Author Archives: J Elrick
VIDEO: The 1985 Honda Civic Wagon was the first crossover
Today’s market isn’t particularly kind to small cars, or cars in general, as the would-be small cars on stilts we know as crossovers dominate the sales charts. There was a time in 1985, however, when you could buy a literal … Continue reading
Reports that Mazda is killing the rotary are not true
Even though Mazda’s new rotary engine is not slated for a sports car, many Mazda enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting its return. However, several English media outlets are reporting today Mazda’s rotary engine is once again on the back burner, … Continue reading
VIDEO: The Lexus LX450 was the Land Cruiser’s richer cousin, but today their fortunes have reversed
For years the 4×4 market has been hit with the Toyota tax, with a legendary reputation of indestructibility jacking up the prices of Land Cruisers, 4Runners, and pickups. When the Lexus LX450 debuted in 1996 with a $47,500 base price, … Continue reading
Mitsubishi almost made a Starion 4WD Group B road car
This past Monday’s QotW explored “What JNC concept deserves to be found or restored?” Coincidentally, a never-before-seen Mitsubishi Starion 4WD Group B road car has just been unearthed, albeit in an illustrated and archival form. If it were put into … Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? Jun Auto Mechanic’s 1996 Honda Civic
While Honda honors the history of the Civic with hidden easter eggs, celebrating it outright would entail driving a brightly colored screamer built by one of the powerhouses of Japan’s tuning world. There’s no better way to start off the … Continue reading
Toyota Supra owner selling car to pay for his cat’s medical expenses finds there is still good in the world
The pandemic has been a reset for mankind, with shelter-in-place orders last year giving us time to wrench on our projects and spend time with our loved ones. However, one man in Osaka was posed with a very difficult choice … Continue reading
Be on the lookout for this stolen Hakosuka Skyline and its trailer
A 1971 Nissan Skyline was stolen earlier this morning out of Vallejo, California. It was inside of a white enclosed trailer with a number “87” on the side and being towed by a cherry red 2001 F-350 dually. If spotted, … Continue reading
Kidney, Anyone? Nissan 300ZX IMSA GTO race cars, one of seven built
While we await the next Nissan Z‘s arrival, and the new era of Nissan is has promised, with engaging, fun to drive cars and bright 90s hues. However, if you want to actually drive the king of 90s Nissans, here’s … Continue reading
Toyota Corolla AE86 sells for $40,000 even with light rust
There are times when a car is found in a state that is neither creampuff nor derelict. It does not beg to be preserved, adding mileage to its already six-figure odometer doesn’t feel like abuse, and parking lot door dings … Continue reading
Enkei expands selection of Neo-Classic wheels
Enkei has added new variants for two of its iconic wheels in the Neo-Classic line, a selection of wheels that have evolved with modern production processes but still retain their classic form. The Apache 2 Neo and Mesh 4 Neo … Continue reading
A father-son Datsun 240Z story kicks off Nissan’s “StorieZ” videos
Nissan USA continues to embrace the Z’s heritage, with its new mini webisode series “StorieZ”. The inaugural episode tells the journey one special father-son Datsun 240Z project that has traveled from Southern California to Georgia to Tennessee and spanned four … Continue reading
Inside the world of Kimono My House, one of the oldest Japanese hobby shops in the US
Before anime and Japanese sci-fi became mainstream on US shores, a small hobby shop in Emeryville, California filled that niche for those in the know. Kimono My House is probably the oldest Japanese toy store in the United States, its … Continue reading
Posted in minicar, minicars
Tagged diapet, Initial D, Mazinger Z, minicars, tomica, Ultraman, wangan midnight
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Gran Turismo officially recognized as an Olympic sport
Polyphony Digital has had its partnership with the FIA since 2018, resulting in FIA-sanctioned Gran Turismo Championships. With the International Olympic Committee’s latest announcement, Gran Turismo will become an official Olympic Sport.
Toyotafest 2021 registration has opened
The Coronavirus pandemic last year left us with a canceled Toyotafest. It was sad, too, because it was supposed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Celica as well as the 25th anniversary of Toyotafest itself. With lockdown restrictions gradually … Continue reading
Watching a Toyota Crown get lavishly detailed is extremely satisfying
Owning a black car can be a blessing and a curse. A sleek, perfectly paint-corrected and waxed example can give an elegant car such as this MS60 Crown a menacing yakuza vibe. On the other hand, it’s also one wrong … Continue reading
Nissan Z35’s retro blue interior color option leaked
Nissan’s latest commercial promised things such as bright colored sports cars with three pedals, and the fact that we deserve cars that “thrill us”. Well, one of the things that is moving us closer to being thrilled is the fact … Continue reading
This “This is the New Nissan” Nissan ad better mean something
“This is the New Nissan” is the best Nissan commercial since GI Joe drove off with Barbie in a 300ZX. It stars a whole mess of Nissans, both classic and new, and promises to usher in a new era for … Continue reading
SSR MK-II and MK-III re-releases sold out in five hours
Last year, SSR made a limited re-release of the legendary Speed Star series, known for their clean, timeless spoke designs and wide barrels. Demand for the wide sizing and interest from a new generation of kyusha fans brought them back … Continue reading
