Author Archives: Ben Hsu
Happy 86 Day from JNC
As far as we know, 86 Day was the first of the chassis code-based holidays in the JNC community. Toyota even started an official 86 Festival in Japan at Fuji Speedway on August 6. Can you think of any earlier … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your dealbreaker when buying a used JNC?
Buying the JNC of your dreams can be a harrowing task. We all know the heart flutter we get when the proper model, trim level, condition, color, and optional equipment shows up in an ad. We also know the gut-wrenching … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Geo Tracker should be your next overlanding rig
When you think Geo Tracker, your brain typically conjures the image of a convertible top, two-door, cute-ute, maybe in some jaunty color, maybe hanging out at the beach. But the Tracker, and the Suzuki Sidekick it was based on, had … Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota’s next supercar could cost $1.8 to $2.7 million
Another reason Toyota might have farmed out the production of the A90 Supra is that it might be coming out with another supercar that will blow the Supra, 2000GT, and Lexus LFA out of the water. Reportedly, Toyota is planning … Continue reading
VIDEO: Why Nissan celebrated the 50th anniversary of the GT-R and Z at a rest stop
This year marks momentous anniversaries for several Japanese institutions. The Nissan Skyline GT-R turned 50 in February, and the Nissan Fairlady Z will celebrate its 50th this fall. To commemorate these events, Nissan held a 50th anniversary celebration not at … Continue reading
Posted in Video
Tagged 370z, datsun, fairlady z, gt-r, Hiroshi Tamura, nissan, r32, r33, r34, r35, skyline, Tomei Expressway, z33
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QotW: What’s was the moment you fell in love with JNCs?
There were several moments for me, but the first was a photo of a Toyota 2000GT found in the magazine rack of a Skaggs Alpha Beta in Texas circa 1989. Young me had thought Corvettes and Countaches were the be-all … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? Original-owner 1988 Nissan Van
Here’s your chance to own perhaps one of the rarest JNCs ever sold in the US. You’ll probably see more Hakosuka Skylines on the road than the second-generation Nissan Vanette, known simply as the Nissan Van in the States, as … Continue reading
Japan unleashes retro mobile post office based on the Toyota HiLux
On July 19 Japan’s postal service kicked off a national campaign featuring a retro truck that will serve as a mobile mail drop. Based on the sixth-generation Toyota HiLux, the roving post office will travel to tourist destinations and appear … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Plymouth Colt showed what Mitsubishi was capable of at its peak
It’s no secret that Mitsubishi hasn’t been at its best in recent years. Back when it was firing on all cylinders and spinning all its silent shafts, its lineup was actually described as “terrific” and full of “show stoppers,” according … Continue reading
QotW: What modern car will be a collectible JNC 25 years from now?
Owners of classics love to complain about new cars. Not enough soul, too much tech, not enough value, too much weight, and so on. But, there are perhaps a few offerings that you would like to own, maybe even deem … Continue reading
VIDEO: Jay Leno compares a new Honda Cub with the original
When it comes to Japanese vehicles, Jay Leno’s Garage has been most entertaining when they’ve been about Honda bikes. The host has a true affinity for them in a way that’s not always there when he’s talking about, say, a … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?
Summer is a time for road trips, and there is perhaps no greater reward in life than making a journey in a car that you’ve built yourself, or cared for lovingly, or when even your timely arrival is not guaranteed. … Continue reading
Celebrating 40 years of Toyota Racing Development USA
These days TRD USA’s primary focus is with NASCAR and dressing up some trucks, but back in the 80s and 90s, it was a Toyotaku’s dream come true. Founded in 1979, it’s celebrating its 40th anniversary and looking back at … Continue reading
VIDEO: A tour of Nissan’s Zama warehouse
Nissan’s Zama warehouse is a 400-plus collection of historic, racing and concept cars, a living catalog of the company’s long history. It used to be closed to the public, and only those with a special invitation could see the cars. … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged c210, fairlady z, nissan, nissan zama warehouse, s130, skyline
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KIDNEY, ANYONE? The Corolla that started it all
The Toyota Corolla is the best selling nameplate in automotive history. It’s a household name, recognizable around the world to car enthusiast and normie alike, and has been produced for 12 generations and 53 years consecutively. Go back to its … Continue reading
VIDEO: Jay Leno drives another Datsun 510
On the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the host welcomes the prototypical hot rod for our generation. Leno mentions that for his era, it was the ’32 Ford, but for Millennials, it’s the Datsun 510. He may have been … Continue reading
QotW: What are your summer plans with your JNC?
It’s the heart of summer, at least for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, and the perfect occasion to spend a little time with our cars. Whether it’s some basic maintenance, digging into the rebuild of a major … Continue reading
Behold Miataland, the Miata-themed hotel in Italy
Any tour of Italy would have to include the Ferrari factory collections in Modena and Maranello, the Lamborghini museum in Bologna, or even the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin. But if you’re looking for a small slice of JNC worship, … Continue reading
TUNE UP: E20 Corolla spotted in Bad Bunny and Drake video
There is an E20 Toyota Corolla in the music video for “Mia” by Bad Bunny featuring Drake. The song actually came out late last year, but because we are Teh Olds and hail from a time when a drake was … Continue reading
MARKETWATCH: Another A80 Supra Turbo sells for record price at $176,000
Values of the A80 Toyota Supra Turbo keeps climbing. Over the weekend, another example sold at auction for prices well into the 6-digit range. This time, the gavel came down at $176,000, a new record.
