Japanese Nostalgic Car

With the news on Friday that Toyota had taken a 5 percent stake in Mazda, it was clear that Japan’s great automotive houses were gearing up for a battle of epic proportions. In one corner, we have Nissan-Mitsubishi, a federation backed by powers from a distant land (Renault). In the other corner, we have a native giant that in recent years has been accumulating allies like a forming Voltron, Toyota-Subaru-Mazda (Actually, it’s Toyota-Subaru-Mazda-Suzuki-Isuzu-Hino-Daihatsu if you want to get specific about it).

There are many ways to measure victory. With shared platforms, there is the game of sales. With combined technologies, there is game of building the most beloved enthusiasts’ car. With united motorsports prowess, there is the game of winning actual races.

Who will win Japan’s automaker Game of Thrones, Toyota-Subaru-Mazda or Nissan-Mitsubishi?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What JNC do you need to buy now before prices get ridic?”  Continue reading →

Last week’s post about the FJ Company’s Land Cruiser restomods turned into heated discussion about skyrocketing prices of JNCs. We’ve seen some shocking prices for well-restored FJ40s, and while there are still examples within reach of most buyers, it may not be that way for long. We think FJ60s will follow soon, and when we talked to FJ Company last fall they said that the time to buy one was, “yesterday.” Even if you’re not looking for an apocalypse-ready rig the prices of most Japanese classics are rising, with the rate of increase depending on the model.

What JNC do you need to buy now before prices get ridic?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What JNC nameplate needs a decor set?”  Continue reading →