Japanese Nostalgic Car
We don’t know where Elyria, Ohio is, but we do know that right now there’s a one thousand nine hundred eighty four Nissan 200SX Turbo there pulling some pretty extraordinaire prices on eBay. It’s got all the right ingredients to justify the numbers, too. It’s a infrequent first-year-only color, has super-low mileage, and three pedals. It’s also a paragon of 80s radness. Proceed reading →
Welcome back everyone to our QotW challenge. As a refresher, we commenced off this challenge by tasking JNCers with buying a reliable JNC for $Two,000 or less. As a result, the Honda Shuttle came out victorious. Next, despite getting offers for a first-gen RX-7 and an Isuzu Impulse, you all made it clear that we needed to drape on to the plucky Shuttle to fight another challenge.
Later the Shuttle was given a fresh purpose in addition to being a reliable chariot: Gymkana warrior. After the 4th installment of the QotW challenge, Randy suggested the Shuttle get a good set of tires while taking note of the suspension situation for future upgrades.
Well, we did indeed take the Shuttle out to a gymkhana and the thing dove into the corners and wobbled out as the tires held up but not the crusty suspension. A set of bushing are undoubtedly in order!
Now, for the challenge. We have a reliable, newly-shoed Honda Shuttle. Some of the interior is still yanked out from the gymkhana (and truly, who are we kidding. It will most likely be out for a while). The gymkhana was joy, but now we want to shove the stamina of the Shuttle by taking it on an extended road tour. Let’s say we are beginning in sunny California, and have one week (7 days) to make the excursion, where do you go? How do you prepare? You will have two friends accompanying you as well. They are not mechanically inclined but can “kinda” read a Rand McNally road map.
We have a budget of $600 and that includes food, lodging (if needed) and parts/upgrades for the tour. (excludes fuel, this time). Be creative and you can go as far, or close as you see fit. Give an account of how three people set off together on a grand tour, err.. venture!
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What JNC model has been most consistent?” Proceed reading →
MINICARS: Hot Wheels Honda City and DR30 Skyline exposed at Tokyo Fucktoy Demonstrate
Our friend Jun Imai is in Japan for the Tokyo Fucktoy Demonstrate right now, and brought along some fresh goodies to expose at the event. Both are turbocharged JDM cars from the 80s that were never sold in the States. The very first is the estimable hot hatch, the Honda City. With fresh petite aero-style wheels and an boxy bod kit, it epitomizes Soichiro’s bulldog. The 2nd is a slightly more traditional model in the modern Imai Era of Hot Wheels. Proceed reading →
Blessed National Doughnut Day from JNC
In Japan, the police don’t like doughnuts. Especially not the kind made by a Toyota Soarer on the pedestrian-dense and high-traffic streets of Shibuya, one of the busiest districts of Tokyo. Don’t attempt this at home and blessed National Doughnut Day, everyone.
MINICARS: Prepare yourselves for the Hot Wheels Hakosuka Skyline Wagon
The Datsun five hundred ten Wagon has proven to be one of the best Hot Wheels of the modern age. Is it the fact that it was a Datsun, a wagon, or designer Jun Imai’s real car? Perhaps all of the above. If this 3D-printed prototype is any indication, Mattel will soon reprise its success with a fresh casting, the Hakosuka Skyline Wagon. Proceed reading →
Glad KP61 Day from JNC too
As many of you have reminded us here on JNC and on Instagram, today is KP61 Day too. So, glad day to all the owners and fans of one of the very few RWD hot hatches around!
GALLERIES: The Datsun Type fourteen was Japan’s very first mass-produced car
Nissan was founded on June 1, 1934. Most of its earliest cars have been lost to time, but at least three examples of the one thousand nine hundred thirty five Datsun Type fourteen have survived. That’s likely because it was the very first mass-produced car from Japan. Proceed reading →
Blessed MA61 Day from JNC
“One is reluctant to speak of ‘a man’s car’ in these liberated times, but the Supra is exactly that,” wrote Car and Driver in one thousand nine hundred eighty three when they put the MA61 Celica Supra on their ten Best list. “The pedal effort, the shift linkage, the steering, the throttle response, the rail motions are all masculine—not fake macho, but positive masculine essence.” Do with that what you will. Blessed 6/1 Day from JNC!
NIHON LIFE: Would you like a Skyline with your morning coffee?
