Author Archives: Ben Hsu
QotW: What complete JNC body shell should be reproduced next?
The AE86-osphere went kind of nuts last week when it was revealed that they can buy a complete unibody Sprinter Trueno shell on Alibaba. The iconic drift sled is a good candidate for this treatment, as the majority of original … Continue reading
Posted in Question of the Week
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The story of Mooneyes told in ‘Craft of Speed’ documentary
The origins of Mooneyes has been well covered. The iconic hot rod equipment maker is one of the most recognizable brands in the custom car aftermarket, denoted by its cartoonish eyeballs logo and signature yellow cars. Yet this classic American … Continue reading
Reproduction Toyota AE86 shells are available on Alibaba
About 20 years ago, at the height of TNN’s Power Block and million dollar Hemi ‘Cudas at Barrett-Jackson, a company called Dynacorn blew SEMA’s minds with a complete reproduction 1967 Mustang Fastback body. Since then we’ve been wondering which Japanese … Continue reading
Posted in Product Guide
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The Lexus GS400 was a “barnstorming performance sedan”
The arrival of the second-generation Lexus GS turned up the heat on 1998’s luxury sedan market. Lexus was still young, less than a decade old, but the LS held down the unflappable luxury sedan corner, the SC had the beautiful … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the most 90s car?
As someone who lived through the 1990s, I feel like the decade is hard to pin down. A lot of what is called 90s is actually an 80s aesthetic, and everywhere you look there are claims that 90s fashion is … Continue reading
JCCS exclusive diecast Skyline GT-R with Advan livery announced
As if there were any more reasons to go to the 19th annual Japanese Classic Car Show this year, an exclusive diecast car that will only be available at the show has been announced. It’s a highly detailed 1/64 scale … Continue reading
The 1983 Honda XXX three-wheeled land jet was Honda’s first concept car
Last month we discussed the 1984 Honda HP-X concept car that had been restored. Honda called the HP-X its first concept car, but there had been others before it. Take the Honda XXX, for example, a bizarre three-wheeled vehicle that … Continue reading
Mazda CX-70 ad featuring an RX-7 GSL-SE is a real downer
We are always stoked when a JNC appears in an ad for a new car. It shows that the company cares about — or is at least aware of — its heritage. But there’s a rule of thumb in advertising … Continue reading
This Kyosho Datsun 240Z Safari Rally RC car wants to empty my wallet
It’s been over 20 years since I messed around with radio control cars, but Kyosho’s new Datsun 240Z rally car could suck me back in. The body is based on the S30 Z that won the 19th running of the … Continue reading
‘Nissan Love Story’ ad spans the decades with iconic cars
A new Japanese-market Nissan commercial tells a decades-long love story through classic cars. The spot is part of Nissan’s year-long 90th anniversary celebration, which began in December 2023. The ad features Nissan’s greatest hits in fast succession, promising a little … Continue reading
Toyota and Huf continue partnership with Land Cruiser-inspired streetwear
Last year Toyota partnered with streetwear brand Huf for a line of clothing with a Toyota and TRD truck theme. This year the collab continues with a lineup of Land Cruiser-inspired apparel, timed to arrive with the return of the … Continue reading
QotW: What’s your favorite Japanese motorcycle?
Today, August 19, is Motorcycle Day in Japan. The date of the holiday comes from a pun. In Japanese, an alternate pronunciation of eight is ba, one is i, and nine is ku. Put them together and you have baiku, … Continue reading
Posted in News
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Toyota Celica could debut at Tokyo Auto Salon with 400 horsepower
After many months of rumors about a Celica revival, reports now say that the return of the Toyota sports coupe could come as early as five months from now. Not only that, but the Celica will reportedly be powered purely … Continue reading
‘Seibu Keisatsu’ put a bomb on a runaway bus 12 years before ‘Speed’
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the unforgettable 1994 action film Speed. The Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock flick told the story of a cop trying to stop a moving city bus full of passengers from succumbing to a … Continue reading
