Japanese Nostalgic Car

"Datsun/Nissan: The American Story" Exhibit Opens at San Diego Auto Museum

Posted on May 24, 2010 by Ben Hsu

If you’re going to be in southern California this summer, be sure to stop by the San Diego Automotive Museum for an exhibit called “Datsun/Nissan: The American Story.” In addition to classic Datsun and Nissan cars, there will be tons of memorabilia on display, including racing footage and vintage advertising materials.

The museum has never devoted an entire exhibit to a single Japanese marque before, and they giving “Datsun/Nissan” the prime museum-going summer months, so please show your support!

The exhibit is made possible with help from our friends at the Datsun Heritage Museum and will run from May 27 to September 27, 2010.

In addition, on Saturday June 12, there will be an opening reception from 5 to 7pm, and Mr. K himself will be present via satellite feed from Japan. Please RSVP to the museum by June 7.

Posted in datsun, nissan | Tagged datsun, datsun/nissan the american story, mr k, nissan, san diego auto musuem, yutaka katayama | 2 Comments

Nissan Cedrics Speed Through Daitokai, The Big City

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Ben Hsu

You may recognize some of the faces here, but this is not Seibu Keisatsu. Rather, it’s Daitokai (“The Big City”), a Japanese television series that preceded the car chase-filled antics of Tokyo’s western district.

Tetsuya Watari (Sgt. Daimon in Seibu) plays Raisuke Kuroiwa, a different Nissan-driving, sawed-off shotgun-toting, aviator-wearing badass. Although the big city has no shortage of Cedric sedans screeching around narrow streets, knocking over fruit stands and empty baby prams, we learn a very valuable lesson here: do not to get taken hostage by armed criminals in Japan. The cops tend to shoot first and check if you’re okay second. Watch the video below the fold. Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games | Tagged 230, 330, cedric, daitokai, datsun, japanese cop show, nissan, seibu keisatsu | 10 Comments

Vintage Japanese Car Show at Laguna Gamagori

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Ben Hsu

Laguna Gamagori is a seaside amusement park in Aichi Prefecture. JNC reader Nakazoto went to a vintage car show there recently and snapped a metric buttload of photos. Somehow, a light blue hakosuka looks simultaneously oh so wrong and oh so right. Some of our favorites are below, or you could click here to see the CPU-melting totality of his photos. Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, events, honda, isuzu, mazda, mitsubishi, nissan, subaru, suzuki, toyota | Tagged b10, b110, b310, bellett, c10, carol, city, city turbo II, colt galant, corona, crown, datsun, galant gto, gc10, gloria, Hakosuka, honda, isuzu, kgc10, kpgc10, laguna gamagori, mazda, mitsubishi, nissan, pgc10, skyline, sports 800, sunny, t360, tn360, toyota | 12 Comments

Event Horizon for the Weekend of May 21, 2010

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Dan Hsu

If you know of or would like to publicize an event, send us a tip at the feedback address at the bottom of this page.

This week:

Saturday, May 22 / Fountain Valley, CA: So Fresh All Car Monthly Meet
Sunday, May 23 / Sydney, Australia: Sigma-Galant Cruise

Continue reading →

Posted in event horizon | Tagged event horizon, events, meets | 2 Comments

The Abandoned Cars of Ageo Bedroom Town

Posted on May 19, 2010 by Skorj

Thirty-five kilometers north of Tokyo is Ageo. A once semi-rural area, its main inhabitants are now mostly daily commuters to Tokyo — the famous Japanese salaryman and the odd OL — trudging off via their packed trains to slave away in the data-mines of mindless corporations. Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, isuzu, japan, nissan | Tagged ageo, be-1, bedroom town, bedtown, bellett, bluebird, isuzu, nissan, pao, subaru, subaru 360, toyota | 8 Comments

