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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
One of the biggest news items in the world of nostalgic motorcycles came last year at the Tokyo Motor Show when Kawasaki unveiled the retro Z900RS. Our own San Mamiya called “the Kenmeri Skyline of bikes” due to the impact it had on the motorcycle scene when the original Z900 was released in 1972. Last weekend at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show, a retro Kaw inspired by the 1979 Z1000 MkII made its own debut. Continue reading
Arguably, one of the best features of any JNC is the double DIN section of the center console. Originally reserved for the latest in cutting edge Japanese audio fidelity; the area is now home to anything under the sun from new MP3 decks, a place for CDs to hide, boost gauges and more! So, tell us:
What do you do with the Double DIN hole?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What about your current JNC made you buy it?” Continue reading
In the past, the Tokyo Auto Salon has been pretty easy for us to cover. The show is still geared towards cars on the cutting edge of performance tech and style, so true chrome-bumpered classics were fairly thin on the ground. However, as time marches on more and more cars from the golden age of tuning fall within the 25 year threshold, the scope of what JNC covers has grown as well.
There were a lot of highlights at the Tokyo Auto Salon, but there was even more stuff we didn’t have time to feature. Rather than let those images go to waste, we are throwing them all into this catch-all for you to peruse. Continue reading
Well here’s some very exciting news. JDM Legends is a new show that will debut on Velocity Channel on April 17. As the name implies, it follows the Salt Lake City-based shop of the same name. Finally, a TV show, in America, about the cars we know and love. Continue reading
Established in 2003, Osaka’s Dixcel Brakes is a relative newcomer to the tuning scene but quickly established themselves in SuperGT and other Asian racing series. However, with their new line of kyusha-oriented brake components they’re targeting owners who want stronger stopping power without changing the look of their nostalgic cars. Continue reading
We first came across The FJ Company’s work at SEMA 2016 and were impressed by their workmanship. The company’s latest promotional video gives a peek inside their shop, showing how much effort goes into building one of their FJ40s. Continue reading
The rumor last week that Nissan — looking on forlornly as rival Toyota joined hands with BMW on the new Supra — would turn to Mercedes to co-develop the next Z has sparked another round of gossip. This time, the Mercedes partnership is debunked, while other theories take flight. Continue reading
The food at Japan’s service areas is so good that NEXCO East, the expressway management company for eastern Japan, holds a contest to determine which one has the most tasty lunch. The Grand Prix winner this year was just announced, and it is — drum roll, please — Tomobe Service Area in Ibaraki Prefecture. Continue reading
This is a friendly reminder from JNC that it’s the first day of spring. That means it’s time for the cherry blossoms to come out, and for your car that’s been in hibernation all winter to come out as well. Take to the roads again, and happy first day of Spring from JNC!
