Honda prides itself on being an engineering company, and one of the ways it demonstrates that is through its official museum. Unlike many historic collections, everything at the Honda Collection Hall at Twin Ring Motegi circuit in Tochigi Prefecture runs. To prove it, Honda has been releasing videos of vehicles driving on museum grounds. Continue reading
MOTORSPORT: Historic racing Datsuns are headed to The Mitty
It is a landmark year for Nissan. Its classic models are growing in value, and its long history of racing achievements are finally being recognized. Not only is Nissan the first Japanese marque to be featured at the Rolex Motorsports Reunion during Monterey Car week this year, but will also be the featured marque at The Mitty in Atlanta, Georgia later this month. This ensures that Nissan owners on both coasts will have a chance to participate during this noteworthy year, but a select few are crazy enough to do both. Continue reading
Posted in motorsport
Tagged 240z, 510, bluebird, datsun, fairlady roadster, john morton, nissan, s30 z, the mitty, Z Car garage
4 Comments
NEWS: Toyota launches bare-bones Land Cruiser
As lovers of nostalgic cars, a common gripe is that modern machines have too many bells and whistles, too many electronic nannies that stand between you and the driving experience. As it turns out, Toyota has heard your sad cries and just released a vehicle that has plenty of heritage, no-frills, is purpose-built, has two doors, and comes in a six-speed manual. No, it’s not a new sports car; it’s the Land Cruiser Utility Commercial. Continue reading
Posted in News
Tagged J150, land cruiser, Land Cruiser Prado, lexus, Lexus GX, toyota, trucks
10 Comments
Happy 411 Day from JNC
Even in Japan, the Nissan Bluebird 411 is a rare sight. Make it a wagon and it’s doubly rare. This example was positively mint, though, seemingly brought to modern Tokyo via time machine. Happy 411 Day from JNC!
NEWS: Leaked Mazda document reveals 181 horsepower for 2019 MX-5
A document disclosing mid-generational changes to the Mazda MX-5 has leaked. The paper reveals a fairly significant bump to 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, up from the current 155 horses and 148 lb-ft. Here’s the details on how they squeezed more juice from an already highly efficient engine. Continue reading
VIDEO: A Loyale Wagon gets plenty of screen time in this new Subaru ad
Subaru has been putting a lot of old wagons in their recent commercials. And by a lot, we mean two, but it’s still more than what you’d expect to see. In the latest spot, called “Forever Young,” a grandpa and grandson meet on the beach in their respective Subaru wagons. Continue reading
QotW: Does the current state of a marque affect how you feel about its classics?
It’s not easy being a fan of Japanese cars these days. Most no longer offer a smorgasbord of performance cars like they did in their heydays. Some seem to have abandoned the enthusiast-worthy models that made them great altogether. It’s kind of hard to bleed, say, Mitsubishi red when the company is hell bent on making nothing but hybrid crossovers. Or, for example, does Mazda’s recent renaissance make you even prouder of your 1987 626?
Does the current state of a marque affect how you feel about its classics?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Do you have a special spot in your heart for JNC mini-trucks?” Continue reading
Happy MA46 Day from JNC
With all the recent scuttlebutt about Supras both new and newly classic, we didn’t want to let April 6 pass by without mention of the Supra that started it all, the MA46. There’s a couple things to note about this spread from the 1978 Japanese brochure. First, the Celica XX, as it was called there, looks great in red. Second, we don’t know what Toyota was implying with the pair of heels by the driver’s door, but we’re pretty sure it wasn’t wholesome. What could it mean? May your MA46 Day be as happy as the owner of this Supra’s.