Jay Leno's Honda SM600 on My Classic Car

Posted on May 18, 2010 by John Roper

If you’re a regular viewer of SPEED Channel on cable/satellite, well… you’re probably not reading this blog. They do seem to go overboard to cater to the NASCAR crowd these days. But one of their regular programs is called My Classic Car and on last week’s episode they stopped by Jay Leno’s shop and took a few test drives of some of the cars in his fleet. Fortunately for us, the star of the show was his blue Honda SM600 Roadster. He seems to be very proud of this particular car, and why wouldn’t you be? Continue reading →

Posted in honda, Video Games | Tagged 110s, cosmo, cosmo sports, honda, jay leno, mazda, s600, sm600 | 10 Comments

510 Day Observed, in San Diego

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Matt De Mangos

The first ever Datsun meet put on by the San Diego 510 Crew (Ismael, Miguel & Ramon). This meet was conceived not only as a tardy 5-10 day celebration, but as a way to get any other Datsun models out of the garage. Word got out to the Toyota boys too, and some of them crashed the party (not referring to the black Camry that moved the cone to park there). Continue reading →

Posted in events | Tagged 240z, 510, 620, bluebird, c10, datsun, event, fairlady z, Hakosuka, meet, nissan, s30, skyline, z-car | 9 Comments

Friday Video: Nissan Cedric vs Plymouth Belvedere

Posted on May 14, 2010 by Ben Hsu

We’ve seen villains in Seibu Keisatsu try and fail to make their escape in Detroit Iron several times before. Maybe their problem was their allegiance to the Blue Oval. What if they try Mopar power? Perhaps a 1969 Plymouth Belvedere (correct me if I’m wrong, my B-Body knowledge is shoddy) can outrun a police-issue Nissan Cedric unmarked! Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games | Tagged 230, 330, b-body, belvedere, car chase, cedric, coronet, datsun, dodge, gloria, japanese cop show, nissan, plymouth, roadrunner, seibu keisatsu | Leave a comment

EVENTS: 15th Annual All Toyotafest, Part III

Posted on May 13, 2010 by Ben Hsu

Two years ago, nearly every AE86 at Toyotafest could have been a D1GP contestant. This past weekend, stock (or restorations with subtle mods) was the new black. We’ve long argued that the venerable twin-cam Corolla GT-S would be one of the first classics of the 80s (and probably one of the top Japanese collector cars), and it appears that now that it’s hit that magic 25-year mark, owners are appreciating it for what it is.

We were afraid that the exploding popularity of drifting and Initial D was going to make it impossible for a photo like the one above, where stock examples park next to modified ones, to be taken of the AE86 in 20 years. But we were wrong! Continue reading →

Posted in events, toyota | Tagged 1200, a20, ae86, bosozoku, camper, celica, corolla, cressida, dekotora, fj40, fj45, fj55, ke10, ke25, kyushakai, land cruiser, levin, lexus, ma70, ma71, mx62, pickup, ra21, ra29, shakotan, sprinter, supra, ta22, te21, te27, te37, te51, te71, toyota, toyotafest, toyotafest 2010, trueno, v8, wagon | 16 Comments

EVENTS: 15th Annual All Toyotafest, Part II

Posted on May 12, 2010 by Dan Hsu

When everyone from Congress to late night comedians is painting your cars as deathtraps unfit for their worse enemies, follow the lead of GM, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo. Embrace your heritage. Show the haters that no matter how much the media repeatedly bashes your cars, there are die-hard enthusiasts out there who want to congregate around painfully beautiful examples of your past work! Continue reading →

Posted in events, toyota | Tagged 2000gt, a10, a20, all-trac, barikan, carina, celica, corolla, corona, fj75, fj75lv, hilux, kouki, land cruiser, levin, ma60, ma61, mf10, mx63, mx72, mx73, ra21, rt40, sprinter, st165, stout, supra, ta10, ta22, te27, toyota, toyotafest, toyotafest 2010, trueno, zenki | 11 Comments

JNC Limited Edition AE86 Heritage Shirt Now Available

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Dan Hsu

We have a very small number of limited edition shirts from Toyotafest now available in our shop. Only 86 were ever or will ever be made. XLs are sold out, sorry!

