Japanese Nostalgic Car was launched 20 years ago in what felt like a vastly different world. In October 2006 you could walk into a dealership and buy a brand new Honda S2000 or Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX off the lot, cars like the Toyota AE86 and Z31 Nissan 300ZX had not yet hit the 25-year threshold to become historic vehicles, and names like Hakosuka and Kenmeri were still largely unknown in the US. JNC was built to champion the overlooked Japanese classics and celebrate the rich heritage of Japan’s automotive golden eras. It’s been an uphill battle at times, but things have evolved considerably.
How has the landscape for Japanese cars changed in the last 20 years?
The most entertaining comment by next week will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “Which JNC is most emblematic of the 1960s?“.
It is of course impossible to narrow 1960s Japan to just one car. It was a time of incredible change that saw utilitarian conveyances evolve into dream cars like the Toyota 2000GT, as nominated by dankan and Negishi no Keibajo, in just a few short years. Before the end of the decade incredible race cars like streetspirit‘s Prince R380 came to fruition. Of course, we can’t forget the common cars that moved people like the 410 Datsun Bluebird suggested by Kyuusha Corner, or which acted as ambassadors for Japanese products like the barikan Corona chosen by Dutch 1960.
All are worthy, but we could only crown one champion and this week the winner is Nihonnotekko, whose ode to a little loved workhorse emerged victorious:
Ahhh, the height of the Miracle Economy…Well you know, there’s somethin’ funny about economic miracles: They don’t build themselves out of thin air. There’s a lot of hard work, sweat, tears, blood…and pickup trucks.
Humbly thrumming along in industrial and agricultural areas across Japan, the Hino Briska was one of a cadre of pickups that propelled the Miracle. Haulin’ the small stuff is what makes building the big stuff possible, and that’s true anywhere you go. It may not have been the flashy star of the show like them fancy 2000GTs and Cosmos that came preening after most of the reeeal hard work was done; A Briska in ’64 wouldn’t have turned a head…But the 60’s were a decade of doin’ stuff, and partner…back then, you did that stuff with a Briska…
The most emblematic isn’t always the halo car on the poster. So I say let’s lavish some praise on one of the workin’ trucks that built the nation that built those halo cars: Hino Briska
Omedetou, your comment has earned you a set of decals from the JNC Shop!
