Author Archives: Dan Hsu
Happy Halloween from JNC
Is there anything scarier than a long-neglected project car lurking in its cramped parking spot? It’s as if this Isuzu Hillman Minx found in Kanto is beckoning, “Fix me… Fix me.” Happy Halloween from JNC!
VIDEO: For the 30th anniversary of the Acura NSX, chief engineer Shigeru Uehara has a message for fans
Building on the NSX’s 30th anniversary, Honda has released a message from the original car’s chief engineer, Shigeru Uehara. It’s all in Japanese, naturally, but with the help of our pal and Hot Wheels’ resident Honda-head Ryu Asada, we’ve been … Continue reading
QotW: What’s the greatest “normal” JNC?
The cars that yank hardest at our heartstrings are typically specialty machines — thrilling sports cars, rugged ladder-frame trucks, adorable kei jidosha, and such. However, there are legions of once-common grocery getters that are now rare and sought-after. And, possibly … Continue reading
Nissan takes over Cars & Coffee Tokyo with Z Proto
Cars & Coffee in Tokyo is a relatively small event but given its location, it’s a place where Japan’s carmakers will sometimes sneak a priceless concept out to mingle with enthusiasts. Sometimes, even a CEO will pop up and pose … Continue reading
Acura is seriously considering an NSX Refresh Program for North America
Honda has been offering a factory NSX refresh program in Japan for years. Owners can take their cars in and select from a menu of restoration items, from a deep clean to an engine rebuild. You can even get the … Continue reading
VIDEO: Here’s every generation of the Honda Trail Cub
Here’s a very informative history lesson on the Honda Trail Cub (or Hunter Cub, or Postie, depending on which continent you live on). Produced by Honda, it goes through every iteration of what started out as a Super Cub modified … Continue reading
Honda launches NSX 30th anniversary minisite in Japan
Over the weekend Honda launched an NSX 30th anniversary minisite in Japan. But wait, you might say. Didn’t Honda already celebrate the 30th anniversary of the NSX last year? Well, you would be correct. The event at the 2019 Chicago … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Honda Collection Hall’s S800 and NSX in action
Honda periodically posts videos of cars from their museum at Twin Ring Motegi going out for a spin. All the cars at the museum are kept in running condition, as these videos demonstrate, and as it happens the most recent … Continue reading
BIKES: Honda patent for electric Super Cub discovered
A patent for an electric Super Cub at the US Patent and Trademark Office has been unearthed. The patent looks like it was filed back in 2016, but was discovered by Autoblog this week. It contains an swapable battery pack … Continue reading
BIKES: Honda trademark filing could mean a new Motocompo
Honda has submitted a trademark application for the name “Motocompacto” with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The name immediately conjures visions of the 1981-85 Honda Motocompo, a folding scooter designed to fit in the cargo area of the Honda … Continue reading
An EK9 Honda Civic Type R has sold for $73,000
Prices on top-spec Hondas and Acuras from the height of the Tuner Era have been climbing rapidly in recent years. The Acura Integra Type R is leading that charge, with clean examples selling between $60,000 and $82,000. But what about … Continue reading
Happy 710 Day from JNC
Back in post-Oil Crisis 1976, small cars were finally getting some attention as Americans shifted from land yachts to compacts. Datsun positioned the 710 as one that didn’t feel like a penalty box. As touted in this ad, it boasted … Continue reading
PSA: Replacements for recalled Harbor Freight jack stands now also recalled
A couple of months ago, Harbor Freight Tools recalled a bunch of their jack stands. Those 3-ton and 6-ton units were under risk of collapsing due to a manufacturing defect that could cause the support pawl to become disengaged. 1.7 … Continue reading
Happy RX-7 Day from JNC
Today is July 7, or 7/7, or Sevens Day, the day we celebrate the indomitable Mazda RX-7. Since this year marks the 100th Anniversary of Mazda let’s honor the day with the very first RX-7, the 1978 SA22C, in its … Continue reading
Honda launches factory restoration program for RC30 motorcycle
On June 30 Honda announced a factory “Refresh Plan” for the 1987-90 VFR750R motorcycle, more commonly known by its model code, the RC30. The bike was an important part of Honda’s motorsports history, a factory homologation special created to win … Continue reading
Happy Father’s Day from JNC
Being a dad is a thankless but ultimately rewarding job. Now, there’s the 1980 Honda Ballade — it even rhymes with “dad”! — in 1300 and 1500 cc engine sizes. The katakana even offers a cheers “To the nicest family.” … Continue reading
Happy 620 Day from JNC
Speaking of how some owners go through incredible effort and expense and just for a small, barely noticeable change? Hayato Muramatsu did that with his 1979 Datsun 620 by shaving the bed and combining it with the cab. The resulting … Continue reading
Happy 610 Day from JNC
You have a Bluebird Wagon. You have a set of Enkei Bajas, turbine-looking wheels with Datsun fitment. Might as well lift the rear end up in the air to get that 70s funny car look! Happy 610 Day from JNC!
A Honda-themed race track built entirely out of Legos
Honda Australia has created, out of Legos, an entire racetrack populated with Hondas old and new. Called “Mount Hondarama,” it’s a replica of Mount Panorama, also known as Bathurst. While Lego Civic Type Rs race around by radio control, other … Continue reading