Japanese Classic Cars

Get alerted of new Japanese finds:

Rotary Tragedy: 1993 Mazda RX-7

If you follow sports cars of a certain era, you likely know that the early 90s were a bit of a peak for Japanese imports. This was the time in which every major manufacturer was churning out a high-end… more»

First Sold in US? 1991 Acura NSX

The seller believes that his 1991 Acura NSX is the first one sold in the United States, owing to research performed around the car’s VIN number. The seller’s listing cites online sources that state, “The first 1991 NSX available… more»

Rare Air: 1966 Datsun 411 4-Door Sedan

Sitting in this barn is a classic that is one of the sweetest little cars to emerge from a Japanese factory in the 1960s. It isn’t the most instantly desirable classic on the planet, but the 1966 Datsun 411… more»

No Reserve Long Bed: 1976 Datsun 620 Pickup

If you’ve been in the market for a basic pickup from a time period before trucks got so complicated and expensive, this 1976 Datsun 620 just might check a lot of the right boxes.  It’s also a long bed,… more»

Two-Owner Survivor: 1984 Toyota Celica Supra

If push came to shove and I had to nominate what I believe is the best-looking Japanese car from the 1980s, this 1984 Toyota Celica Supra would be a strong contender. There is something about its aggressive “wedge” styling… more»

Time Capsule 4×4: 1996 Lexus LX450

When you see a vehicle you own appear for sale at a strong asking price – but it’s been listed for more than a few days – how does it make you feel? Personally, I think this clean 1996… more»

Rust-Free Survivor: 1979 Datsun 810 Coupe

I have a great affection for older cars produced by Nissan and Datsun. When I consider the staggering array of vehicles I have owned since I first slipped behind the wheel, nine have worn Nissan and/or Datsun badges. That… more»

One-Owner Restoration: 1972 Datsun 240Z

The Japanese motor industry was one of the fastest evolving during the second half of the twentieth century. The early post-war years saw it producing slower and heavier copies of cars designed by European manufacturers, but by the 1960s,… more»

A “Temple on Wheels:” 1989 Nissan President Hearse

I don’t know about you, but I had never heard of a Nissan President. Nissan introduced their expensive, flagship, top-of-the-line luxury vehicle in 1965, some two years ahead of its rival, Toyota, and their Century luxury vehicle. At the… more»

Sport Truck Survivor: 1986 Nissan 720 ST Pickup

The concept of a “sport truck” doesn’t necessarily have any grounding in actual performance enhancements; rather, it’s the idea of a compact pickup that places some emphasis on vanity versus utility. There was a time when compact pickup trucks… more»

Early Overlander: 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser has long held a steady presence on the overlanding and vintage SUV scene, and for good reason: they are capable off-road and rock-solid dependable, for the most part. The early ones are prone to rust,… more»

One Year Only: 1974 Datsun 260Z

I once thought that if I couldn’t afford a 240Z, I’d never own a 260 or a 280 despite their much cheaper prices. I’ve changed my mind, at least about the 260. Made for one year only in 1974,… more»

BF Auction: 1972 Toyota FJ40

UPDATE – A start-up and walkaround video has been added to the listing! The Toyota FJ40 enjoys a well-earned reputation for ruggedness and reliability. Other off-roaders can take you to your wilderness destination, but some “pretenders” won’t return you… more»

Found in Columbia: 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser

For years, it seemed like the FJ40-series Toyota Land Cruiser was going to be perpetually out of reach. The market got white-hot for these early off-roaders that were proven to be overbuilt and supremely capable off-road. But like other… more»

2002 Alternative? 1974 Datsun 710

Whenever there is a dominant car in a given segment, it’s natural that we try and find a suitable back-up car that offers a similar driving experience for less money. While I realize it’s a stretch to suggest that… more»

JDM Import: 1992 Honda Beat

Some classics are cool because they are achingly beautiful, while others achieve that status via mind-bending performance. This 1992 Honda Beat is cool simply because it isn’t asking to be taken seriously. It laughs in the face of life’s… more»