Author Archives: Ben Hsu
EARTH DAY: 1985 Nissan EV Guide Type II
The Nissan Leaf might be the best-selling electric car in the world, but Nissan has been experimenting with EVs since at least 1947. At the 1985 Tokyo Motor Show, they unveiled this Total Recall Johnny Cab-like contraption, called the EV Guide Type … Continue reading
NEWS: Nissan celebrates 60th anniversary of the Skyline
Sixty years ago, in April 1957, one of the most hallowed names in the Japanese car world was introduced at Tokyo Takarazuka Theater. The Skyline was not a Nissan yet, but a Prince. To celebrate this momentous occasion, Nissan is … Continue reading
VIDEO: Tommy Dolo’s bagged KP61 Starlet
Hawaii, a tropical paradise with warm beaches, beautiful marine wildlife, a thriving JNC community. Tommy Dolo is the godfather of Old School Imports Hawaii, and he’s built one badass bagged Toyota Starlet.
NIHON LIFE: How an automaker deals with scandal in Japan
As you may have heard, Mitsubishi Motors experienced a little scandal last year, in which it was found guilty of cheating government fuel economy tests. It sent stock plummeting so badly that Nissan was able to gobble it up and grab a … Continue reading
VIDEO: Hear the Nissan Fairlady 240ZG tear around Fuji Speedway
Fans at least year’s NISMO Festival were treated to the spectacle of Nissan’s historic racing machines tearing around the legendary Fuji Speedway. Though we were able to share photos of the event, there’s nothing like being there and hearing the cars actually … Continue reading
EVENTS: Old School Reunion Las Vegas
When a new car show for classic imports sprang up Las Vegas, it was an opportunity for our friends in the Wild Cards car club to reunite. Usually it’s the Las Vegas cohort that has to travel to SoCal, but in this case … Continue reading
EVENTS: Nostalgic2Days 2017, Part 02 — Skyline Central
When Nostalgic Hero lists their top Japanese classics of all time, the winner is not a Nissan Fairlady Z, Mazda Cosmo Sport, or even at Toyota 2000GT. It’s the KPGC10 Skyline GT-R. Whether you agree with the choice or not, there’s no denying … Continue reading
Happy National Pet Day from JNC
We’ve seen how JNCs, especially Hondas, can be loyal companions. In Japan, they have a whole campaign involving man’s best friend called Honda Dog. So in honor of National Pet Day, here’s a doberman pinscher that’s almost as tall as … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? The actual EF Civic from the world’s saddest Honda ad is now for sale
That little girl from the saddest Honda commercial in the universe may have missed out on her chance to drive her beloved EF Civic, but you don’t have to. The actual car used in the spot is now for sale … Continue reading
VIDEO: Custom Nissans used for baseball promos
Any baseball fans out there? It’s not uncommon for Japanese automakers to sponsor their home city teams. For years, Nissan sponsored the Yokohama Baystars and donated parade cars for the teams to use. As is the custom, Nissan would chop to the … Continue reading
VIDEO: Why must Honda torture us with this horrible tragedy?
Honda is apparently on a quest to make grown car-loving men and women weep like little babies. In its latest ad, titled “You Are the One,” a girl is cruelly separated from a beloved family member, an EF Honda Civic. Get … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda Civic Si revealed live on YouTube
Honda is about to revive a beloved nameplate from the tuner world. Both the 2017 Civic Si coupe and sedan will debut online today, April 6, at 8:00 am Pacific Time on YouTube. For seven generations, the Si has been the top-dog … Continue reading
NEWS: Nissan reveals 1977 Zzzap-inspired Heritage Edition 370Z
Nissan has revealed a special edition 370Z ahead of its debut the New York International Auto Show. The 2018 model seeks to honor the many Zs that have come before it with a special appearance package that recalls 1977’s ZZZap 280Z.
EVENTS: Nostalgic2Days 2017, Part 01 — Starting with Z
The annual Nostalgic 2 Days show in Yokohama is a fantastic weekend of cars organized by Nostalgic Hero magazine. It’s as if the pages spring to life, with many of its featured cars gathered in one spot. Though it does tend to be a … Continue reading
NEWS: Honda Monkey celebrates 50th anniversary, to be discontinued in August
It is with great sadness that we report the Honda Monkey will cease production by the end of this summer. Honda has announced that at the end of August 2017, the 50cc minibike will finish its 50-year run. Before it goes, though, … Continue reading
QotW: Will the coming influx of JDM imports make US-spec cars less desirable?
Take a car like the Honda Civic. For decades, the ultimate version to own has been the 125-horsepower 1993-95 Civic Si hatchback, or maybe the 1999-2000 Si coupe, preferably in an exclusive and rare color like Electron Blue Pearl. Finding a clean … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? Nissan President Sovereign VIP going up for auction
In recent years we’ve seen 2000GTs, Skyline GT-Rs, Z432s, Cosmo Sports, FJ40s and Centurys cross the auction block at some of the most high-profile auctions in the US. This weekend, a new contender will try to make a play for becoming the … Continue reading
MINICARS: Lego JNCs that need to be made into sets
Did you know that Lego has an Ideas website where you can submit models for a vote, and if you receive enough, the company will consider making the set? It takes 10,000 votes to get a model reviewed, and combing through … Continue reading
Koenigsegg founder built his own supercar as a tribute to his Miata
There are few cars so transcendent that they permeate the souls of people at every station in life. I think we can all agree that the Mazda Miata is one of them. We love the Miata, so do many of our … Continue reading


