Some sad news on the new car front. Automotive News (subscription required) is reporting that Toyota is making some changes to its long term plans thanks to the high cost of gas. The company sees this as a permanent change, with prices firmly pegged at $5.00 or more by 2015. Also, the Big T intends to make offer hybrid powertrains in all of its models.
Wheel Restoration Done Right
We know all you nostalgists out there are wheel fiends at heart too. The problems is, if your wheels are as old as your car, it’s probably well worn from decades of abuse as the first line of defense from harsh road conditions, debris and jutting curbs. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get those rims restored back to their shiny, original splendor. It’s in Japanese but you know how many words a picture’s worth.
And if you’ve got your own set of rare wheels to show off, go ahead and post them in the Not-So-Ultimate Wheel Guide in the JNC Forum. Thanks to KurumaOtaku for the tip.
Posted in how to, wheels
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Gas Prices Got You Down? Drive a Classic
We’ve all been bitten by high fuel prices one way or another in recent times. Even if you take the subway to work every day, gasoline costs are buried in the higher prices you’re seeing everywhere. Wouldn’t you know it, the answer to wallet salvation is in the classics. Cars That Matter has put together a list of popular vintage cars and their city MPG numbers. Even the lowest rated, the 6-cylinder Datsun 240Z, still got 21mpg, while the motorcycle-like Honda S800 returned a whopping 42mpg.
Of course, the trade off is that these old cars have none of the creature comforts and safety features that a modern car does. Stuff like sound insulation, airbags, emissions controls and safety bumpers all conspire to add weight and cancel out much of the advancements in fuel economy that have transpired over the past few decades. But in an economic climate where even Geo Metros are selling for a premium, going old school to save gas ain’t such a crazy idea, and you’ll look a heckuva lot better doing so.
[Image: Honda Sports Registry]
Posted in datsun, honda, nissan
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Reminder: More Old School Fun in CT and GA
Think there aren’t any nostalgics left on the east coast? Think again. If one New England old school cah gathering isn’t enough, here’s another: the Old School Toyota Club of Bridgeport’s annual bash on August 17. Check out OSTCBPT for details.
If the northeast is too far for you, how about Hotlanta? Nostalgists from Georgia are holding a meet on Saturday, August 16. Check this forum thread for details. It’s good to see that Cali isn’t the only place with a pulse!
Posted in events
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Reminder: Japanese Car & Motorcycle Day August 17
Just a quick reminder for those in New England this weekend. The Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, MA is having their annual Japanese Car & Motorcycle Day on August 17. It’ll be one of their summer lawn events with the beautiful museum as a backdrop. Doors open at 10am and (get this), Sapporo Beer is a major sponsor! If you have any questions, be sure to ask your fellow JNCer TSiSS350, who is also one of the organizers.
Posted in events
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What Did You Do This Weekend?
Don’t cha just love it when you manage to get some free time over the weekend to spend with your car? While the JNC workhorse wagon is not exactly slammed like a mamma jamma, it is somewhat lower thanks to RS-R springs. It also now sits on a random set of old school wire-spoke wheels minus the baskets. What did you do this weekend?
Prowl Back on the Prowl as Evolved Z-Car
We’ve had a streak of poorly customized Z-Cars recently, but here’s a radically modified one that still turns out to be pretty durned cool. Anyone that liked the original Transformers remembers Prowl, Autobot Military Strategist, Optimus Prime’s second-in-command, and all-around badass. His alternate form was not only a Datsun Fairlady Z, but a hard-core highway patrol version in a Japanese police paint scheme. Continue reading
Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games
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Andreas Pininfarina 1957-2008
The automotive world is saddened today by news of the passing of Andreas Pininfarina, CEO of the renowned Italian design house responsible for everything from the Peugeot 403 to the Ferrari Enzo.
Pictured here is the Honda HP-X, unveiled at the 1984 Turin Motor Show. It’s powered by a 2.0L Formula 2 V6 mounted midship, just behind the two seats and wrapped in a sleek, Pininfarina-penned body.
Andreas Pininfarina was the grandson of founder Battista “Pinin” Farina, who in 1930 opened a small auto body shop that went on to become one of the most famous design studios in the world. The firm designed cars for a wide range of manufacturers, including Ford, Cadillac, Citroën, Volvo, BMLC, Jaguar, Rolls Royce and of course, Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Maserati and Ferrari.
Pininfarina’s cause of death was a motor scooter accident near Turin and he is survived by his wife and three children. His father Sergio is an honorary chairman of the company.
Posted in concepts, honda
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Datsun Summer Kind of a Bummer
Sorry, Zedheads. This is in fact the second horribly customized Datsun Z-car we’re bringing you in as many days. It’s not like we’re trying to find hideous nostalgic cars, they just have a habit of popping up, but at least yesterday’s X-wing Z was virtual. Today’s, however, is much too real.
It was sent in by JNCer Crazy Backyard Builder, who alerted us to the fact that the 1978 movie Corvette Summer didn’t just destroy a perfectly good Corvette Stingray and Firebird, but a Datsun as well.
And here it is. If the glitter of a 1970s Las Vegas casino doesn’t blind you, the gleam coming off its metal flake paint and chrome mirrors certainly will. Its ability to practically blend itself into such an environment like a chameleon doesn’t exactly say “tasteful mods.” Well, at least most of the original lines have been kept and, unlike that poor Corvette, there does not appear to be a anything on it modeled after an Aztec headdress. So there’s that.
Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games
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280Z Spotted in Midnight Club: Los Angeles Game
We’ve never believed that a racing game should have to include an underground street racing storyline and the presence of dubs. Call us Gran Turismo snobs if you must, but the reason the GT series appeals to our inner nerds is the rich selection of classic cars available in the game. Recently there’s been a lot of noise on teh Internets about Midnight Club: Los Angeles, the latest in one of the cartoonish series we’ve been ignoring. That is, until this Datsun 280Z caught our eye. Admittedly, the ridiculous X-wing spoiler doesn’t exactly inspire confidence, but consider our interest piqued. For those jonesing for some old school Gran Turismo goodness, take a look at this forum thread.
Posted in datsun, nissan, Video Games
8 Comments
Have a Nice Civic Holiday, Canadian JNCers
We’d just like to take some time out to wish our neighbors to the north an enjoyable, relaxing Civic Holiday. So grab a Molson and kick back, eh? Cheers, Canadian JNCers!
Posted in honda
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Two Generations of RX Designers
We’ve always said Mazda is the Japanese automaker that’s most willing to get in touch with its heritage, particularly in the US market. Late last year they began publishing Zoom Zoom magazine, for Mazdafarians interested in what’s going on at the company. We just received our first issue recently and one article that really caught our eye is the cleverly titled “The Maedas’ Touch.” It profiles the Maedas, a father and son team of designers that both worked for Mazda. Matasaburo, the father, was responsible for shaping the iconic first-gen RX-7 and 24 years later Ikuo, his son, penned the RX-8. It’s a great read and you can find the article at the Mazda USA website.
Posted in mazda, media
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Crikey! Aussie Barn Find Reveals 297 Classics
We all fantasize about the barn find. For some, it’s better than winning the lottery. A big wad of cash can get you that new Maserati, but there are some cars where it’s not a matter of buying them, it’s a matter of finding them. Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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Lemon Fresh RX-7
Last weekend the 24 Hours of LeMons South took place at Carolina Motorsports Park in Kershaw, SC. The epic beater endurance race of cars that cost $500 or less saw a 1-2 sweep by none other than a pair of Mazda RX-7s. When was the last time you saw a Wankel, much less one that cost only half a grand, survive this much abuse? Continue reading
Posted in mazda, motorsports
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Corvette Summer: Never Say Ricer Again
Look, we love Corvettes. In fact, the C3 Stingray was our favorite car when growing up. This may surprise some JNCers, but the truth is we love all kinds of cars. That’s why it’s kind of a bummer when muscle car snobs immediately shout “ricer!” any time they see a Japanese car used for something more than A-to-B transportation. It’s happened to us, and if you’re reading this site, it’s probably happened to you. Well, today we’ll supply you with all the comeback ammo you’ll ever need. Continue reading
Posted in Video Games
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Datsun X-Link Concept From Nissan Yulon
Automakers are always testing the marketplace waters with new concept cars that never hit the market, and Nissan is no exception. However, the thing that leapt off the page when we came across this otherwise typically futuristic dream car is the name, the Datsun X-Link. That’s right, not Nissan. Datsun.
Posted in datsun, nissan
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Non-Lohan Starlet Burning Out
Well, it’s Monday. We know everyone hates them and feel sluggish when it rolls around. So to start your week off right here’s a 3S-GTE Starlet with an intercooler bigger than its entire frontal surface area doing one massive burnout.
Posted in toyota
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BigJohn's Datsun: The Saga Continues
The Pyramids of Giza. The Great Wall of China. These are just some of human civilization’s accomplishments that are nearly as epic as what we’re about to show you. Once in a while, you come across one of those projects that just makes your chin hit the floor like you’ve eaten a grenade. Such is our reaction upon seeing JNCer BigJohn’s ongoing restoration of his 1979 Datsun Stanza (or Violet, 160J, 510, 710 depending on what country you’re from). In case you missed it, this is a must-see.
We simply cannot describe the skill, dedication and thoroughness of this project in words. Neither can BigJohn. Being from Thailand, he doesn’t know much English, but his pictures and usage of a single emoticon speak for themselves. Continue reading
Posted in datsun, how to, howto, nissan
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Subaru 360 Driving Impressions
As part of Subaru’s continuing celebration of its 50th anniversary, its official Japanese blog has taken the car that started it all – the Subaru 360 – out for a spin. It’s short drive, but a rare glimpse into the O.G. kei car, and in case you were wondering how it feels to be behind its wheel, here’s our poorly translated version of their writeup.
First off, the author points out how surprisingly low the seating position is, yet visibility is excellent. The 360 was intended to seat four adults, and the author notes that this is possible, without mentioning specifics about comfort (or lack thereof).
Posted in subaru
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Honda Super Cub’s 50th Anniversary
Honda held a ceremony in Tokyo yesterday to celebrate a half century of the Super Cub motorcycle, which went on sale in August, 1958. Although its engines have grown in size and technology, the basic design of the bike has remained the same. The Super Cub has been sold in over 160 countries and in April, Honda sold its 60 millionth unit. Clearly, it holds the record for best selling motorcycle of all time. Continue reading