Celebrating 25 years of the iconic Corolla GT-S, we’re proud to present our latest shirt, the Limited Edition AE86 Heritage. Only 86 of these shirts will be printed.

Flanked by its predecessor, the TE27, and its successor, the FT-86, the shirt is black on red, just like the iconic red panda paint scheme. A crest honoring its classic status is encircled by lightning bolts, a nod to the Trueno/Levin names, which mean thunder and lightning. All shirts are 100% cotton, pre-shrunk, and have the JNC logo on the sleeve.

Posted in jnc, nostalgic wear, toyota | Tagged ae86, corolla, ft-86, ft86, heritage, jnc, levin, sprinter, t-shirt, te27, toyota, trueno | 14 Comments

July 9 Is Collector Car Appreciation Day

Posted on May 11, 2010 by Ben Hsu

There is no shortage of oddball Awareness Days celebrating everything from the bean to the penguin. But there has never been a day honoring the classic car, until now. SEMA has somehow convinced the US Senate to pass a resolution designating July 9 as Collector Car Appreciation Day.

According to the press release, “The resolution was the result of an effort undertaken by SEMA and its councils as a means to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.” What that means practically is anybody’s guess. A total suspension of speeding tickets? Barring everyone except car enthusiasts on public roads? Hey, just throwing out ideas. Full press release below the fold. Continue reading →

Posted in media | Tagged collector car appreciation day, sema | 4 Comments

EVENTS: 15th Annual All Toyotafest, Part I

Posted on May 10, 2010 by Ben Hsu

Given the current state of Toyota‘s public image, the 15th Annual All Toyotafest was probably the company’s last safe haven in North America. When one gazes upon the bright colors and sparkling chrome of 35-year-old Celicas and Corollas, it’s hard not to appreciate the quality, engineering and sheer heart that the automaker once put into their cars.

The show itself gets better and better with each passing year. In addition to ever-growing levels of build quality and creativity, we noticed some exciting trends that foretell good things for the nostalgic scene. But we’ve babbled long enough. Onto the pics! Continue reading →

Posted in events, toyota | Tagged 18rg, ae82, ae92, baja, bosozoku, celica, century, corolla, corolla fx, cressida, crown, fj40, fj45, fj80, fx16, glanza, hks, ivan stewart, kp61, land cruiser, mango, mx32, mx36, mx73, peanut, pj bonifacio, s30, s40, shakotan, sports 800, starlet, te21, te27, toyopet, toyota, toyotafest, turbo, wagon | 15 Comments

Toyotafest 2010 Preview

Posted on May 8, 2010 by Dan Hsu

Here are a couple of pics from today’s Toyotafest in Long Beach, CA. More to come soon! Continue reading →

Posted in events, toyota | Tagged events, meets, toyota, toyotafest | 9 Comments

Friday Video: 1966 Toyota 2000GT Speed Trial

Posted on May 7, 2010 by Ben Hsu

In honor of the 15th Annual Toyotafest this weekend, this week’s Friday Video is over 30 minutes devoted entirely to one defining moment in Japanese automotive history: the Toyota 2000GT‘s record breaking speed trial. 72 hours at Yatabe Test Circuit in 1966 set 16 international endurance records. And with an FIA representative on hand to officiate for the record books, this event caught the notice of the world. The grainy footage puts us in the thick of the action, and the soundtrack of Toyota’s twin-cam straight six echoing off the banked walls is a feast for the ears. Enjoy! Continue reading →

Posted in toyota | Tagged 1966, 2000gt, fia, speed trial, toyota, yatabe | 10 Comments

JNC Limited Edition AE86 Heritage Shirt

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Ben Hsu

Are you ready for Toyotafest this weekend? Since 2010 is the year the infamous 1985 Toyota Corolla GT-S officially becomes a classic, we wanted to honor it with the JNC AE86 Heritage tee, made especially for this event. Only 86 of these T-shirts will ever be printed and they will be available for purchase at the JNC booth at Toyotafest, so stop on by!

