … Continue reading
(Hayashi) Sakuras in Full Bloom
This weekend begins the National Cherry Blossom Festival in our nation’s capital. The sakura were a gift from Japan to the USA in 1912 and the first festival was held in 1935. We’ve seen some sweet old rides with the … Continue reading
We'll Always Have Yatabe
Check out these sad photos from Yatabe Test Track, which the Japanese Automobile Research Institute opened in 1964. It may look like just another banked slab of concrete, but many a high-performance car was put through its paces here. And … Continue reading
Datsun 280ZX, Someday
Back when we were kids there was no Wii, MyFace, or whatever the hell kids are into these days. The bicycle was the king of birthday presents, and the freedom of movement it provided is probably what turned us into … Continue reading
Cool Cosmo Sports
With only 1,519 of the Mazda Cosmo Sports built, it’s rare to see one with heavy modification done, especially to the body. Although some might cringe to see one of these in anything less than original condition, we think this … Continue reading
Toyota Ghost Found on Toast
Today is Resurrection Day, and as everyone knows, long-dead spiritual figures just love to reveal themselves to the world via pre-sliced bread conveniently warmed by modern kitchen appliance. Toast is the medium of choice, in fact, for the likes of … Continue reading
Proposed CA Bill Threatens Pre-1976 Cars
California State Senator Dean Florez has proposed a new bill that, if passed, will repeal the emissions exemption on pre-1976 cars in eight California counties. This means your classic car would have to pass California’s emissions test for the life … Continue reading
The End of a Kareha?
It’s being reported now that the Japanese government is encouraging drivers over the age of 65 to hand over their driver’s licenses. It’s a move meant to reduce congestion in crowded cities and road accidents as well, about 100,000 of … Continue reading


