Japanese Nostalgic Car

Mazda recently went through great lengths to restore the MX-81 concept, paying respects to the first car to bear the “MX” designation. As you can see, it needed significant reconditioning to bring it back to its former glory as it had been, according to the company, languishing at a warehouse somewhere (we’re imagining a room like at the end of Raiders of the Lost Ark). Prior to that, it had not been seen in public in many years and no one would’ve blamed you if you assumed it had been destroyed (the fate of many a concept). It makes us wonder, though, what else might be lurking out there in a forgotten storeroom?

What JNC concept deserves to be found or restored?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What theft prevention measures do you take for your car?” Continue reading →

The theft of a Hakosuka Skyline last week left the JNC world in a bit of a panic. Of course we have been accustomed to bandits wreaking havoc in the select communities, but to target a very specific, 50-year-old car like a custom Hakosuka Skyline signaled that perhaps a new breed of guns for hire were out to capture iconic Japanese classics. It was more akin to an art heist than your typical  larcenous behavior. Luckily, this time the car was recovered and the criminals seemed didn’t seem to know what they had, but whether you’re driving a Hako or a Honda, caution must be taken.

What theft prevention measures do you take for your car?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What automotive stuff do you hoard?” Continue reading →

Today is National Pack Rat Day, a day to recognize the dreaded hoarder. If you’re into old cars, you probably a stash of parts, memorabilia, or actual vehicles somewhere. Whether it’s out of necessity for backups, reassurance for just-in-case scenarios, investment, speculation, or some kind of compulsion, you’re probably not doing the old car thing right if you don’t have a trove of treasure somewhere.

What automotive stuff do you hoard?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Are JNC prices getting out of control?” Continue reading →

We’ve seen JNC prices on the rise for several years now, but within the past year or two there’s been an even sharper uptick. Celica Liftbacks are selling for $62,000. Datsun 240Zs are selling for over $100,000. An AE86 Corolla in nice but far from concours condition sold for $40,000 when a considerably nicer one sold for less than $25,000 just a two years ago. Perhaps people with secure finances are finally able to acquire the dream cars of their adolescence. Perhaps it’s speculation. Perhaps its a last gasp for analog cars in an increasingly electrified world. No matter the reason, prices are going up.

Are JNC prices getting out of control?

The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What would you do if you were Akio Toyoda?” Continue reading →