Category Archives: minicars
ABC Hobby's R/C Nostalgics
We know many JNC readers are already aware of ABC Hobby‘s awesome Genetic R/C lineup. But for those that aren’t, these are extremely high quality radio control car chassis from Japan, and the best part is they have a wide … Continue reading
Aoshima Radio Control Gurachan Cars
You would never graft a sharknose onto a real kenmeri Skyline GT-R, would you? Instead, live the gurachan life vicariously with Aoshima Gurachan Series R/C cars. There are two cars so far in the series, the other one being a … Continue reading
More Nostalgic Minicars: Maisto Fifty-5s
For a car, a diecast replica is the equivalent of having a bronze bust in the shape of your grinning head sitting in a museum. So when John posted Maisto‘s new Fifty-5s, it was further proof that the 1972 Datsun … Continue reading
30 Years of Tamiya R/C Cars
Tamiya‘s tradition of fine plastic model craftsmanship extended to R/C Cars in 1976, starting with a Porsche 934 RSR Turbo. This poster was created a few years ago to mark their 30th anniversary. We would commit great crimes to get … Continue reading
Abunai Deka Alternate Ending
Our favorite minicar chase maestro Luxe37 is at it again. This brief pursuit reveals an alternate ending for the Abunai Deka Nissan Leopard F31 (Infiniti M30).
Nostalgics in 1/64 Scale
When even mainstream media sources like USA Today are talking about nostalgics, you know our beloved J-tin is finally getting some props. Here’s another barometer: diecast cars.
Kidney, Anyone? Tomica Grand Prix Circuit
So Transformers not your style? Here’s our first open kidney offer that doesn’t involve an actual car. It’s a vintage Tomica Grand Prix Circuit set that we came across while skimming the Tomica Fan Club forums. Talk about cool… just … Continue reading
Transformers Alternity Nissan GT-R & 370Z
If there’s two things Japan is known for its robots and cool cars. Put them together and you have Transformers. And even if you’ve been living under a rock for the past 9 months you can’t avoid the barrage of … Continue reading
Hasemi Tomica Skyline Livery Rides Again
Fueled by the sponsorship of toy car maker Tomica, Masahiro Hasemi’s original fire-spitting KDR30 Nissan Skyline Super Silhouette was at the forefront of every Japanese child’s fevered imagination. The outrageous bodywork inspired legions of bosozoku-style ride-pimpers, countless diecast models, and even made … Continue reading
Mini JNC Wagon! DISM Toyota Mark II
This is probably not going to be of any interest to most of you, but we’re jumping out of our seats right now because we just got an email from Toyotageek informing us that the JNC wagon is now available … Continue reading
Hot Wheels Datsun 510, Now in Brown
First it came in metallic blue, which was so scarce we never actually found it in stores. Then you could buy one in whatever color you wanted, as long as it was black. Now Hot Wheels is releasing what I … Continue reading
Mega Car Chase in 1:64 Scale
Let’s face it, blowing up real cars is not only expensive, but cringe-inducing. We can’t help but wince when a perfectly good nostalgic gets wadded up, even if the car was new and plentiful at the time of the stunt. … Continue reading
Ice Coffee & Hakosuka Skyline
Not much to report from Japanland today. I’m drinking plenty of coffee, not only because I’m busy writing articles and making appointments, but also for the awesome toys that you get free with the canned java. In this case, it’s … Continue reading
Mr. Craft Closes Its Doors
Any car nut who has been to Tokyo has surely passed through the doors of Mr. Craft, a five-story building full of toy cars in every scale, brand, and material you can imagine. Radio control, plastic model kits, diecast, wind-up … Continue reading
Hot Wheels Datsun 510 Recolor
Since Kev has gone toy crazy with JDM minicars and other assorted goods, we might as well continue the theme. Earlier this year we got all excited about how Hot Wheels was introducing a Datsun 510 in their 2009 lineup. … Continue reading
Dang… and Too Late for Christmas Too
One of the cool things about going to Japan is just walking into a suburban toystore and spending a few hours discovering all the cool JDM toys (and also rediscovering the fact that you may not be as grown-up as … Continue reading
Datsun 510 Reborn, in Hot Wheels Form
Like, OMG. Back in July, we reported that a vintage import was on its way into the Hot Wheels lineup. Well here it is, the Datsun 510! And it looks fantastic, with a BRE-style front spoiler, fender flares, and perfect … Continue reading
Happy 4th of July & Nostalgic Hot Wheels
Since we’re celebrating the birth of our great nation today, we thought we’d mention one of the most American things around: Hot Wheels. It’s probably safe to say that any red-blooded American who didn’t grow up playing with these small … Continue reading
H is for Honda, Hot Wheels, and Happy Childhood
We’re not sure how we became unhealthily obsessed with automobiles, but having kind parents who bought us Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars probably helped. It’s hard to believe that the little metal furniture scratchers will be 40 years old this … Continue reading