Japanese Nostalgic Car

There was a time when a ’57 Chevy Bel Air was just a plain ol’ car that wasn’t even as spectacular as a Buick. Now it’s a emblematic of its era and a bona-fide classic.

Which completely inconspicuous car will be a JNC of the future?

One could make a compelling argument that the CB7 Honda Accord was the pinnacle of the model. It looked good, handled well, and had an interior that far surpassed its competition. It was also everywhere, one of the best selling cars in America. Now, if you take away the beaters with one Pep Boys Altezza light and sagging suspension, how many examples are left? One day people will be nostalgic for these bread and butter specimens from Honda’s heyday, and they’ll be gone.

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 cutest JNC you ever did see?” Continue reading →

Japan obsession with cuteness even trickles down to their cars. Look, for example, at the Suzuki Twin we spotted the other day in Yokohama, leading us to wonder:

What’s the cutest JNC you ever did see?

The Twin got its name from the fact that it was a two-seater and that, as the first hybrid kei, it had two propulsion methods. Though it looks like it could hail from the early 90s it’s not nostalgic at all, with production starting in 2003. It was so bad that Suzuki killed it after two years and moving a little over 10,000 units. But it sure is cute!

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 one thing a JNCer must do in Japan?”  Continue reading →

So we’re “stuck” in Japan this week in the aftermath of the Tokyo Motor Show. Boo hoo, poor us. Tell us where to go and we’ll shoot some pictures.

What’s the one thing a JNCer must do in Japan?

If you’re going to Japan for the first time, may we suggest going at the end of January? The New Year Meeting is a great opportunity to see all kinds of Nihon steel in one place. Plus its location puts you right into the heart of Odaiba, the man-made island in Tokyo Bay that is home to Toyota’s Megaweb and History Garage showrooms, and just a few subway stops from the biggest Super Autobacs in Tokyo. Trust us, it’s worth the trip.

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 wildest Japanese concept car?”  Continue reading →

So it’s Friday evening and your local old school Japanese meet is about to begin. But your sweet, chrome-bumpered ride is still on jack stands and has no hope of being finished in time. Gotta hop in the daily.

What modern car would be acceptable at a JNC meet?

They’re few and far between, but there does exist a few modern machines that you can show up in while holding your head up high. A 2002 Monte Carlo? Better park a mile away. Oh wait, you have the Intimidator Edition? Make that two miles. We have a Ford Escape in the fleet that’s so beat up we’d rather walk. Our photographer Dan needed a practical car that wouldn’t make clients and women flee in revulsion and could haul a mess of camera gear, so he chose a Lexus IS 300 SportCross. It’s stylish, has a bulletproof 2JZ, and is at least somewhat rare. Plus, who doesn’t love wagons?

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 worst mod you’ve ever seen on a JNC?” Continue reading →