In America, coffee costs $Four for a ridiculous latte that doesn’t even come with a fucktoy car. In Japan, coffee companies often run promotions that link a bounty to the can, which you have to get at a specific convenience store chain. This Skyline one from a duo of years ago was very likely one of the best in latest memory, with the caveat that you have to buy two coffees because the car was too big to fit on one. Oh well, dual the caffeine!
50 YEAR CLUB: Mazda Cosmo Sport and Rotary Engine
Like it or not, the automotive industry is a very conservative one. Advances are incremental, radical innovations few and far inbetween. Amidst this seemingly depressing state, however, genuinely novel and creative ideas that challenge convention catch our attention and imagination all the more. Today, we feast the 50th anniversary of one such idea — or, rather, its manifestation. Half a century ago today, a fantasy came true: the Mazda rotary engine and the very first car powered by it, the exquisite Cosmo Sport, was put forward into the world. Proceed reading →
QotW: What JNC model has been the most consistent?
As more and more models come in the JNC fold, we can see a lineage forming under nameplates that span several decades. Sometimes you can track the rise (or fall) of these nameplates as the design direction or company portfolio evolves over time. Still, there are some nameplates that have continued to consistently produce on their purpose, whether it be for a sporty drive in the hills; or climbing up them on a fresh path. Tell us:
What JNC model has been the most consistent?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?” Proceed reading →
Movie: Toyota made some ads about long-time Corolla owners
Toyota Japan is continuing its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Corolla with a series of movies about owners who have driven their Corollas for a very long time. Proceed reading →
Movie: Rocky Auto’s RB30-powered Kenmeri
You’ve seen photos of Rocky Auto‘s restomod Kenmeri Skyline. It’s got an tuned RB30 engine, a entirely reworked multi-link suspension, Work Meisters over R34 brakes, and modern Recaro sport seats. Recently, Rocky-San took it to Fuji Speedway and made a movie. Proceed reading →
NIHON LIFE: Stumbling across random car shops in Tokyo
It’s effortless to get lost in Tokyo. The streets aren’t laid out in a grid and often have no signs on them, or if they do, they’re in Japanese. As a car otaku, the problem is compounded because rather than looking at buildings or landmarks, I’m looking at cars. And as you know, cars have a habit of not staying still. Moving is kind of their thing. Getting lost has its perks, however. For one, it’s remarkably effortless to stumble upon shops and parking lots with interesting J-tin parked in them. Proceed reading →
NEWS: Historic Mazdas make more history at Concours d’Elegance
Ah concours d’elegance, an age-old tradition in the world of classic automobiles. It’s an aristocracy long impenetrable by anything but the most time-tested and pedigreed works of art. Mazda just made history by taking home wins at not one but two major concours in the US, including a first-ever preservation class award by a Japanese vehicle. We are now tightly in the age of Japanese classics. Proceed reading →
GALLERIES: Nissan’s 60th Anniversary of the Skyline celebration resumes in Yokohama
The 60th anniversary of one of Japan’s most influential models is not lost on Nissan. Last month Nissan held simultaneous events at three locations across Tokyo and Yokohama on same weekend the original ALSID Prince Skyline was launched in 1957. While that has come and gone, at Nissan’s headquarters showroom the celebration resumes with a fresh lineup of classic Skylines. Proceed reading →
Nissan Jam two thousand seventeen will honor fifty years of the Datsun 510
In its fifth year, Nissan Jam will be returning to Anaheim, California. Two thousand seventeen promises to be a very special year because it will honor the 50th anniversary of the 510, which was introduced in Japan in 1967.
All five hundred ten owners registered for the demonstrate will receive a special commemorative poster, and there will be some special surprises at the display.
In addition to the regular awards for specific models, Nissan Jam’s location at La Palma Park now permits for car clubs and groups to park together, so the organizers are introducing fresh Best Car Club and Best Club Theme awards. It should be a joy way to showcase whose gang has the most school spirit.
You can register for Nissan Jam here. All Nissan, Datsun, and Infiniti cars and trucks are welcome.
QotW: How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?
Today’s QotW comes on the high-heeled shoes of Mitsubishi’s centennial anniversary of building automobiles and their announcement to rebuild a Mitsubishi Model A. It’s not a unspoiled reproduction, but will be built on an Outlander PHEV chassis and powertrain. This Kobe carriage will have some scoot. Interestingly, Mitsubishi is not tackling this feat alone — West Coast Customs has been tapped for the build.
