Last year we reported that Mazda appeared to be running an RX-8 test mule in Europe. The RX-8, as you know, has been out of production since 2012, and a rotary engine successor has gone through more cycles of rumor and denial than Half-Life 3. We are happy to report, however, that this test vehicle is still at it. In fact, it has since shown up with a companion at the famed Nürburgring. Continue reading
Japan unleashes retro mobile post office based on the Toyota HiLux
On July 19 Japan’s postal service kicked off a national campaign featuring a retro truck that will serve as a mobile mail drop. Based on the sixth-generation Toyota HiLux, the roving post office will travel to tourist destinations and appear at various festivals across the country, giving people the chance to send their postcards and letters on the spot. Continue reading
VIDEO: The Plymouth Colt showed what Mitsubishi was capable of at its peak
It’s no secret that Mitsubishi hasn’t been at its best in recent years. Back when it was firing on all cylinders and spinning all its silent shafts, its lineup was actually described as “terrific” and full of “show stoppers,” according to Motorweek. The crew from Owings Mills aren’t known as the harshest critics, but I think we can all agree that when adjectives like “stylish,” “slicked-up,” and “handsome” are used to describe even Mitsubishi’s lowliest entry-level offerings like the Plymouth Colt, the company must have been doing something right. Continue reading
MINICARS: Hot Wheels Nissan Hardbody D21 minitruck
Hot Wheels has definitely been on a roll these days, with lots of Skylines, Hondas, and assorted Japanese-market goodness. The latest release, however, covers a styling trend in which Japanese vehicles were extremely popular, but had uniquely American origins: the minitruck. Specifically, it’s a 1993 Nissan Hardbody. Continue reading
QotW: What modern car will be a collectible JNC 25 years from now?
Owners of classics love to complain about new cars. Not enough soul, too much tech, not enough value, too much weight, and so on. But, there are perhaps a few offerings that you would like to own, maybe even deem worthy of keeping for posterity. For the purposes of this question, we’ll define “modern” as being made in the last five years.
What modern car will be a collectible JNC 25 years from now?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?” Continue reading
JNC THEATER: Tom Cruise uncovers his old Kawasaki Ninja in Top Gun: Maverick trailer
The surprise dropping of the trailer for the upcoming Top Gun: Maverick has given fans of Japanese nostalgic motorcycles a cool throwback to the 80s. In one scene, Tom Cruise’s character whips the cover off his old bike, a Kawasaki GPZ900R, otherwise known as the original Ninja. It was a fitting steed for Cruise’s Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, because at the time it was the fastest production ever made. Continue reading
MINICARS: Hot Wheels X JNC Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R
We at JNC are proud to announce the next Hot Wheels car to bear our logo, the legendary R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R. This is the first casting beyond the chrome-bumper era to wear the mark, and we couldn’t think of a better car to represent the 80s and 90s era of JNCs. Continue reading
BIKES: Japan kicks off high-end collector motorcycle auctions
We at JNC certainly love our classic Japanese cars, but Japan’s true technological tour de force came on two wheels. The design, engineering, and performance of Japanese bikes had an even bigger impact on the motorcycling world than that of Japanese cars on the automotive world. It was only a matter of time that collectible classic and racing bikes would get their turn on the auction block. Continue reading
Posted in Motorcycles
Tagged 750SS, CB1100R, CB72, cb750, honda, kawasaki, motorcycles, RC45, suzuki
2 Comments
NEWS: Mazda might have a sporty 3 in the works
Mazda has trademarked a bunch of new model names in Europe, including one that might herald a sub-Miata sports offering: MX-30. The name recalls the sporty MX-3 hatchback of the 90s, which was sold in Japan as the Eunos Presso and Autozam AZ3. However, we think it might be something Mazdafarians are clamoring even more for. Continue reading
VIDEO: Jay Leno compares a new Honda Cub with the original
When it comes to Japanese vehicles, Jay Leno’s Garage has been most entertaining when they’ve been about Honda bikes. The host has a true affinity for them in a way that’s not always there when he’s talking about, say, a Toyota Supra. It also doesn’t hurt that his first bike was a Honda, and is of the generation when Hondas entered the US market and transformed the face of motorcycling in America forever. Continue reading
KIDNEY, ANYONE? 660-mile Nissan 300ZX 50th Anniversary
What if you were offered the lowest mileage Z31 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary edition that you’ve ever seen? The good news is that it’s fully optioned out and perfectly preserved. The bad news is that it’s fully optioned out and perfectly preserved. Continue reading
QotW: What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?
