Japanese Nostalgic Car

A few years ago a friend of JNC finally bought his dream car, a machine that he’d been  talking about and saving up for for years. It had a Toyota engine, but the rest was a bit more British. After a long search he finally found one in the proper color and condition. It appeared to have been well cared for and the seller seemed honest, so he made the deal in a private party sale on the most expensive car he’d ever bought, happy to have finally achieved his long-awaited goal. Within 24 hours of taking possession, the motor exploded due to oil starvation. What should have been a beautiful ownership experience was marred by a $10,000 repair bill.

What’s the worst car buying experience you’ve ever had?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s your most memorable rainy day car story?“. Continue reading →

Today is National Wiper Day in Japan, a date to remind drivers to replace their wiper blades in the name of safety. A date with the same month and day numeral was chosen because wipers are replaced in pairs, and June was chosen because it marks the start of the rainy season in Japan. In fact, some of Japan’s most famous races have been held in and decided by the rain, and every time we’ve been to Fuji Speedway it’s been soaked in rain (not that it ever held the drivers back).

What’s your most memorable rainy day car story?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What should the plot of the Gran Turismo TV show be?“. Continue reading →

EXT. TRIAL MOUNTAIN CIRCUIT — DAY

The world’s best drivers are gathered at the track, prepping their machines for the bout. It’s an eclectic mix of cars: Toyota GT-One, NISMO Skyline GT-R LM GT1, TVR Cerbera LM, Vector M12 GT2, Renault Espace F1, and so on. The TEAM OWNER approaches the DRIVER in a panic.

TEAM OWNER: How can you be so calm!? Unless we place first, our season is done!
DRIVER: Don’t worry, I got this.
TEAM OWNER: Look, I took a chance on you. A week ago you were hopping hills in Seattle in a 1982 Toyota Starlet. What makes you think you can—
DRIVER: Three words.

The DRIVER swings open the door to an enclosed trailer. Gasps echo throughout the paddock. Sunlight falls on a bright red spoiler the size of picnic table.

DRIVER: Pikes Peak Escudo.

Last week it was revealed that Sony is developing a Gran Turismo TV show. This has the potential to be all sorts of bad. Or maybe really great. Whatever your take is, tell us what you think we’ll see in the serialized adaptation of “the real driving simulator”.

What should the plot of the Gran Turismo TV show be?

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

On May 23, 2002 Honda launched the NSX-R. It was the ultimate manifestation of Japan’s ultimate car at the time. It offered true racing technology in a production road car — carbon fiber body panels, flow-through aero creating negative lift downforce, and fully balanced crankshaft assembly from pulley to clutch. Despite its engineering accomplishments, there are faster, more expensive, more beautiful cars that can also claim the title of “ultimate”. Feel free to define the term however you wish, but…

What is the ultimate Japanese car?

The best comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Where do you want to travel, and with which car?“. Continue reading →