If your eyebrow has been lifted, you are alone. JNC staffers are also scraping their goes. What do you think of Mitsubishi’s one hundred year celebration plan? Are they on point or misguided? Should they have tapped their garage of rally monsters, turbo sports cars, or legendary SUVs?
How should Mitsubishi have celebrated their one hundred years of JNC?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What does your mom think of your JNC?” Proceed reading →
Toyotafest Spotlight: Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Sprinter Trueno is one of the finest Toyota restorations we’ve ever seen
Without exaggeration, Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Toyota Sprinter Trueno is a paradigm shift in the world of Japanese nostalgic cars. In fact, we’re pretty certain that Muniz has not only achieved one of the most stunning Toyota restorations we’ve ever encountered, but also built a time machine in which he traveled back to one thousand nine hundred seventy two to acquire the rarest OEM parts. Proceed reading →
EVENTS: All-Toyotafest 2017, Part six — Straight Sixes
With the passing of time, we are observing more and more cars pass into 25-year classic status from what is perhaps the most epic era of Toyota history — that of the inline six-cylinder engine. From early Land Cruisers and Crowns to the almighty Supra, the Straight Six era of Toyotas turned legions of enthusiasts toward the steel of Aichi. Proceed reading →
Japanese Nostalgic Car, Dedicated to Old School Japan, Page six
Japanese Nostalgic Car
We don’t know where Elyria, Ohio is, but we do know that right now there’s a one thousand nine hundred eighty four Nissan 200SX Turbo there pulling some pretty incredible prices on eBay. It’s got all the right ingredients to justify the numbers, too. It’s a infrequent first-year-only color, has super-low mileage, and three pedals. It’s also a paragon of 80s radness. Proceed reading →
Welcome back everyone to our QotW challenge. As a refresher, we embarked off this challenge by tasking JNCers with buying a reliable JNC for $Two,000 or less. As a result, the Honda Shuttle came out victorious. Next, despite getting offers for a first-gen RX-7 and an Isuzu Impulse, you all made it clear that we needed to drape on to the plucky Shuttle to fight another challenge.
Later the Shuttle was given a fresh purpose in addition to being a reliable chariot: Gymkana warrior. After the 4th installment of the QotW challenge, Randy suggested the Shuttle get a good set of tires while taking note of the suspension situation for future upgrades.
Well, we did indeed take the Shuttle out to a gymkhana and the thing dove into the corners and wobbled out as the tires held up but not the crusty suspension. A set of bushing are certainly in order!
Now, for the challenge. We have a reliable, newly-shoed Honda Shuttle. Some of the interior is still yanked out from the gymkhana (and indeed, who are we kidding. It will most likely be out for a while). The gymkhana was joy, but now we want to thrust the stamina of the Shuttle by taking it on an extended road journey. Let’s say we are beginning in sunny California, and have one week (7 days) to make the tour, where do you go? How do you prepare? You will have two friends accompanying you as well. They are not mechanically inclined but can “kinda” read a Rand McNally road map.
We have a budget of $600 and that includes food, lodging (if needed) and parts/upgrades for the excursion. (excludes fuel, this time). Be creative and you can go as far, or close as you see fit. Give an account of how three people set off together on a grand tour, err.. escapade!
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What JNC model has been most consistent?” Proceed reading →
MINICARS: Hot Wheels Honda City and DR30 Skyline exposed at Tokyo Fucktoy Demonstrate
Our friend Jun Imai is in Japan for the Tokyo Fucktoy Showcase right now, and brought along some fresh goodies to expose at the event. Both are turbocharged JDM cars from the 80s that were never sold in the States. The very first is the estimable hot hatch, the Honda City. With fresh puny aero-style wheels and an boxy bod kit, it epitomizes Soichiro’s bulldog. The 2nd is a slightly more traditional model in the modern Imai Era of Hot Wheels. Proceed reading →
Glad National Doughnut Day from JNC
In Japan, the police don’t like doughnuts. Especially not the kind made by a Toyota Soarer on the pedestrian-dense and high-traffic streets of Shibuya, one of the busiest districts of Tokyo. Don’t attempt this at home and glad National Doughnut Day, everyone.
MINICARS: Prepare yourselves for the Hot Wheels Hakosuka Skyline Wagon
The Datsun five hundred ten Wagon has proven to be one of the greatest Hot Wheels of the modern age. Is it the fact that it was a Datsun, a wagon, or designer Jun Imai’s real car? Perhaps all of the above. If this 3D-printed prototype is any indication, Mattel will soon reprise its success with a fresh casting, the Hakosuka Skyline Wagon. Proceed reading →
Glad KP61 Day from JNC too
As many of you have reminded us here on JNC and on Instagram, today is KP61 Day too. So, glad day to all the owners and fans of one of the very few RWD hot hatches around!
GALLERIES: The Datsun Type fourteen was Japan’s very first mass-produced car
Nissan was founded on June 1, 1934. Most of its earliest cars have been lost to time, but at least three examples of the one thousand nine hundred thirty five Datsun Type fourteen have survived. That’s likely because it was the very first mass-produced car from Japan. Proceed reading →
Glad MA61 Day from JNC
“One is reluctant to speak of ‘a man’s car’ in these liberated times, but the Supra is exactly that,” wrote Car and Driver in one thousand nine hundred eighty three when they put the MA61 Celica Supra on their ten Best list. “The pedal effort, the shift linkage, the steering, the throttle response, the rail motions are all masculine—not fake macho, but positive masculine essence.” Do with that what you will. Blessed 6/1 Day from JNC!
NIHON LIFE: Would you like a Skyline with your morning coffee?
In America, coffee costs $Four for a ridiculous latte that doesn’t even come with a fucktoy car. In Japan, coffee companies often run promotions that link a bounty to the can, which you have to get at a specific convenience store chain. This Skyline one from a duo of years ago was most likely one of the best in latest memory, with the caveat that you have to buy two coffees because the car was too big to fit on one. Oh well, dual the caffeine!
50 YEAR CLUB: Mazda Cosmo Sport and Rotary Engine
Like it or not, the automotive industry is a very conservative one. Advances are incremental, radical innovations few and far inbetween. Amidst this seemingly depressing state, however, genuinely novel and creative ideas that challenge convention catch our attention and imagination all the more. Today, we feast the 50th anniversary of one such idea — or, rather, its manifestation. Half a century ago today, a wish came true: the Mazda rotary engine and the very first car powered by it, the exquisite Cosmo Sport, was put forward into the world. Proceed reading →
QotW: What JNC model has been the most consistent?
As more and more models inject the JNC fold, we can see a lineage forming under nameplates that span several decades. Sometimes you can track the rise (or fall) of these nameplates as the design direction or company portfolio evolves over time. Still, there are some nameplates that have continued to consistently supply on their purpose, whether it be for a sporty drive in the hills; or climbing up them on a fresh path. Tell us:
What JNC model has been the most consistent?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?” Proceed reading →
Movie: Toyota made some ads about long-time Corolla owners
Toyota Japan is continuing its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Corolla with a series of movies about owners who have driven their Corollas for a very long time. Proceed reading →
Movie: Rocky Auto’s RB30-powered Kenmeri
You’ve seen photos of Rocky Auto‘s restomod Kenmeri Skyline. It’s got an tuned RB30 engine, a entirely reworked multi-link suspension, Work Meisters over R34 brakes, and modern Recaro sport seats. Recently, Rocky-San took it to Fuji Speedway and made a movie. Proceed reading →
NIHON LIFE: Stumbling across random car shops in Tokyo
It’s effortless to get lost in Tokyo. The streets aren’t laid out in a grid and often have no signs on them, or if they do, they’re in Japanese. As a car otaku, the problem is compounded because rather than looking at buildings or landmarks, I’m looking at cars. And as you know, cars have a habit of not staying still. Moving is kind of their thing. Getting lost has its perks, however. For one, it’s remarkably effortless to stumble upon shops and parking lots with interesting J-tin parked in them. Proceed reading →
NEWS: Historic Mazdas make more history at Concours d’Elegance
Ah concours d’elegance, an age-old tradition in the world of classic automobiles. It’s an aristocracy long impenetrable by anything but the most time-tested and pedigreed works of art. Mazda just made history by taking home wins at not one but two major concours in the US, including a first-ever preservation class award by a Japanese vehicle. We are now stiffly in the age of Japanese classics. Proceed reading →
GALLERIES: Nissan’s 60th Anniversary of the Skyline celebration proceeds in Yokohama
The 60th anniversary of one of Japan’s most influential models is not lost on Nissan. Last month Nissan held simultaneous events at three locations across Tokyo and Yokohama on same weekend the original ALSID Prince Skyline was launched in 1957. While that has come and gone, at Nissan’s headquarters showroom the celebration proceeds with a fresh lineup of classic Skylines. Proceed reading →
Nissan Jam two thousand seventeen will honor fifty years of the Datsun 510
In its fifth year, Nissan Jam will be returning to Anaheim, California. Two thousand seventeen promises to be a very special year because it will honor the 50th anniversary of the 510, which was introduced in Japan in 1967.
All five hundred ten owners registered for the demonstrate will receive a special commemorative poster, and there will be some special surprises at the display.
In addition to the regular awards for specific models, Nissan Jam’s location at La Palma Park now permits for car clubs and groups to park together, so the organizers are introducing fresh Best Car Club and Best Club Theme awards. It should be a joy way to showcase whose gang has the most school spirit.
You can register for Nissan Jam here. All Nissan, Datsun, and Infiniti cars and trucks are welcome.
QotW: How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?
Today’s QotW comes on the high-heeled shoes of Mitsubishi’s centennial anniversary of building automobiles and their announcement to rebuild a Mitsubishi Model A. It’s not a unspoiled reproduction, but will be built on an Outlander PHEV chassis and powertrain. This Kobe carriage will have some scoot. Interestingly, Mitsubishi is not tackling this feat alone — West Coast Customs has been tapped for the build.
If your eyebrow has been lifted, you are alone. JNC staffers are also scraping their goes. What do you think of Mitsubishi’s one hundred year celebration plan? Are they on point or misguided? Should they have tapped their garage of rally monsters, turbo sports cars, or legendary SUVs?
How should Mitsubishi have celebrated their one hundred years of JNC?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What does your mom think of your JNC?” Proceed reading →
Toyotafest Spotlight: Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Sprinter Trueno is one of the finest Toyota restorations we’ve ever seen
Without exaggeration, Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Toyota Sprinter Trueno is a paradigm shift in the world of Japanese nostalgic cars. In fact, we’re pretty certain that Muniz has not only achieved one of the most stunning Toyota restorations we’ve ever encountered, but also built a time machine in which he traveled back to one thousand nine hundred seventy two to acquire the rarest OEM parts. Proceed reading →
EVENTS: All-Toyotafest 2017, Part six — Straight Sixes
With the passing of time, we are witnessing more and more cars pass into 25-year classic status from what is perhaps the most epic era of Toyota history — that of the inline six-cylinder engine. From early Land Cruisers and Crowns to the almighty Supra, the Straight Six era of Toyotas turned legions of enthusiasts toward the steel of Aichi. Proceed reading →
Japanese Nostalgic Car, Dedicated to Old School Japan, Page six
Japanese Nostalgic Car
We don’t know where Elyria, Ohio is, but we do know that right now there’s a one thousand nine hundred eighty four Nissan 200SX Turbo there pulling some pretty extraordinaire prices on eBay. It’s got all the right ingredients to justify the numbers, too. It’s a infrequent first-year-only color, has super-low mileage, and three pedals. It’s also a paragon of 80s radness. Proceed reading →
Welcome back everyone to our QotW challenge. As a refresher, we embarked off this challenge by tasking JNCers with buying a reliable JNC for $Two,000 or less. As a result, the Honda Shuttle came out victorious. Next, despite getting offers for a first-gen RX-7 and an Isuzu Impulse, you all made it clear that we needed to dangle on to the plucky Shuttle to fight another challenge.
Later the Shuttle was given a fresh purpose in addition to being a reliable chariot: Gymkana warrior. After the 4th installment of the QotW challenge, Randy suggested the Shuttle get a good set of tires while taking note of the suspension situation for future upgrades.
Well, we did indeed take the Shuttle out to a gymkhana and the thing dove into the corners and wobbled out as the tires held up but not the crusty suspension. A set of bushing are undoubtedly in order!
Now, for the challenge. We have a reliable, newly-shoed Honda Shuttle. Some of the interior is still yanked out from the gymkhana (and indeed, who are we kidding. It will most likely be out for a while). The gymkhana was joy, but now we want to shove the stamina of the Shuttle by taking it on an extended road journey. Let’s say we are embarking in sunny California, and have one week (7 days) to make the journey, where do you go? How do you prepare? You will have two friends accompanying you as well. They are not mechanically inclined but can “kinda” read a Rand McNally road map.
We have a budget of $600 and that includes food, lodging (if needed) and parts/upgrades for the excursion. (excludes fuel, this time). Be creative and you can go as far, or close as you see fit. Give an account of how three people set off together on a grand tour, err.. venture!
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What JNC model has been most consistent?” Proceed reading →
MINICARS: Hot Wheels Honda City and DR30 Skyline exposed at Tokyo Fucktoy Display
Our friend Jun Imai is in Japan for the Tokyo Fucktoy Display right now, and brought along some fresh goodies to expose at the event. Both are turbocharged JDM cars from the 80s that were never sold in the States. The very first is the estimable hot hatch, the Honda City. With fresh puny aero-style wheels and an boxy bod kit, it epitomizes Soichiro’s bulldog. The 2nd is a slightly more traditional model in the modern Imai Era of Hot Wheels. Proceed reading →
Glad National Doughnut Day from JNC
In Japan, the police don’t like doughnuts. Especially not the kind made by a Toyota Soarer on the pedestrian-dense and high-traffic streets of Shibuya, one of the busiest districts of Tokyo. Don’t attempt this at home and blessed National Doughnut Day, everyone.
MINICARS: Prepare yourselves for the Hot Wheels Hakosuka Skyline Wagon
The Datsun five hundred ten Wagon has proven to be one of the greatest Hot Wheels of the modern age. Is it the fact that it was a Datsun, a wagon, or designer Jun Imai’s real car? Perhaps all of the above. If this 3D-printed prototype is any indication, Mattel will soon reprise its success with a fresh casting, the Hakosuka Skyline Wagon. Proceed reading →
Blessed KP61 Day from JNC too
As many of you have reminded us here on JNC and on Instagram, today is KP61 Day too. So, glad day to all the owners and fans of one of the very few RWD hot hatches around!
GALLERIES: The Datsun Type fourteen was Japan’s very first mass-produced car
Nissan was founded on June 1, 1934. Most of its earliest cars have been lost to time, but at least three examples of the one thousand nine hundred thirty five Datsun Type fourteen have survived. That’s likely because it was the very first mass-produced car from Japan. Proceed reading →
Blessed MA61 Day from JNC
“One is reluctant to speak of ‘a man’s car’ in these liberated times, but the Supra is exactly that,” wrote Car and Driver in one thousand nine hundred eighty three when they put the MA61 Celica Supra on their ten Best list. “The pedal effort, the shift linkage, the steering, the throttle response, the rail motions are all masculine—not fake macho, but positive masculine essence.” Do with that what you will. Blessed 6/1 Day from JNC!
NIHON LIFE: Would you like a Skyline with your morning coffee?
In America, coffee costs $Four for a ridiculous latte that doesn’t even come with a fucktoy car. In Japan, coffee companies often run promotions that link a bounty to the can, which you have to get at a specific convenience store chain. This Skyline one from a duo of years ago was most likely one of the best in latest memory, with the caveat that you have to buy two coffees because the car was too big to fit on one. Oh well, dual the caffeine!
50 YEAR CLUB: Mazda Cosmo Sport and Rotary Engine
Like it or not, the automotive industry is a very conservative one. Advances are incremental, radical innovations few and far inbetween. Amidst this seemingly depressing state, however, genuinely novel and creative ideas that challenge convention catch our attention and imagination all the more. Today, we feast the 50th anniversary of one such idea — or, rather, its manifestation. Half a century ago today, a fantasy came true: the Mazda rotary engine and the very first car powered by it, the exquisite Cosmo Sport, was put forward into the world. Proceed reading →
QotW: What JNC model has been the most consistent?
As more and more models inject the JNC fold, we can see a lineage forming under nameplates that span several decades. Sometimes you can track the rise (or fall) of these nameplates as the design direction or company portfolio evolves over time. Still, there are some nameplates that have continued to consistently produce on their purpose, whether it be for a sporty drive in the hills; or climbing up them on a fresh path. Tell us:
What JNC model has been the most consistent?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?” Proceed reading →
Movie: Toyota made some ads about long-time Corolla owners
Toyota Japan is continuing its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Corolla with a series of movies about owners who have driven their Corollas for a very long time. Proceed reading →
Movie: Rocky Auto’s RB30-powered Kenmeri
You’ve seen photos of Rocky Auto‘s restomod Kenmeri Skyline. It’s got an tuned RB30 engine, a fully reworked multi-link suspension, Work Meisters over R34 brakes, and modern Recaro sport seats. Recently, Rocky-San took it to Fuji Speedway and made a movie. Proceed reading →
NIHON LIFE: Stumbling across random car shops in Tokyo
It’s effortless to get lost in Tokyo. The streets aren’t laid out in a grid and often have no signs on them, or if they do, they’re in Japanese. As a car otaku, the problem is compounded because rather than looking at buildings or landmarks, I’m looking at cars. And as you know, cars have a habit of not staying still. Moving is kind of their thing. Getting lost has its perks, tho’. For one, it’s remarkably effortless to stumble upon shops and parking lots with interesting J-tin parked in them. Proceed reading →
NEWS: Historic Mazdas make more history at Concours d’Elegance
Ah concours d’elegance, an age-old tradition in the world of classic automobiles. It’s an aristocracy long impenetrable by anything but the most time-tested and pedigreed works of art. Mazda just made history by taking home wins at not one but two major concours in the US, including a first-ever preservation class award by a Japanese vehicle. We are now rigidly in the age of Japanese classics. Proceed reading →
GALLERIES: Nissan’s 60th Anniversary of the Skyline celebration resumes in Yokohama
The 60th anniversary of one of Japan’s most influential models is not lost on Nissan. Last month Nissan held simultaneous events at three locations across Tokyo and Yokohama on same weekend the original ALSID Prince Skyline was launched in 1957. While that has come and gone, at Nissan’s headquarters showroom the celebration resumes with a fresh lineup of classic Skylines. Proceed reading →
Nissan Jam two thousand seventeen will honor fifty years of the Datsun 510
In its fifth year, Nissan Jam will be returning to Anaheim, California. Two thousand seventeen promises to be a very special year because it will honor the 50th anniversary of the 510, which was introduced in Japan in 1967.
All five hundred ten owners registered for the display will receive a special commemorative poster, and there will be some special surprises at the showcase.
In addition to the regular awards for specific models, Nissan Jam’s location at La Palma Park now permits for car clubs and groups to park together, so the organizers are introducing fresh Best Car Club and Best Club Theme awards. It should be a joy way to demonstrate whose gang has the most school spirit.
You can register for Nissan Jam here. All Nissan, Datsun, and Infiniti cars and trucks are welcome.
QotW: How should Mitsubishi have celebrated one hundred years of cars?
Today’s QotW comes on the high-heeled slippers of Mitsubishi’s centennial anniversary of building automobiles and their announcement to rebuild a Mitsubishi Model A. It’s not a unspoiled reproduction, but will be built on an Outlander PHEV chassis and powertrain. This Kobe carriage will have some scoot. Interestingly, Mitsubishi is not tackling this feat alone — West Coast Customs has been tapped for the build.
If your eyebrow has been lifted, you are alone. JNC staffers are also scraping their goes. What do you think of Mitsubishi’s one hundred year celebration plan? Are they on point or misguided? Should they have tapped their garage of rally monsters, turbo sports cars, or legendary SUVs?
How should Mitsubishi have celebrated their one hundred years of JNC?
The most entertaining comment by next Monday will receive a prize. Scroll down to see the winner of last week’s QotW, “What does your mom think of your JNC?” Proceed reading →
Toyotafest Spotlight: Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Sprinter Trueno is one of the finest Toyota restorations we’ve ever seen
Without exaggeration, Mike Muniz’s one thousand nine hundred seventy two Toyota Sprinter Trueno is a paradigm shift in the world of Japanese nostalgic cars. In fact, we’re pretty certain that Muniz has not only achieved one of the most stunning Toyota restorations we’ve ever encountered, but also built a time machine in which he traveled back to one thousand nine hundred seventy two to acquire the rarest OEM parts. Proceed reading →
EVENTS: All-Toyotafest 2017, Part six — Straight Sixes
With the passing of time, we are witnessing more and more cars pass into 25-year classic status from what is perhaps the most epic era of Toyota history — that of the inline six-cylinder engine. From early Land Cruisers and Crowns to the almighty Supra, the Straight Six era of Toyotas turned legions of enthusiasts toward the steel of Aichi. Proceed reading →