Author Archives: Ben Hsu
PRODUCT GUIDE: From the creators of Rocket Bunny, a new widebody kit for the Datsun 620
In the race to find the next hot kyusha to widebody, TRA Kyoto has unveiled its latest creation, the Pandem kit for the Datsun 620.
Posted in Product Guide
Tagged 620, datsun, Kei Miura, nissan, Pandem, Rocket Bunny, TRA Kyoto, trucks
17 Comments
VIDEO: No big deal, just a couple of 2JZ Toyota 2000GTs driving around
You know Rocky Auto, the famous Japanese tuner known for his radical takes on classic Nihon steel. When it came time to build his ultimate creation, a 2JZ-powered Toyota 2000GT, however, the originals were too rare and valuable to modify. So founder … Continue reading
VIDEO: It’s hard finding Cosmo Sport parts in Japan
If you haven’t been keeping up with Mazda Germany’s web series about the restoration of a very rusty Cosmo Sport race car, you’re missing one of the best car restoration shows out right now. Since we last checked in, there have … Continue reading
VIDEO: Listen to the engine roar of three seminal GT-Rs
We’ve snapped a lot of photos and spilled a lot of digital ink writing about the Skyline GT-R, but one thing that images and words can’t convey is the amazing aural power of its incredible engines. Luckily, Motor Trend provides … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2017 Nissan Jam, Part 04 — Nissan Forever
Why do people love Nissans so much? Our final installment of our Nissan Jam coverage, offers an explanation. Perhaps it’s the sheer diversity of not just the cars from the factory, but that of the custom styles they inspired. Speaking of inspiration, the … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2017 Nissan Jam, Part 03 — All Together Now
Nissan owners are a passionate bunch, with owners who are fanatical about Z-Cars, 510s, and Skylines. While it’s great to be enthusiastic about your favorite model, the fervency expressed by owners of the most popular models often overshadows the amazing diversity of … Continue reading
VIDEO: Do any of these Toyotas remind you of the new Camry?
Toyota is launching the 2018 Camry in Japan, and pulling out their greatest hits to do so. The newest Camry commercial begins with images of the MR2, Soarer, Altezza, Celica and Supra, a stick-shift X70, and many more — all set … Continue reading
Touge California: Honoring 50 years of the rotary engine
Our commemorative poster for this year’s Touge California commemorates the calling card of our title sponsor, Mazda. It has been 50 years since the world’s first production dual-rotor engine debuted on the 1967 Cosmo Sport. Our poster honors the historic achievement with … Continue reading
Posted in Touge California
Tagged cosmo sport, familia, mazda, r100, rotary engine, Touge California
6 Comments
VIDEO: Mazda’s History of Red
Even though I own a red car, in most cases I don’t like the color. It’s loud, hides the taillight design, and generally makes it seem as if the car is trying to compensate for something, whether it’s speed or exoticness. Also, … Continue reading
Happy 710 Day from JNC
A JNC public service announcement: On this and very 710 Day, please make sure you fill up whatever’s under your 710 cap. Image: NICO Club
TOUGE CALIFORNIA: Roundels not round this year
Touge California has a tradition of using large magnetic roundels to identify cars participating in the rally. They are not for sale and only available to participants of the event. For this year’s event, which will take place July 15, the … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2017 Nissan Jam, Part 02 — Celebrating 50 years of the Datsun 510
This year’s Nissan Jam celebrated the 50th anniversary of a very special model, the Datsun 510. Released in 1967 in Japan and arriving in the US for the 1968 model year, it is the car that did the most to change people’s minds about … Continue reading
Happy 4th of July from JNC
Here’s some red, white and blue on the most American 240SX ever — an IMSA race car, not a drift missile — in honor Independence Day. Happy 4th of July from JNC.
Happy MX73 Day from JNC!
Not particularly beloved when new, The Cressida has gained a second life as a drift missile, zokusha sled, and bona fide classic. Happy MX73 Day from JNC!
JCCS 2017 registration now open
Registration for the 13th annual Japanese Classic Car Show is now open. North America’s largest gathering of historic Japanese vehicles will be taking place at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California on September 23, 2017. You can register at the … Continue reading
Posted in Reminder
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EVENTS: 2017 Nissan Jam, Part 01 — Starting with Z
Now in its fifth year, Nissan Jam has grown beyond its humble origins as a dealership show. While there’s still a ways to go before it catches up with events like Toyotafest in both caliber and scope, the Nissan, Datsun and Infiniti show … Continue reading
The Datsun 620 looks pretty good as a wagon, it turns out
Your eyes do not deceive you. This is a wagon with a 620 front, and it’s not a one-off custom. It’s an actual car produced in an actual factory, and any Google searches conducted for it seem to only return this … Continue reading
MOTORBIKES: This 50th Anniversary Special will be last Honda Monkey ever made
As we reported back in April, the Honda Monkey will be discontinued at the end of August after 50 years of production. To mark the occasion, Honda has created one final special edition of the famed mini-bike. The Honda Monkey 50th … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? You’ll never guess how much this TE27 SR5 sold for
The rise of JNC prices continues, with this 1974 Toyota Corolla SR5 having recently sold for a truly impressive sum. While we have seen Datsuns and rotaries sell for around $20,000, it’s not that common to see Toyotas in the sporty RWD coupe … Continue reading
MOTORSPORT: A history of Toyota’s heartbreaks at Le Mans, Part 02
In Part 01, Toyota ended 1992’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with a second place finish, their best to date, in the TS010. Surprisingly, a 3.6-liter Toyota 92C-V fielded by Trust (GReddy) based on the older generation of Group C racers took … Continue reading
