Put your tops down because today is Open Car Day in Japan. The holiday was created by the Japan Convertible Association, who judged April 5 to be the best day of the year for topless driving. Coincidentally, it’s also the height of cherry blossom viewing season. The Japan Convertible Association is based in Yokohama, which also happens to be the headquarters of Nissan, builder of Japan’s first convertible, the Datsun Type 12 Phaeton.
Equipped with a 748cc, water-cooled, side-valve 4-cylinder making 12 ps, it debuted in 1933, meaning it’s reaching the ripe old age of 90 this year. When it came out, the price was just ¥1,350, equivalent to about $300 USD at the time, which would be $6,950 in 2023 dollars. Just a little perspective as you cruise through town in style.
Was that an Austin 7 based car? I ask because the engine size points to that.
Austin bought one and shipped it to England. The car was then disassembled to see if it was a clone of the Austin 7. It wasn’t..