Author Archives: Dan Hsu
EVENTS: Pacifico
Pacifico is the first show in southern California by Historic J, who have put on events like the Bayline Gathering, Vintage Auto Salon, and Shokuji J-Tin in the San Francisco area. If the show’s name sounds familiar, you might be thinking of … Continue reading
VIDEO: Toyota Sports 800. Fun!
Our friends at Petrolicious have produced a beautiful film about the Yotahachi, Toyota’s first sports car. Weighing in at only 1,280 pounds thanks to prodigious use of aluminum, it needed only a 45hp two-cylinder boxer to make it a barrel of monkeys. Owner Scott … Continue reading
VIDEO: A Tale of Two Datsuns
It was the best of Zs, it was the worst of Zs. Well, not the worst Z in actuality, but perhaps the worst paint job. But the owner wouldn’t have it any other way. According to this video, there are … Continue reading
VIDEO: “The Streets of Japan in 4K”
Speaking of tuning trends, the neon Lamborghinis are back, along with biker chicks, RWB Porsches, and a brief glimpse of bosozoku sleds. It’s the current state of Japanese car culture, as viewed through the lens of the mainstream west. Love or … Continue reading
PRODUCT GUIDE: Koyorad 22RE Toyota Trucks radiator
Koyorad has been a great support of both JNC the website and JNCs the cars, as they are one of the few aftermarket companies consistently releasing products for J-tin vehicles. The latest addition to their Japanese Classic radiator line is actually for … Continue reading
ART CORNER: A Honda Z600 encounters a Toyota 2000GT space fish
We have no idea what’s going on in this manga. All we were told is that it’s from a very short run, most likely a self-published doujinshi. In it, Honda Z600 travels through the cosmos and a Toyota 2000GT is rendered … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? 58k-mile Mitsubishi Starion
It’s hard to get much more 80s Japanese than the Mitsubishi Starion, but it’s often overlooked in favor of AE86s, Z31s and FC RX-7s. There were only three at JCCS this year, and those who do follow the cult of Starion … Continue reading
REMINDER: 2014 Japanese Classic Car Show
The 2014 Japanese Classic Car Show is just around the corner. this Saturday, September 27. It will be a very special occasion as the JCCS celebrates its 10th anniversary. As promised, there are some surprises in store, and here are … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? 125-mile 1985 Honda Civic
These may be the worst photos ever taken by someone trying to sell what is claimed to be a historic vehicle. Despite the potato-cam, however, the seller of this 1985 Honda Civic hatchback claims that it was a special car commemorating the … Continue reading
EVENTS: Nissan Jam, Part 02
One of the great things about an event like Nissan Jam is the sheer diversity of cars it brings out. Sure, there are Z and Roadster gatherings in SoCal, and 510s are bound to show up wherever you go, but there … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2014 Nissan Jam, Part 01
Now in its second year, Nissan Jam is quickly becoming SoCal’s go-to event for Nissan and Datsun fans of all stripes. Take one look around and you’ll see everything from ever-popular 510s and 240Zs to B210s and 240SXes. But forget the alphanumeric soup, let’s … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? Bubble Economy Honda Civic Si trio
Have you noticed? Original, mint-condition, late-80s Hondas have been coming out of the woodwork over the past year. On eBay, right now, there are two Civic Si examples, both incredibly clean, while a similar-condition CRX Si auction just ended. Are we seeing a … Continue reading
Reminder: Nissan Jam 2014, Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!
Just a reminder, the 2014 Nissan Jam show will be this Sunday, June 15 in Costa Mesa, California. There will be over 100 Datsun and Nissan cars at this event, from Sunnys to GT-Rs, hakosukas to Zs. Special guest MC Alain … Continue reading
EVENTS: 2014 All-Toyotafest
Our friends at TORC have just released their 2014 All-Toyotafest flyer. Here’s everything you need to know about the 19th running of this fantastic yearly gathering of Toyota, Lexus and Scion enthusiasts. When: May 3, 2014, 9am – 3pm Where: … Continue reading
So despite earning $15 million last year for his Game of Thrones series, author George R.R. Martin drives an FB Mazda RX-7, which Yahoo cyberstalked and found parked outside his Santa Fe, New Mexico house. His personalized license plate has his … Continue reading
VIDEO: Original owner 1987 Honda CRX Si
In the 27 years Chris Hoffman has owned his 1987 Honda CRX Si he’s seen his model of choice transform from econobox to tuner king to Japanese classic. Now his well-preserved car is also the subject of Petrolicious‘ latest video, titled “Original Fanboy.” As it … Continue reading
VIDEO: Kaz — Pushing the Virtual Divide delves into the mind of Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo series transformed the way an entire generation was introduced to cars. Among its game-changing achievements — ultra realism, actual manufacturer unveilings, developing world-class race drivers — is one very special triumph for JNCers. It was not only the … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Challenging Spirit of Honda
At the Tokyo Motor Show last November Honda released a short video called “The Challenging Spirit of Honda.” Chock full of 1960s racing footage from Honda’s first foray into Formula 1, it begins with Old Man Soichiro’s world-beating RC motorcycles and … Continue reading