If you could have any Japanese classic, what car would it be? A Honda Coupe 9, with its sweet dry sump goodness? A Toyota 2000GT, with its sweet lines and huge price tag? Or maybe a Hakosuka Skyline GT-R? Or a tiny Subaru 360?
I'll take an MS75 Toyota Crown coupe.
mazda r100 with the old school four port 13b. bridge ported because i am sick like that...
Obviously there are some that are more rare and valuable or finer balance, but since I just love to drive it I'll stick with my '95 Supra turbo 6 speed. I got it in 1999 and have highly loved it since.
I just took my '07 RAV4 in for a 12k mile check and the local dealer owns a light yellow 2000GT that is always there, it's a gorgeous rare car. A while back they let me take pics ...can't post pics here I think? Here it is:
It would be a 2000GT for sure, no question. After that, a mint '70 240Z or something a bit newer, a '93 or later Supra TT with a 6 speed please.
No hesistation on this one, it would be a Toyota Sports 800, and since we are dreaming, let's make it one of the rare LHD ones in red. Tiny, efficient, cute, classic, and fun!
My basic list:
79-85 1st Gen RX7 (I had an 83) 85-88 MR2 90-96 Miata 85-86 Corolla GTS (RWD only) 85-91 CRX S & Si (I had a 91) 70-72 240Z 90s 240SX (I forget the years) Sentra SE-R (Boxy one with the 140 HP 2.0 FI motor) 82 Datsun 200SX (2.2 Liter twin spark Japanese Mustang - had one of those too - lol)
For me definitely a Datsun 2000 Sport...
Also a mention to a 1966 Toyota 2000GT, but it is an anecdotic episode.
Mid-70's Toyota Celica GT liftback.
honorable mention: '81-84 Subaru 4WD wagons.
Honda AZ600? Datsun 510?
510 two door, preferably bright orange.
The 2000GT, early Skyline's, etc. are so rare they pretty much don't exist. I would feel much too obligated to keep them pristine that I couldn't enjoy them as much as the simpler 510.
Mazda Miata, particularly the first generation. If I couldn't have that? A 240-Zed or Toyota 2000GT
A 2000GT is cool, but it's such a rare car. Way cool, though. I'd go for something a little different, like a Ken & Mary Skyline. I saw one at the Tokyo Auto Salon that was just too cool.
Early Datsun Z, FTW. That and the 510 are the only ones that appeal to this mostly Euro car enthusiast.
Favorite? Honda s600/S800. What a llttle gem:
I want a Datsun 240Z, one of the few old Japanese cars I know I can fit into. But it's not just comfort; these have a big nostalgia thing for me. The first modified cars I can remember were my uncle's Z cars that he ran in local autocrosses.
I really like this Datsun 2000 and it got me looking around for one too
Mazda Cosmo - its just so wacky and 60s Japanese.
if you're looking for a 2000, or even a 1600 (totally fun cars, I've driven a couple, then check out 311s.org
It would be the Cosmo for me.
Only one car can fit this request. Datsun 240Z. It whipped the world around. I will also agree the others are good or even great, but the 240Z is the one and only for Best Japanese car.
I still like the others. Datsun 2000, Datsun 510, Toyota 2000, BMW 2002 (JK)
Toyota Sports 800, Mazda Cosmo and 510 coupe top my list.
I'm partial to the Datsun 240Z. In fact, I was thinking about that engine today when I was following an old Datsun 810 in traffic through the rain. It had antique tags....made me feel old.
Must be the Toyota 2000GT Shelby SCCA race cars, closely followed by a Datsun Bluebird coupe....like these:
Don't confuse the SSS Bluebird with a 510 2-door...check out the different taillights and the flatter rear glass. Awesome!
Well, in two weeks I'll be in Japan. I'll have to see what I can carry home. Odds are it will be limited to die-casts, slot cars, magazines, books and stuff like that.
Its got to be a Datsun 2000 roadster. I rather partial to this one in particular.
Last time on the dyno, 141 hp and 132 lb ft of torque at the wheels.
Its by far the most fun car I have ever driven.
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Will
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