QotW: What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Ben Hsu

Summer is a time for road trips, and there is perhaps no greater reward in life than making a journey in a car that you’ve built yourself, or cared for lovingly, or when even your timely arrival is not guaranteed. Having made several 1,00o-mile expeditions in Toyotae of varying age, I can tell you that even with ToMoCo’s vaunted reputation for reliability, when you’re talking about decades-old cars such trips are an excellent way to learn intimate details about your car and yourself. It’s a beautiful thing.

What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What are your summer plans with your JNC?” Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged | 9 Comments

PARTS GUIDE: Yokohama re-issues GT Special Classic tire

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Dan Hsu

Yokohama Tire has announced the GT Special Classic, a re-issue of its iconic sports radial tire from 1967. Developed in response to the expansion of Japan’s expressway system in the mid-1960s and the rise of performance cars, the original Yokohama GT Special Y350 was key in advancing Japan out of the bias-ply age. Continue reading →

Posted in Product Guide | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Celebrating 40 years of Toyota Racing Development USA

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Ben Hsu

These days TRD USA’s primary focus is with NASCAR and dressing up some trucks, but back in the 80s and 90s, it was a Toyotaku’s dream come true.  Founded in 1979, it’s celebrating its 40th anniversary and looking back at some of its humble origins. “It’s the story about this quirky, little, aftermarket, southern California speed shop for Toyotas,” says current TRD USA president David Wilson. “Literally a couple of lifts out back, and, instead of hot-rodding Mustangs and Camaros, it was Celicas and Supras.” Continue reading →

Posted in History Lesson | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

VIDEO: A tour of Nissan’s Zama warehouse

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Ben Hsu

Nissan’s Zama warehouse is a 400-plus collection of historic, racing and concept cars, a living catalog of the company’s long history. It used to be closed to the public, and only those with a special invitation could see the cars. Some say it was because Nissan insiders wanted to keep a low profile, fearing that Carlos Ghosn, the president nicknamed “Le Cost Killer” would see the collection as a waste of money during Nissan’s recovery from near-bankruptcy and sell off all the cars. Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Happy 710 Day from JNC

Posted on July 10, 2019 by Dan Hsu

The Datsun 710 isn’t as revered as some of its ancestors, but let’s not forget, they were formidable race cars too. Happy 710 Day from JNC!

 

Posted in Holidays | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

KIDNEY, ANYONE? The Corolla that started it all

Posted on July 9, 2019 by Ben Hsu

The Toyota Corolla is the best selling nameplate in automotive history. It’s a household name, recognizable around the world to car enthusiast and normie alike, and has been produced for 12 generations and 53 years consecutively.  Go back to its humble beginnings to find what kickstarted it all, and you’ll find an E10 just like the one currently being offered for sale in Orlando, Florida. Continue reading →

Posted in for sale | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives another Datsun 510

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Ben Hsu

On the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the host welcomes the prototypical hot rod for our generation. Leno mentions that for his era, it was the ’32 Ford, but for Millennials, it’s the Datsun 510. He may have been off by a generation depending on how you look at it, but Jonathan Lessner’s 1970, a archetypal build with a KA24E swap, is the kind of car JCCS used to be swarming with. Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

QotW: What are your summer plans with your JNC?

Posted on July 8, 2019 by Ben Hsu

It’s the heart of summer, at least for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, and the perfect occasion to spend a little time with our cars. Whether it’s some basic maintenance, digging into the rebuild of a major component, or taking a much deserved road trip, we must brave the heat before the colder months return.

What are your summer plans with your JNC?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the best US-built or US-market JNC?” Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged | 12 Comments

Happy Sevens Day from JNC

Posted on July 7, 2019 by Dan Hsu

It’s the perfect day to exercise your rotary engine. Just remember to lubricate those apex seals! Happy Sevens Day from JNC!

Posted in Holidays | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Behold Miataland, the Miata-themed hotel in Italy

Posted on July 5, 2019 by Ben Hsu

Any tour of Italy would have to include the Ferrari factory collections in Modena and Maranello, the Lamborghini museum in Bologna, or even the Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin. But if you’re looking for a small slice of JNC worship, then head to Miataland. The resort boasts a beautiful hotel, outdoor activities, and what is claimed to be the largest privately owned Miata collection in the world. Continue reading →

Posted in profiles | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Happy Independence Day from JNC

Posted on July 4, 2019 by Dan Hsu

The Mazda Miata made its debut 30 years ago at the Chicago Auto Show, in the good ol’ US of A. The three stock production models were, appropriately, finished in red, white and blue. After the debut, the white one was turned into a race car, and that’s why it wears the sponsor stickers today, but the other two remain as they were on that day. Have a safe and happy Independence Day holiday out there, everyone!

Posted in Holidays | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

TUNE UP: E20 Corolla spotted in Bad Bunny and Drake video

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Ben Hsu

There is an E20 Toyota Corolla in the music video for “Mia” by Bad Bunny featuring Drake. The song actually came out late last year, but because we are Teh Olds and hail from a time when a drake was something the Avatar encountered in Ultima VI, we didn’t see the video until the other day. However, the choice of the Peanut parked outside a house party scene was wholly appropriate. Continue reading →

Posted in Tune Up | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Happy MX73 Day from JNC

Posted on July 3, 2019 by Dan Hsu

We love a good chassis code-based holiday here at JNC, but cars like the Toyota Cressida present a dilemma. The US sedan’s chassis code is MX73, so naturally that would make today, July 3, MX73 day. I think we can all agree that it should not be celebrated on July 2, because the MX72 wagon, as cool as it is, is an offshoot of the sedan. However, Japan’s chassis code for the Mark II on which the Cressida is based is GX71, which would put the holiday on July 1. Which day should we observe celebration of this fine automobile?

Posted in Holidays | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

MARKETWATCH: Another A80 Supra Turbo sells for record price at $176,000

Posted on July 2, 2019 by Ben Hsu

Values of the A80 Toyota Supra Turbo keeps climbing. Over the weekend, another example sold at auction for prices well into the 6-digit range. This time, the gavel came down at $176,000, a new record. Continue reading →

Posted in marketwatch | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

VIDEO: The great tragedy of the Geo Storm Wagonback

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Ben Hsu

“These small sports wagons were popular with growing families who needed more room but didn’t want to give up their sports car lifestyle,” says Motorweek host John H. Davis of 1960s cars like the MG B GT and Volvo P1800. Ah, it was simpler times back then, in 1991, just prior to the SUV boom. He says the Isuzu-built Geo Storm Wagonback builds on that heritage,  is of the same ilk, and the review comes out generally favorable. But man, what could have been. Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

QotW: What’s the best US-built or US-market JNC?

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Ben Hsu

The conventional wisdom says that the best Japanese cars were reserved for the home market, but that’s not always true. We may not have gotten the Skyline GT-Rs and triple-rotor Cosmos, but there were cases where we Yanks got more unique or better versions. From Honda N600s to VG30-powered S12s to 2.8-liter Cressidas, there were plenty of cars a Japanese otaku would want to repatriate. And that’s not to mention the US-built cars that were either imported back to Japan to be sold, or never offered there, like Honda Coupes and Camry wagons. In honor of the 4th of July this week, we ask:

What’s the best US-built or US-market JNC?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW,”What non-car item is essential for your JNC life?” Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged | 7 Comments

VIDEO: This Honda CR750 channels 60 years of racing bikes

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Dan Hsu

Speaking of Honda racing bikes, a custom 1973 CB750 might just be the coolest Japanese vehicle Jay Leno has ever hosted on his YouTube channel — an iconic Honda superbike built to channel Old Man Soichiro’s renowned early RC race bikes of the 1960s. The former talk show host and prolific car and motorcycle collector went to a British bike show, and in a sea of BSAs, Triumphs, and Royal Enfields, picked Vincent Scarelli’s custom “CR750” to invite onto his show. Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MOTORSPORT: Honda celebrates 60 years of racing

Posted on June 28, 2019 by Dan Hsu

Honda is one of the few carmakers that’s been racing almost as long as it’s been a company. Its first foray into motorsports was a dive into the deep end, challenging the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, widely considered one of the world’s most demanding motorcycle races. It’s been 60 years since that 1959 contest, and Honda is planning a slew of events to mark the occasion. Continue reading →

Posted in motorsport | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

MINICARS: The new Matchbox Subaru SVX was a designer’s dream

Posted on June 27, 2019 by Ricky Silverio

Hot Wheels designer and Osaka native Ryu Asada is beloved around the world for infusing the popular toy car line with brilliant Honda castings. With his catch phrase “Honda for life!” Ryu has not only been responsible for the majority of the Hondas that Hot Wheels collectors clamor for, but has a long family history of Honda ownership in real life, too. It may surprise many, then, that the first car he bought as a young automotive design student was a Subaru SVX. Continue reading →

Posted in minicars | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

MOTORSPORT: Sonoma Festival of Speed

Posted on June 26, 2019 by Glenn Chiou

Sonoma Raceway, or more widely known as Sears Point Raceway and Infineon Raceway, is one of Northern California’s “old-time” tracks with rich racing history that stretches back to 1968. Often overshadowed by Laguna Seca Raceway, it has long been the home of SCCA racing, NASCAR, the Indy series, and at one point, Bob Bondurant’s Racing School. The racing circuit is one of my personal favorites with its challenging tight corners, nervous sweepers, and straights that make up a highly technical road racing course. It’s the ideal course for the country’s most iconic period-prepped cars. Continue reading →

Posted in motorsport | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments