Classic cars are more popular now than ever, with collectors and enthusiasts eager to get their hands on a piece of automotive history. Though mostly associated with Europe, particularly Germany and Britain, Japan has also produced its fair share of stunning classic cars. We will look at 5 of the most stylish Japanese domestic market (JDM) classic cars.
So, whether you are a fan of vintage vehicles or just looking for some inspiration for your next car project, you will want to check out these amazing machines. Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (Hakosuka)
The Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (Hakosuka) is a Japanese sports car produced from 1969 to 1972. It quickly gained popularity among Japanese car enthusiasts for its impressive performance and stylish looks. The “Hakosuka” is a nickname for the Skyline by enthusiasts, meaning “boxy skyline.”
The Hakosuka was the second generation of the Skyline GT-R, and it was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six engine that could produce 160 hp. It had a top speed of 137 mph and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars. The Hakosuka was bred on the race track and won multiple championships in Japan.
Despite its impressive performance and build quality, the Hakosuka was only produced for three years, and less than 2000 units were made. This makes it one of the rarest and most sought-after classic Japanese cars. If you are lucky enough to find one for sale, be prepared to pay a hefty price tag.
2. Toyota 2000GT
The Toyota 2000GT is a Japanese grand tourer produced by Toyota from 1967 to 1970. It was first shown to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1965 and was available for sale from 1967. The 2000GT was Toyota’s attempt to produce a luxury sports car to compete with European manufacturers such as Jaguar and Porsche. It was also the first Japanese car fitted with power steering and disc brakes.
The 2000GT was powered by a 2.0-liter inline-six engine, which produced 150hp. It had a top speed of 215km/h and could accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9 seconds. A total of 351 cars were built, with only 62 sold in Japan. The rest were exported to the United States, where they were marketed through Toyota’s US subsidiary, Toyota Motor Sales.
In 1967, one of the cars was used in the James Bond film You Only Live Twice, driven by Bond girl Aki. The film helped increase the car’s popularity, and it is now considered one of Toyota’s most iconic models.
3. Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was introduced in 1999 as a two-seat convertible. It was available with a manual or automatic transmission. The engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 240 horsepower. The S2000 has a curb weight of less than 2,800 pounds. This makes it one of the lightest cars on the market.
In addition, the S2000 has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. This gives it exceptional handling and makes it a blast to drive. The car’s lightness and low center of gravity also contribute to its excellent fuel economy; the S2000 gets up to 29 mpg on the highway. The S2000 was in production for ten years and ceased production in 2009.
During its 10-year run, it became renowned for its reliability and performance. Today, it is considered a modern classic and is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Thanks to its timeless design and enduring quality, the Honda S2000 will surely be loved by generations.
4. Mazda RX-7 FD
The Mazda RX-7 FD is a sports car produced by the Japanese automaker Mazda from 1991 to 2002. The RX-7 FD was the third and final generation of the RX-7, and it featured a host of updates and improvements over its predecessors.
The most notable change was the introduction of a Wankel rotary engine, which provided power for the rear wheels. The Wankel engine offered several advantages over traditional piston engines, including smoother operation, higher power output, and lower emissions. It was available in many body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a convertible.
However, it also had some drawbacks, such as increased fuel consumption and higher maintenance costs. Despite these drawbacks, the RX-7 FD was a popular sports car, and it remains highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts today.
5. Datsun 240Z (Fairlady Z)
The Datsun 240Z, released in October 1969, was a game-changer for the Japanese automaker. Until then, Datsun had been primarily known for producing low-cost economy cars.
The 240Z, however, was a sleek and sporty two-seater that could hold its own against European sports cars despite being priced at less than half the cost. Powered by a 150-horsepower six-cylinder engine, the 240Z could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over eight seconds.
It was also highly maneuverable, thanks to its well-balanced chassis and independent suspension system. Despite its many similarities to more expensive European cars, the 240Z had one key advantage: it was reliable. While mechanical issues often plagued other sports cars of the era, the Datsun 240Z was relatively trouble-free, making it a popular choice for budget-minded enthusiasts.
Thanks to its combination of style, performance, and value, the Datsun 240Z helped to cement the company’s reputation as a manufacturer of quality automobiles.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the most stylish classic Japanese cars. There are many other great options out there, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase. Visit your Japanese car dealer or search online to find the perfect ride for you.
We hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading!
Comments