Flanked by its predecessor, the TE27, and its successor, the FT-86, the shirt will be black on red, just like the iconic “red panda” paint scheme. A crest honoring its classic status is encircled by lightning bolts, a nod to the Trueno/Levin names, which mean “thunder” and “lightning”. All shirts are 100% cotton, pre-shrunk, and have the JNC logo on the sleeve. See you Saturday!

Posted in jnc, nostalgic wear, toyota | Tagged ae86, corolla, ft-86, ft86, heritage, jnc, levin, sprinter, t-shirt, te27, toyota, trueno | 17 Comments

NIHON LIFE: The Shuto, Tokyo’s Elevated Expressways

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Skorj

Tokyo’s Metropolitan Expressway — Shuto Kōsoku Dōro (or just the Shuto) — is Tokyo’s answer to handling large volumes of traffic traversing the megalopolis. Continue reading →

Posted in japan, Nihon Life | Tagged aqualine, bayshore route, c10, daikoku futo, datsun, fairlady z, Hakosuka, japan, nissan, s30, shuto, shuto kosoku doro, skyline, tokyo, tokyo metropolitan expressway, wangan | 10 Comments

Event Horizon for the Weekend of May 7, 2010

Posted on May 5, 2010 by Dan Hsu

If you know of or would like to publicize an event, send us a tip at the feedback address at the bottom of this page.

This week:

Friday, May 7 / Torrance, CA: SoCal Japanese Classic Car Meet
Saturday, May 8 / Long Beach, CA: 15th Annual All Toyotafest
Monday, May 10 / Issaquah, WA: Datsun 510 Day / Vintage Import Meet

Continue reading →

Posted in event horizon | Tagged event horizon, events, meets | 1 Comment

Tomica 40th Anniversary Lacquer Nissan Fairlady Z432

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Ben Hsu

If you thought the pure platinum Tomica Nissan Fairlady Z432 that Kev posted was a bit too outrageous at $80,000, perhaps you will find these more reasonable. Once again, the S20 powered S30 Z forms the basis for an extremely limited edition Tomica celebrating the toy car company’s 40th anniversary. This time, they are accompanied by the Nissan 370Z and are brushed with traditional Japanese lacquer techniques. The process involves real gold dust and is carried out in Wajima City, Ishikawa Prefecture, a region known for its lacquer artisans. The cost is a mere ¥80,000 or approximately US$850, but once again these priceless Pocket Cars are not for sale. You can see Tomica’s 40 Years interactive website here.

[Tomica via Tomica Fan Club] Hat tip to Toyotageek.

Posted in datsun, minicars, nissan | Tagged 240z, 370z, 40th annivesary, datsun, fairlady z, lacquer, nissan, s30, tomica, z34, z432 | Leave a comment

BRE Nissan 370Z Revealed at the Mitty

Posted on April 30, 2010 by Ben Hsu

Don’t you hate it when you get all dressed up for a party and then someone else shows up wearing the exact same livery? A couple of weeks ago Mazda revealed a tribute to the famous Datsun 240Zs of Peter Brock and John Morton, right down to the number 46.

Well, Nissan wasn’t about to let a rival steal their prom dress! Two days later, they announced that they too were going to The Mitty with a BRE theme, and released nothing but two images of a NISMO 370Z in the paint booth. Hmmm, curious. So now that the big day is here, the question is, who wears it better? Larger images below the fold. Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, mazda, motorsports, nissan | Tagged 240z, 370z, bre, datsun, fairlady z, john morton, mazda, miata, mx-5, NISMO, nissan, peter brock, road atlanta, s30, the mitty, z34 | 10 Comments