KEI HERO: Remembering the Suzuki Fronte Coupe

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Dave Yuan

Suzuki Fronte Coupe 01

Can you name a rear-engined Japanese sports GT with Italian styling and specific output of over 100PS/L? Such a car was real, and it came from Suzuki.

Suzuki is a marque with rather divergent reputations in the US versus Japan. Ask an average American their perception of a Suzuki car, you’d likely get a blank or even negative response (motorcycles are a different story). In Japan, Suzuki is a prolific automaker, purveyor of clever and high-quality vehicles like the Swift, Wagon R, and Jimny. All of these are marked by compact or diminutive size, making Suzuki an expert at producing mini cars. Fittingly, Suzuki is one of the originators of the kei sports car, its storied Cappuccino and Cara/AZ-1 among the most distinctive examples ever made. The subject of this post is an ancestor to these sportsters: the Fronte Coupe.  Continue reading →

Posted in Back Roads | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

QotW: Which JNC has the greatest grille?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Ben Hsu

nos2days30-5970_PrinceClipper

Grilles. They provide airflow, set one model apart from another, and can even form become the corporate identity of a brand. Japan has produced some truly outrageous grilles in its time, so therefore we ask:

QotW: Which JNC has the greatest grille?

Instead of a large rectangle like most trucks, the Prince Clipper’s designers bestowed it with two ovals, the same size and shape as the headlight bezels, and fitted asymmetrical crosshairs in each one. The result is a bizarre Iron Giant visage that’s instantly recognizable.

What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a toy. Click through to see the winner of the last QotW, “What’s the best shade of JNC green?”  Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged , | 14 Comments

BOOK CLUB: Datsun 280ZX, by Nissan Motor Corp

Posted on March 21, 2014 by Dave Yuan

Datsun 280ZX book cover

I purchase books fairly infrequently thanks to libraries. Automotive books are the exception. Information in high-quality books on cars tend to be less immortal than, say, the words of Shakespeare. Sales and circulation tend to be limited, and photos and schematics make digitizing more difficult. Thus, automotive enthusiasts who are so inclined may feel the need to collect such books. In these occasional book reviews, my hope is to share interesting and valuable books that you might enjoy reading and perhaps owning.

A category of automotive literature that I particularly love is the development story. Many car books have sections on or at least elements of this, but there are certain Japanese models that have had entire titles dedicated to chronicling their behind-the-scene creation stories to painstaking detail. The subject of this post, Datsun 280ZX, focuses on the iconic S130.  Continue reading →

Posted in Books | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

MINICARS: Custom 1:18 Models by Yordy Kolner

Posted on March 20, 2014 by Guest Writer

Yordy Kolner 1-18 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG 02

Today’s guest writer is Yordy Kolner, who hails from the Netherlands and, like Luis Aguilar, builds custom scale models of his favorite Japanese cars. However, Yordy starts with 1:18 scale cars made of diecast metal. Here’s his story in his own words. —Ricky

I got into Japanese cars because I always had a thing for Japan, and when I saw a video of AE86s drifting with mismatched wheels I fell in love with these cars, and I thought the drivers also looked so cool.  Continue reading →

Posted in minicars | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

AUTO SHOWS: JNCs at the Chicago Auto Show, 1959-1989

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Matt De Mangos

1986 Chicago Auto Show Nissan

The Chicago Auto Show first began in 1901 and calls itself the largest auto show in North America. They have an incredible photo archive spanning the decades, many of which include JNCs. Until someone invents a time machine, this is the closest many of us will get to experiencing what it was like to encounter these cars when they were still new.  Continue reading →

Posted in Auto Shows | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

ART CORNER: Sunny Vol. 1 & 2 by Taiyo Matsumoto

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Ben Hsu

Taiyo Matsumoto Datsun Sunny 01

The 2013 Cartoonist Studio Prize has been awarded to Taiyo Matsumoto for his works Sunny Vol. 1 and Sunny Vol. 2, about a group of kids living at a Japanese orphanage. At first we thought Sunny was the name of one of the characters, but to our pleasant surprise, it is indeed referring to an old Nissan Sunny 1200.  Continue reading →

Posted in Art Corner | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

QotW: What’s the best shade of JNC green?

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Ben Hsu

Datsun 280ZX Midori Green
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate the color green, aka midori in Japanese. It was prevalent in the golden age of JNCs, from drab military olives to citrusy limes.

What’s the best shade of JNC green?

In 1983 Suntory Brewery’s Midori Melon liqueur sponsored a contest in which the grand prize was a brand new Datsun 280ZX, slathered in a bespoke shade of green. As far as we know there was only one like it, making it quite possibly the rarest S130 color there is.

What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a toy. Click through to see the winner of the last QotW, “Which JNC are you never sellin’?”  Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged | 18 Comments

BACK ROADS: Remebering the Honda City

Posted on March 14, 2014 by Dave Yuan

Honda City 02

As long-time Honda enthusiasts, it is hard nowadays not to marvel at the many creative and awesome machines that bore the iconic “H” during the 1980s. One of our favorites from those days is the Honda City. An unassuming econobox it may seem, but the little Honda is actually chock full of charisma and historical significance. Over the last few years, there’s been increasing recognition and appreciation for this car in the US, so perhaps the time is ripe for another article about this bona fide JNC.  Continue reading →

Posted in Back Roads | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

MINICARS: Hot Wheels X JNC Datsun 620, now in red

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Ricky Silverio

Hot Wheels Datsun 620 red JNC 02

We at JNC are proud to present the latest Hot Wheels car to bear our inkan logo. The red Datsun 620 is the third recolor of a casting so popular some has built a life-size replica of it. This was actually leaked a while ago, so it’s safe to show you our samples fresh off the assembly line. Continue reading →

Posted in minicars | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

VIDEO: Circumnavigating North America in a Datsun Roadster

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Justin Principe

How should one traverse the continent of North America, spanning 37,850 miles, and have the most unadulterated and visceral driving experience? Do it in a Datsun. Or better yet, do it like Scott Fisher in his 1967 Datsun Sports 1600, in this latest video by Petrolicious.  Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

ART CORNER: The custom 1:24 models of Luis Aguilar, Part 02

Posted on March 12, 2014 by Guest Writer

Luis Aguilar_Revell Datsun 510 04

We met Luis Aguilar at a local AE86 owner gathering and immediately had our brains melted by his astounding 1:24 scale plastic models. It wasn’t just his tremendous attention to detail that caught our eye, but his highly accurate adherence to Japanese customizing styles. We’ll let Luis tell you about his cars in his own words. This is Part 02 of his story. — Ben

In scale form I have many kits of all makes and models: American hot rods, muscle cars, some Euros as well, but with Japanese cars being the majority of my collection. Most of my kits are 1:24 or 1:25 scale, but I have a few 1:12 and the more rare 1:16 and 1:20 scale kits too. I cannot say that I am influenced by just one style for my builds. It’s a mixture of a lot styles — kyuusha-kai, shakotan, bosozoku, drift and a bit of the performance side as well. I tend to throw in a bit of all that I like.  Continue reading →

Posted in Art Corner | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

VIDEO: Jay Leno drives the Nissan IDx NISMO

Posted on March 11, 2014 by Justin Principe

JaylenogarageIDXNismo1

Nissan has been parading their IDx concept cars all over SoCal recently, and this weekend they ended up in the garage of car enthusiast and comedian Jay Leno.

Tonight Show prop master Greg Elliot joins the show once again with his restomod Voodoo Blue 510. Accompanying him is Nissan Creative Design Manager Giovanny Arroba and the head-turning, charismatic Nissan IDx NISMO Concept.  Continue reading →

Posted in Video | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

QotW: Which JNC are you never sellin’?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Ben Hsu

14 Alfred Morris 1991 Mazda 626

Maybe it’s your first. Maybe it’s got some uber-rare option combo. Maybe you put your blood, sweat and tears into building it exactly way you want it. It might note even be that special to anyone else but you, but you’re keeping it forever anyway.

Which JNC are you never sellin’?

Look at the story of Alfred Morris. He kept and restored his beloved Mazda 626 5-speed, even though he earned $2.2 million with his NFL contract last year. How many JNC readers would do the same in his situation?