Summer is a time for road trips, and there is perhaps no greater reward in life than making a journey in a car that you’ve built yourself, or cared for lovingly, or when even your timely arrival is not guaranteed. Having made several 1,00o-mile expeditions in Toyotae of varying age, I can tell you that even with ToMoCo’s vaunted reputation for reliability, when you’re talking about decades-old cars such trips are an excellent way to learn intimate details about your car and yourself. It’s a beautiful thing.
What’s the longest road trip you’ve taken with your JNC?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What are your summer plans with your JNC?” Continue reading
PARTS GUIDE: Yokohama re-issues GT Special Classic tire
Yokohama Tire has announced the GT Special Classic, a re-issue of its iconic sports radial tire from 1967. Developed in response to the expansion of Japan’s expressway system in the mid-1960s and the rise of performance cars, the original Yokohama GT Special Y350 was key in advancing Japan out of the bias-ply age. Continue reading
Posted in Product Guide
Tagged datsun, fairlady roadster, GT Special, nissan, Yokohama Tire
5 Comments
Celebrating 40 years of Toyota Racing Development USA
These days TRD USA’s primary focus is with NASCAR and dressing up some trucks, but back in the 80s and 90s, it was a Toyotaku’s dream come true. Founded in 1979, it’s celebrating its 40th anniversary and looking back at some of its humble origins. “It’s the story about this quirky, little, aftermarket, southern California speed shop for Toyotas,” says current TRD USA president David Wilson. “Literally a couple of lifts out back, and, instead of hot-rodding Mustangs and Camaros, it was Celicas and Supras.” Continue reading
VIDEO: A tour of Nissan’s Zama warehouse
Nissan’s Zama warehouse is a 400-plus collection of historic, racing and concept cars, a living catalog of the company’s long history. It used to be closed to the public, and only those with a special invitation could see the cars. Some say it was because Nissan insiders wanted to keep a low profile, fearing that Carlos Ghosn, the president nicknamed “Le Cost Killer” would see the collection as a waste of money during Nissan’s recovery from near-bankruptcy and sell off all the cars. Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
Tagged c210, fairlady z, nissan, nissan zama warehouse, s130, skyline
4 Comments
Happy 710 Day from JNC
The Datsun 710 isn’t as revered as some of its ancestors, but let’s not forget, they were formidable race cars too. Happy 710 Day from JNC!
KIDNEY, ANYONE? The Corolla that started it all
The Toyota Corolla is the best selling nameplate in automotive history. It’s a household name, recognizable around the world to car enthusiast and normie alike, and has been produced for 12 generations and 53 years consecutively. Go back to its humble beginnings to find what kickstarted it all, and you’ll find an E10 just like the one currently being offered for sale in Orlando, Florida. Continue reading
VIDEO: Jay Leno drives another Datsun 510
On the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, the host welcomes the prototypical hot rod for our generation. Leno mentions that for his era, it was the ’32 Ford, but for Millennials, it’s the Datsun 510. He may have been off by a generation depending on how you look at it, but Jonathan Lessner’s 1970, a archetypal build with a KA24E swap, is the kind of car JCCS used to be swarming with. Continue reading
QotW: What are your summer plans with your JNC?
It’s the heart of summer, at least for those of us living in the northern hemisphere, and the perfect occasion to spend a little time with our cars. Whether it’s some basic maintenance, digging into the rebuild of a major component, or taking a much deserved road trip, we must brave the heat before the colder months return.
What are your summer plans with your JNC?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What’s the best US-built or US-market JNC?” Continue reading
Happy Sevens Day from JNC
It’s the perfect day to exercise your rotary engine. Just remember to lubricate those apex seals! Happy Sevens Day from JNC!
