Yutaka "Mr K" Katayama Inducted into Japan Automotive Hall of Fame

Posted on December 1, 2008 by Ben Hsu


In a ceremony last month, Yutaka Katayama has finally been inducted to the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame at the age of 99. Known as Mr. K to his fans, he presided over Nissan USA during its formative years in the 60s and 70s, largely responsible for making it the car company that it is today. Katayama is also called the father of the Z-car for his involvement in developing a sports car for the US market that became the Datsun 240Z. He is also helped build Nissan’s storied reputation in motorsports, having pushed for racing programs that he knew would be key to building a strong following for the marque. It’s great to see such an influential figure finally get the recognition he deserves in his home country. Mr. K was inducted into the US Automotive Hall of Fame in 1998.

He is shown above with Luis Carriles, Z Car Club of San Antonio (left) and Yoshihiko Matsuo, lead designer on the Fairlady Z project (right).

[Photo credit: Luis Carriles, via Datsun Heritage Museum]

Posted in datsun, nissan | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Happy Thanksgiving and Honda Thanks Day

Posted on November 27, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Each fall Honda Racing puts on something called Thanks Day at their Twin Ring Motegi complex. Any machine that has fought to bring home a checkered flag for Honda is honored, from MotoGP bikes to SuperGT NSXs to F1 cars. This year it took place on the November 24, just a few days before our Thanksgiving Day, but the weather didn’t cooperate, making it far too risky to run vintage F1 cars on the track. In past years, however, it was not a problem. Check out the 2007 Thanks Day in this Urban Racer article. Best of all, it’s called “Thanks Day” as a show of appreciation for fans of the Honda marque. We know we’d be very thankful if our favorite automakers held events like this stateside.

In any case, we want to wish you, dear JNCers, a very happy Thanksgiving! Thank you for reading JNC and thank you for continuing to carry the old school torch for our rare and often unloved cars!

Posted in events, honda, japan, motorsports | 2 Comments

Car Nut Could Take the Wheel at Toyota

Posted on November 25, 2008 by Ben Hsu

There’s more than a few Toyotaku who come to JNC because, let’s face it, most of the exciting machines in the automaker’s portfolio are in its past – RWD Celicas, Supras, Sports 800s, MR2s, twin-cam Corollas and the glorious 2000GT. But ever since the Celica and MR2 Spyder were given the axe in 2005, the wealthiest car company in the world has been missing some excitement in its lineup. Some say that the drought began a full decade ago, with the discontinuation of the 1998 JZA80 Supra. Regardless of the exact date, nowadays the Big T is known more for sensible but bland people movers than pulse-quickening sports cars.

However, according to the New York Times, this could all change if Akio Toyoda, grandson of founder Kiichiro Toyoda, becomes president of the company. Continue reading →

Posted in industry, toyota | Tagged , | 8 Comments

Vintage Japanese Drag Racing at Fuji Speedway

Posted on November 24, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Old School Japanese Drag Cars

Break out the earplugs before watching this footage of vintage Japanese iron doing the Zero-Yon (0-400m, approximately a quarter-mile), circa 1986. Unlike the nostalgia drag racers of the US, these cars sport canister mufflers and big fat turbos instead of superchargers and open headers. This setup probably favors trap speed over low E/Ts, but the ear-splitting echoes in the mountains of Fuji Speedway sound incredible all the same. The majority of cars in this video are radically modified Datsun Fairlady Zs, but some Toyotas and Mazdas appear at the 3:00 mark. Thanks to Daron for the tip!

Posted in datsun, nissan, toyota | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 8 Comments

Toyota Sports 800 Styled iQ Roadster

Posted on November 23, 2008 by Ben Hsu


Last month, Toyota launched the iQ city car, to much fanfare amongst the green-machine crowd. Within days, speculation began on a sporty two-seater roadster based on the same small platform. Naturally, the first thing we noticed was its resemblance to the 1965 Toyota Sports 800, itself based on a lesser commuter car, the Publica. If built, the yet-unnamed iQ-based convertible could be powered by a 1.0 or 1.3-liter gasoline or diesel engine. Sadly, unlike its predecessors, both this roadster and the iQ are front wheel drive. Expect to see a prototype at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show.

[Auto Motor und Sport via TheMotorReport]

Posted in toyota | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Game Over for Sport Compact Car

Posted on November 21, 2008 by Ben Hsu

This is sad news. Sport Compact Car, one of the most authoritative and well-written magazines about small engines and tuning tips for compact cars has been killed off by its parent company, Source Interlink, along with Truck Trend, with 115 employees cut loose. It’s one of the few import scene titles out there that had informative articles about the import scene, with no fluff about bikini girls and rap albums to distract from its core content. They even did the occasional story about an old school ride. This comes hot on the heels of Source Interlink discontinuing Turbo magazine as well, and rumor has it that more are on the chopping block. This kind of thing makes us uneasy, being small-time publishers still in the process of starting a new magazine. Continue reading →

Posted in media | 13 Comments

Subaru 50th Anniversary Continues in Full Swing

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Ben Hsu

We’re getting on our favorite hobby horse again and talking about how Japanese automakers don’t talk about enough their past products. We’re lookin’ at you, US subsidiaries! For example, this year was Nissan USA’s 50th anniversary, but you wouldn’t know it from attending the LA Auto Show. The event was dominated by Nissan, but at no point, not in CEO Carlos “Mr. Bean” Ghosn’s keynote address, or the debuts of the Nissan 370Z, Cube or Infiniti G37 convertible did the speakers give any hint of this milestone.

On the other hand, if you have Issue 2 of Japanese Nostalgic Car magazine, you’ll know that Subaru’s 50th birthday party in Japan has been one year-long bash. In fact, they won’t shut up about it. Here’s a cute post titled “Grandfather and Grandson” from the company’s blog, talking about a photo shoot that paired up a 360 with a new Impreza STI for Cartopia, their monthly magazine. Here they are teaming up with toymaker Tomica for vintage Sambar Fire Truck and FF-1 models. Continue reading →

Posted in japan, minicars, subaru | Leave a comment

World Micro/Mini Car Meet in 2010

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Ben Hsu


This is a ways off, but we thought you Subaru 360, Honda N/Z/S and various kei-car owners might be interested in making plans for the World Micro/Mini Car meet. It’s the brainchild of Ken & Sylvia Weger, owners/curators of the Small Wonders Microcar Museum and will take place in downtown Crystal Lake, IL at the University Center, located at 100 S. Main Street, on August 21-22, 2010.

From the website:

This will be the first ever WORLD MEET of its kind. Microcar and Minicar owners and their cars, will gather from all over the world to share their enthusiasm for these small wonders. The Weger’s are expecting over 500 Micro and Mini cars. Those cars under 500cc are considered to be “Microcars”, and those between 500-1500cc are considered “Minicars”. Many marques are expected to fill the lush lawns surrounding the University Center. Vendors will provide food and beverages. Alongside the car show, workshops and classes/seminars are being planned.

[Edmunds]

Posted in kei | 2 Comments

LA Auto Show: Retro Nissan Z, Nostalgic Mitsubishis

Posted on November 20, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Today at the LA Auto Show, Nissan finally revealed the 370Z to the world, finally, at long last, and for reals. Mitsubishi also brought out a couple of classics to show the world, “Hey, we’ve been doing this since waaay before rebadging ourselves as Plymouths!” Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, mitsubishi, motorsports, nissan | 7 Comments

Mazda and Ford Break Up, Remain Friends

Posted on November 18, 2008 by Ben Hsu


Mazda has announced last night that it is breaking up with corporate partner Ford. Until now, Ford owned a 33.4 percent of Mazda’s stock, giving it control over the company under Japanese law. But now it’s selling off 20 percent, worth approximately $540 million, to raise desperately needed cash.

The alliance began back in 1979, when Mazda spent much of the decade developing the fuel-thirsty rotary engine, even after the 1973 oil crisis. Ford purchased a 27 percent stake then and slowly increased its share during the 80s and early 90s. Together, they shared many platforms such as the Mazda MX-6/Ford Probe, 323/Escort and 6/Fusion. The two companies have said they will continue to save costs by working together on more platforms in the future.

This news follows GM’s announcement yesterday that it would sell its remaining 3.02 percent stake in Suzuki.

[AP]

Posted in mazda | 7 Comments

Cars of the World Show in Oz this Weekend

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Ben Hsu


Here’s a quick reminder for our Aussie JNCers in Melbourne, Australia. This Sunday November 23 is the Cars of the World show, and the featured marque is Nissan. There will be a concours type show and a charity auction. See these posts Go Baby Go and ajax240k for details.