What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a toy. Click through to see the winner of the last QotW, “What’s the best JNC for a new driver?”  Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 30 Comments

MINICARS: Red Line Club Carroll Shelby Toyota 2000GT

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Ricky Silverio

monterey2007=002

Um, you might want to join the Hot Wheels Red Line Club this year. It was announced today that one of the club exclusives this year will be none other than the SCCA Toyota 2000GT campaigned by Carroll Shelby. Last year Mattel introduced a BRE Datsun 510, which sold out in two hours, leaving many collectors out in the cold. Continue reading →

Posted in minicars | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

ART CORNER: The custom 1:24 models of Luis Aguilar, Part 01

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Guest Writer

Luis Aguilar_Hasegawa 1970 Toyota Celica TA22 GT 04

We met Luis Aguilar at a local AE86 owner gathering and immediately had our brains melted by his astounding 1:24 scale plastic models. It wasn’t just his tremendous attention to detail that caught our eye, but his highly accurate adherence to Japanese customizing styles. We’ll let Luis tell you about his cars in his own words. — Ben

I’ve been into models since I was a kid. It’s been an on-and-off hobby, but I’ve always been drawn in by hot rods, lowriders and pretty much anything low. Growing up in LA I was surrounded by it all. Once I hit high school I was introduced to the import side, mainly by the older brothers or uncles of some buddies in old school Corollas going to “street racing” spots in Carson.  Continue reading →

Posted in Art Corner | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

1974 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600GSR at Geneva Motor Show

Posted on March 6, 2014 by Ben Hsu

1974 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600GSR Safari Rally 01

The Geneva Motor Show is happening in Switzerland right now, and unless you’re into hideously modified exotics there’s not much of interest to the typical JNCer. Except, that is, if you happen to wander into the Mitsubishi booth where the the humble winner of the 1974 East African Safari Rally stands on display in honor of the Triple Diamond’s 40th anniversary in Europe.  Continue reading →

Posted in mitsubishi | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

THE ENGINE: HKS Mitsubishi Astron II twin-cam

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Matt De Mangos

Mitsubishi HKS 134E Astron II twin-cam

Nissan had the OS Giken TC24 twin-cam conversion for its L-series motors. Toyota had its 151E 16-valver. Let’s not forget, however, that Mitsubishi had their own ridiculously expensive marvel of engineering, and it was built by none other than the famous Japanese tuning house HKS.  Continue reading →

Posted in mitsubishi | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

KIDNEY, ANYONE? Ex-works Toyota Celica ST185 Group A rally car

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Justin Principe

toyota-celica-S1016773-1

We have seen other historic Toyota race cars hit the market recently, and the appearance of this 1993 ex-works Toyota Celica ST185 indicates their collectability is increasing. Building on the victories of the ST165 chassis, the ST185 was introduced to usher Toyota into the 90’s with more success; thanks to improvements to its frame, turbo system, and suspension.  Continue reading →

Posted in for sale | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

QotW: What’s the best JNC for a new driver?

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Ben Hsu

012-9618_ToyotaCorollaE70

Last week we asked which JNC would get you the most dates. Let’s say the advice dispensed by our readers worked and netted you a mate. First comes love, then comes marriage, now it’s 16 years later you have a teen getting behind the wheel for the first time.

What’s the best JNC for a new driver?

The E70 Corolla might be the perfect ride for a new license holder. It’s unassuming, mechanically simple, and reliable as an oak tree. It comes in a variety of body styles and is common enough that you won’t feel guilty if the newb puts a ding in it. And yet, it has all the underpinnings of an AE86 so your budding Takumi Fujiwara can learn RWD dynamics in a well-balanced chassis without the perils of too much power. Best of all, it’s a sensible, economical Corolla, making for an easy sell to your non-car enthusiast spouse.

What say you, dear reader? As always, the most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a toy. Click through to see the winner of the last QotW, “Which JNC will get you the most dates?”  Continue reading →

Posted in Question of the Week | Tagged , | 28 Comments

Ten years, 100,000km of Mitsubishi ownership

Posted on February 28, 2014 by Matt De Mangos

1973 Mitsubishi Galant GTO GSR

Back in 2010 Mitsubishi went around Japan looking for the most loyal members of the triple diamond clan. They sent journalist Hirohisa Kaneko across the country looking for individuals who had owned their Mitsubishis for either 10 years or 100,000km to share their stories. What he found was everything from a guy with two matching 1970s Debonairs to an elderly gent who’s had his Galant GTO GSR for 41 years.  Continue reading →

Posted in mitsubishi | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments