Before “Confidence in Motion” and “The Beauty of All-Wheel-Drive,” Subaru was marketed in the US as reliable and economical. But as today’s kidney car demonstrates, the automotive division of Fuji Heavy Industry was long a pro at making singularly awesome and rugged—and, to the initiated, attractive—all-terrain vehicles. Behold this beautiful 1981 Subaru GL 4WD Wagon. Continue reading
Japan’s expressways are famously difficult to navigate. Most are named for the far-away places they head to and are difficult for non-native Japanese speakers to remember. That may all change, the Ministry of Transport is proposes an alphanumeric system to help us gaijin not get lost. Continue reading
Japanese cars are known to be superbly engineered, plainly logical in their construction, and easy to work on (which is weird, since they break down much less than other cars). But after reading your answers about difficult repairs from last week, we know there are exceptions so illogical they would make Spock commit seppuku.
Some are easily explained, like the Toyota 5M’s impossible-to-reach fuel filter due to its master cylinder placement in the change from right- to left-hand-drive. Some can be attributed to sheer stubbornness of philosophy, like the Honda Vigor’s forward-transmitting driveshaft. And some are the result of epic screw-ups when the company is so big that the engine and transmission engineers don’t tell each other which way the drivetrain is supposed to rotate, like on the Twin-Stick Mirage/Colt.
What’s the most confoundingly engineered JNC?
What say you, dear reader? As always, 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 hardest repair job you’ve done on a JNC?” Continue reading
Okay, so Scoot Scoot isn’t a driving game per se, but any time a Honda Motocompo is the star vehicle consider our interest piqued. The premise is simple. Pilot the folding bike from the back of a Honda City around a richly colored parking lot in the shortest time possible. Continue reading
While other Japanese historic racing cars generate equal amounts of enthusiasm and respect, one particular car has sat in relative obscurity for many years. Known only to a few otaku but integral in both the rising dominance of Japanese cars on the global racing scene and in the establishment of the Prince — then Nissan — name in racing, it is the Prince R380. Continue reading
It was announced on September 5 in Japan that Champ Road, the last bosozoku tuning magazine, is suspending publication. The so-called “Bad Boy Bible” has been in print for 29 years, showcasing the bikes, cars, and fashion of Japan’s rebel youth. The November 2016 issue, to be released September 26, will be its last. Continue reading
In 1990 Nissan debuted the Z32 with what was likely one of the most expensive car commercials ever commissioned at the time. They hired the most famous Hollywood sci-fi director in the world, Ridley Scott (of Blade Runner, Alien, and Black Rain fame), aired it only once (during the Super Bowl, no less), and pulled it from the airwaves. Now, the very car that starred in “Dream” can be yours, uncovered almost exactly as it was in the ad some 26 years after the broadcast. Continue reading
In an already packed calendar, a new event has appeared on the Japanese auto show roster. Recently, Tokyo hosted the inaugural Automobile Council, an affair whose stated goal was “Encouraging car culture to blossom in Japan.” That’s a noble aim if there ever was one, especially with the participation of major automakers. Continue reading
It’s Labor Day here in the US, so as you’re enjoying a day off from your real job why not tell us about your other job, the one in the garage? Sure, Japanese cars are famously easy to work on and extremely logical in layout, but once in a while, there’s still a confounding, daunting task that requires blood, sweat and knuckle skin.
What’s the hardest repair job you’ve done on a JNC?
What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your most prized JNC part?” Continue reading
Skyline vs Rotary. It’s one of the oldest rivalries in Japanese motorsports, ever since Mazda snatched the Skyline’s widely expected 50th touring car victory in 1972. The folks at Best Motoring have recreated the battle, with tributes to the works Hakosuka GT-R and Savanna RX-3. Continue reading
After a strong showing in 2015, Nissan will be back at the Japanese Classic Car Show this year in a big way. First off, they’ll be showing what is arguably the crowning jewel of its American collection, the BRE Datsun 510 raced by John Morton to clinch the 1971-72 Trans-Am 2.5 Challenge. Continue reading
The newest addition to Mazda USA’s ever-growing Heritage Collection debuted recently at the 2016 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. In a nod to both Mazda’s racing legacy and its “Driving Matters” slogan, the newly restored #202 767B — clad in the iconic orange-and-green Renown CHARGE livery — greeted the world by racing around Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in the biggest vintage racing gathering in the US. We were on location to soak in the sight and sound of it and its stablemates. Continue reading
Is your desktop a little dull? Perhaps you need a car-shaped mouse so you can make “vroom-vroom” noises as you move your cursor across the screen. Camshop is a Japanese company that makes computer peripherals that look like real cars. Continue reading
Racing is an extraordinary human endeavor. It encompasses brains and brawn, heroics at the individual and team levels, with huge amounts of synergy and coordination. And the machines are both technologically advanced and visually magnificent, catapulting us beyond our natural human abilities. For spectators, racing is an awe-inspiring assault on all senses. No wonder countless enthusiasts trace the seed of their passion to motorsport. The story here is one such example, in which 45 years separate the seed and the glorious fruit. Continue reading
If you have an old Japanese car, it’s not difficult to find yourself with a garage full of old Japanese parts, too. Even weird stuff like a 350mm Hitman steering wheel.
What’s your most prized JNC part?
What say you, dear reader? As always, 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 Japanese car name?” Continue reading
Wow. Such design. So convertible. Much JDM. Many happy.
2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Mazda’s historic win at the world’s most celebrated endurance race: Le Mans. Yet Mazda’s interest and involvement in endurance racing stretches way back, beginning with its Cosmo Sport at the 1968 Marathon de la Route. Following that excellent showing—4th place finish after 84 hours at the Nürburgring in its debut race—Mazda continued in endurance racing but with a new car: the R100, a.k.a. Familia Rotary Coupé. Continue reading
“Mad about Honda” is the way one UK man describes his love for the early Civics, so much so that he’s built an entire community around the preservation of early UK-market examples. Continue reading
In a heartwarming story of generosity, heroism, and what love for a car can accomplish, a Miata seemingly ruined in the recent Louisiana flood will be brought back to life by enthusiasts. Continue reading
We at JNC are once again extremely proud to share with you the latest Hot Wheels car to wear the JNC inkan. The Nissan Fairlady 2000 will be showing up in stores soon as a 2017 release, part of the “Legends of Speed” mainline series. Continue reading