Posted in datsun, events, nissan | Leave a comment

EVENTS: Norm Reeves Honda Show

Posted on November 17, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Click the image above to see the show!

Posted in events, honda | 3 Comments

Nissan 370Z on Display

Posted on November 15, 2008 by Ben Hsu


The Nissan 370Z doesn’t officially debut until the LA Auto Show next Wednesday, but Datsun Z owners were invited to bring the car’s forefathers down to a special sneak preview event in LA that just ended an hour ago. Sponsored by Edmund’s Inside Line and Nissan, the purpose was to have older Z-cars on hand for comparison and photo shoot opportunities, so we tagged along with some members of Group Z. Continue reading →

Posted in nissan | 4 Comments

EVENTS: Datsun Heritage Museum Toy Drive

Posted on November 15, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Last week there was a car show and charity toy drive at the Datsun Heritage Museum. Click on the image above to see the gallery.

Posted in datsun, events, museum, nissan | 4 Comments

Do the JDM Burnout Dance! G-Works Magazine review

Posted on November 15, 2008 by Kevin San

Pay your local Japanese bookshop a visit and you’ll see that one of the new JDM magazines catering to the new boom in nostalgics is G-Works. It’s one of my favourite Japanese magazines: it’s chock full of modified classic cars, real hardcore DIY articles and reports on local meets and clubs.

They also have an ongoing drag racing competition, held at Sendai, which flushes out all the uber-fast nostalgics. We’re talking 350+hp all-motor L-series Zeds, Skylines and Bluebirds pulling 11s over the quarter.

Continue reading →

Posted in Websites | 4 Comments

Skyline and Z Hoonage, Japanese Style

Posted on November 14, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Seriously, folks. If this video doesn’t make you want to get a nostalgic car of your own and tune the living crap out of it, you’re deader than Abraham Lincoln. Watch as a bunch of old school Nissan nuts shake out their Skylines, Fairladys, Bluebirds and Sunnys on Japan’s immaculate roads. The exhaust notes bouncing off JDM tunnel walls are pure auditory sex. These are definitely not trailer queens!

We think this has been posted more than once, but dsalni‘s was the latest. Thanks!

Posted in datsun, japan, nissan, Video | 7 Comments

Design Study: Datsun 240Z Vs Nissan 350Z

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Ben Hsu


Here’s an good design comparison between the Datsun 240Z and the soon-to-debut Nissan 370Z on Jalopnik. Rumor has it that the 370Z is 300lbs lighter than the outgoing 350Z, and will produce more horsepower, 332 to be exact. Though it’s hard to tell from photos, the 370Z is also shorter than the 350Z, with a wheelbase of 99 inches. We’re not as fond of the new look as our friends at Jalopnik are, but we’ll reserve judgment until we see it in person at the LA Auto Show next week.

[Jalopnik]

Posted in datsun, nissan | 4 Comments

EVENTS: SEMA 2008

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Ben Hsu

Our coverage of the SEMA show. Due to the economic disaster, the mood was a bit down and every company is struggling. However, there were some bright spots, including the first JNC car at SEMA! Also, read the article to find out why we are eating our words about Toyota.

Posted in datsun, events, nissan, toyota, trucks | Leave a comment

Norm Reeves Honda Show This Weekend

Posted on November 12, 2008 by Ben Hsu


Old school Honda-heads don’t often have the opportunity to show off their cars, so come and check out the show this Sunday, November 16, sponsored by Norm Reeves Honda. It’s the third annual event and it’s open to Hondas old and new, so come educate the youngin’s about Honda history. The address is 18500 Studebaker Road, Cerritos, CA 90703 it goes from 10am to 1pm. Here’s some pics from the 2007 NRH show.

Posted in events, honda | 2 Comments

Morning Cruising in Yokohama

Posted on November 11, 2008 by Ben Hsu


We’re still trying to go through the hundreds of SEMA photos we took, but in the meantime here’s a small set of photos from Satoshi, our man in Japan, from one of the Morning Cruises sponsored by Barracuda. Here are two more galleries from some of their past cruises in our Events Section. Continue reading →

Posted in datsun, events, japan, nissan, toyota, trucks, vans, wagons | 2 Comments