KIDNEY, ANYONE? “Absurd condition” 5k-mile FJ40 Land Cruiser will surpass $100,000
The FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser is no stranger to high dollar bids, but a recently listed example might just set a new record. That’s because while we have seen immaculately restored examples break (barely) the $100,000 mark, this one is a bone stock, completely unrestored example with only 5,265 miles on the odometer. Continue reading
KEI HERO: Mazda R360 Coupé
Of all the mainstream carmakers, Mazda puts the most stock into the driving experience and the sportiness of their vehicles. However, this is not just a recent occurrence. Mazda’s had drivers’ cars in their blood since their first post-war passenger car. Let’s take a minute to look at that car, the Mazda R360 Coupé. Continue reading
NEWS: Toyota and Subaru have begun work on the next-gen 86 and BRZ, and they’re putting a bigger engine in it
Toyota and Subaru have reportedly begun development of the next-generation 86 and BRZ models. The lightweight FR twins are currently in their sixth model year, and have remained essentially unchanged since 2013. Addressing one of the most persistent critiques of the current model, the successor will likely receive a sizable performance boost thanks to a larger engine. Continue reading
VIDEO: Watch Nissan’s earliest electric car in motion
Long-time readers of JNC will be familiar with the 1947 Tama E4S-47-1 electric car. It’s one of Japan’s earliest electric vehicles, and one we’ve written about many times. Until now, though, we’ve never seen it running. Continue reading
MARKETWATCH: 5,700-mile Supra Turbo sells for $80,500, winner says Nakai body kit coming
A near-new 1994 Toyota Supra twin-turbo sold for $80,500 over the weekend. Its rarity was in the fact that it had only 5,664 miles on the odometer, and was said never to have been modified. That could all change soon. Continue reading
QotW: Do you have a special spot in your heart for JNC mini-trucks?
We tend to focus on golden year JNCs of nimble coupes, opulent sedans and obscure machines that could only dream of pegging 60 mph on a long stretch of road. But, another kind of JNC was always there, doing the dirty work of moving old couches and tables, braving all manner of bad weather where the only accessory was a Little Trees air freshener. The more I think about JNC mini-trucks, the more I appreciate them and want to get one. How do you feel about them? Any fun stories or desires for a lil’ JNC truck in your future?
Do you have a special spot in your heart for JNC mini-trucks?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What do you do with the double DIN hole?” Continue reading
MARKETWATCH: The Top 5 JNC auction surprises of 2018 so far
With classic Japanese cars hitting stratospheric levels, the trend seems to be picking up the stragglers of the JNC world. I personally have seen my 1986 Subaru GL-10 increase $3,000 in value over the time I’ve owned it, and it’s only a matter of time until the Japanese cars go the way of the Italians. We’ve picked our top five biggest surprises so far from the 2018 auction circuit. Are these cars one-off deals or the next wave in highly sought after collector cars? It seems that the blue chip JNCs are the rising tide lifting all boats. Continue reading
50 YEAR CLUB: Toyota HiLux
Fifty years ago Toyota introduced what would become the most enduring workhorse the world has ever seen. Though ambitious in name, the HiLux — a portmanteau of the words “high” and “luxury” — was anything but. Utilitarian and austere, it was built to serve the farmers and laborers of Japan, but it became something that not even Toyota could have predicted. Continue reading
Posted in 50 Year Club
Tagged 4runner, dakar, hilux, Hilux Surf, n10, N20, N30, N40, N50, tacoma, toyota, trucks
20 Comments
KIDNEY, ANYONE? EM1 Honda Civic Si sells for $22,750
The 1999-2000 Honda Civic Si is not really a classic yet going strictly by age. Going by what this pristine example just sold for, however, it might be one of those cars that becomes a classic in its own time, fetching more than it cost new long before it reaches the 25-year threshold. Continue reading
NEWS: Mazda completes restoration of a 1969 Luce Rotary Coupé
Over three years ago, Mazda began restoring some of its landmark vehicles, starting with a 1967 Cosmo Sport. The Restore Program was geared in part towards passing down Mazda’s philosophy and spirit to the next generation of craftsmen and engineers, and in part towards celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Hiroshima company’s founding. Much progress has been made since we last reported on the Restore Program. Significantly, Mazda has now completed what is likely the most definitive restoration of the Luce Rotary Coupé in the world. Continue reading
MINICARS: Japan Post issues Toyota 2000GT stamp collection
Japan Post has released a stamp set in honor of the venerable Toyota 2000GT. Of course, since this is Japan it’s not just a sheet of postage stamps. The commemorative set comes with a 1:64-scale diecast car, a display case, and is nicely packaged in a book-like box. Continue reading
NEWS: The 2019 Corolla will come in manual and hatchback
A year ago Toyota got our hopes up for a hot Yaris GRMN, but Toyota cruelly dashed them by not offering it in America. I cried myself to sleep for days while listening to Enya alone in my room. As Americans that loves hatchbacks, we felt completely abandoned. But then, just as I was ready to reenter society as a broken man, Toyota comes back with arms open wide. Continue reading
