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
Prowl Back on the Prowl as Evolved Z-Car
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
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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
Mitsubishi Owners Day 2008
UPDATE: More pics in our forum.
Here are some pics from 2008’s Mitsubishi Owners Day. Although 99.9% of the cars on display were Lancer Evos of some Roman numeral designation, the triple diamond mafia did dust off some classics from their personal collection. Continue reading
Posted in events, mitsubishi
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JNC Magazine Issue 2 Update
Here’s a sneak preview of a page out of JNC Issue #2. We’ve all been hard at work on it – doing research, writing articles, editing photos, designing the layout, calling advertisers, promoting and marketing, shipping, and on and on and on. Therefore, we are sorry to report that despite many long hours, it will have to be delayed. The reasons are a combination of a sagging economy that has made finding advertisers more challenging (not to mention increased postage and paper costs) and a search for a new printer thanks to a botched delivery on Issue #1 that has some subscribers only getting Issue #1 now and some still waiting.
Our newbie status as an independent publisher failed to account for these possibilities and our aggressive schedule with a skeleton crew (some of which work full-time in addition to JNC) may have been a bit too ambitious. We know you’re eagerly anticipating the next issue, and it’s coming. Currently we plan to release Issue #2 in September. We’re deeply sorry for the wait and have each chopped off one pinky finger in repentance.
We are fully committed to bringing you the most thorough coverage of vintage Japanese cars because for us, above all, JNC is a labor of love. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or ask it in the forum. Thanks for bearing with us as we go take our baby steps.
-Team JNC
Posted in jnc
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Rad Retro Rags from NoCarNoLife
Being the graphic designer type, Van runs in some pretty creative circles. That’s how he spotted this series of positively righteous artwork from NoCarNoLife. However, we’ve locked the Vanster in a dungeon until he finishes the layout for JNC Issue 2, so he can’t post on this news himself.
Apparently, these beauteous renderings are intended for appearance on shirts, though the links on website seem to be dead. However, you can see the rest of the collection on NoCarNoLife’s Flickr Photostream. Let’s hope they get the site sorted soon, cause where else are you gonna get a T-shirt with a Datsun 610 or 710 on it? Of course, standard fare like the Celica, 510 and TE27 Corolla above are also available. For you 80s fans, there’s designs like the R30 and A60 Supra. If you like what you see, why not show them some support by letting them know how eager you are to order one?
UPDATE: Check out deadflo’s comments to this post. Be careful when ordering from this seller. We will give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he was not ready to deal with orders yet. Thanks for letting us know, deadflo!
Posted in datsun, mazda, mitsubishi, nissan, nostalgic gear, toyota
11 Comments
Suzuki GSX1400 Goes Retro
While this isn’t exactly a car, we like how Suzuki has recalled its historic triple blue on white racing livery for a new special edition GSX1400Z. With fuel costs going through the ceiling, motorbikes are looking more and more appealing as an alternative to four wheeled travel. Unfortunately, like many great Japanese vehicles, this one is unavailable in North America. Australian, European and Japanese readers can bike all they want.
With major Japanese manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha going retro with their motorcycles, why not some throwback cars as well?
Posted in suzuki
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Tsukuba Summer Meeting
The Tsukuba Summer Meeting is one of many Japanese vintage car events in which owners actually use their classic machines in the way their creators intended – on the track. There really isn’t much to say about it, except for the fact that we’ve wanted to go very, very badly for several years now. But with the magazine’s budgetary and time constraints, it’s just on possible. Maybe next year. In the meantime, check out these glorious photos on Speedhunters.
Posted in events, japan, motorsports
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Subaru Fan! Fan! Festival
Here’s something for the Subie heads. Last weekend Fuji Heavy Industries officially celebrated the 50th anniversary of its automaking arm with the Fan! Fan! Festival, held in Yokohama. Here’s the only shot we could find of some truly old school Subes, a Sambar and a 360. Currently, the festival is touring across Japan. Incidentally, this year is Subaru USA’s 40th anniversary. Where’s our party?
[Image: Subaru]
Posted in events, japan, subaru
2 Comments
