Japanese Nostalgic Car

Today, September 6, is Black Day in Japan. A number of businesses producing black goods promote their wares on this day, so it’s a good day to wear black clothes, eat black Kagoshima pork, or indulge your inner goth. It’s a pun on the Japanese pronunciation of 9 (kyu) and 6 (roku), which together sounds like kuro (black). Black also happens to be a near universal paint option for cars from the Black Limited AE86 to the Toyota Century. For most of the 60s and 70s few non-sedan models came in black, but we would take a 240Z in black over almost any factory color. It instantly transforms the car from a happy, fun sports car into a sinister midnight prowler.

Which JNC looks best in black?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “If you could only drive cars from one marque, what would it be?“. Continue reading →

If car companies had their way, every buyer would be a return customer. Start your automotive life with a Tercel, move up to a nicer Corolla at your first job, get a Camry when your family expands, and arrive in a Cressida when you’ve really made it. Thankfully, we have choices in life, but what if you were forced to stick with one brand for your whole existence?

For the purposes of this exercise this means you’ll have to use cars from the same marque for all your motoring needs, but you won’t be limited to a certain year or continent. You could commute with a Minica, have a weekend FTO fun car, and haul your lumber with a Mighty Max if you so desire.

If you could only drive cars from one marque, what would it be?

 
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Daily, Garage, Sell — Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, and Honda S2000.” Continue reading →

Welcome to another edition of Daily, Garage, Sell, JNC‘s version of Bang, Marry, Kill. You are presented with three cars. One is going to be your daily beater no matter what the weather, distance, or cost. Another will be parked in your climate-controlled single-car garage and driven only sparingly and only for the act of driving (no errands). The last one will be sold and you will never be able to own one again. This time we’re faced with three iconic roadsters: Mazda’s genre-defining sports car, Toyota’s underrated mid-engine masterpiece, and Honda’s technological tour de force. What do you choose, and why?

Daily, Garage, Sell — Mazda Miata, Toyota MR2 Spyder, and Honda S2000.

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What formerly unremarkable JNC now sparks joy?” Continue reading →

I’ve been in Monterey since 10:30 Sunday morning preparing for Car Week festivities. So far this 1991 Honda Accord Coupe has been the coolest thing I’ve seen, and it’s unlikely to be surpassed. It’s got a 5-speed manual, Pebble Beach residential parking pass, and 30,771 miles on the odometer [Patrick sent this photo to me with the words, “Get ready to nut.” -Ed.]. What feels like not that long ago these Accords were everywhere, a feeling backed up by the fact that these were America’s best-selling car from 1990-91. Back then we rarely gave them a second glance; now we positively drool over a fine example.

What formerly unremarkable JNC now sparks joy?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What is the most ‘Japanese’ car?” Continue reading →