Logging the acceleration of the Japanese motorcar industry in the 1960s is a reminder of a competitor that seemingly came out of the blue. Of course, progress wasn’t a straight line: things started haltingly over at Datsun in the… more»
Japanese Classic Cars
Feb 5, 2024 • For Sale • 9 Comments
California Truck: 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser
This 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser is attracting decent bids despite being an early model project. The 80-Series is riding a bit of a roller coaster right now, with a big run-up in prices during the pandemic as consumers began… more»
Feb 2, 2024 • For Sale • 23 Comments
Peking To Paris Anyone? 1982 Mazda 626
Here’s an unusual one for you, a 1982 Mazda 626, not exactly Barn Finds standard stock-in-trade, that’s done up for the famous 8,700-mile Peking to Paris Motor Challenge. This example never raced as the event was canceled and it… more»
Feb 1, 2024 • For Sale • 20 Comments
Simply Stunning: 1978 Datsun 280Z
Datsun often claimed that the Jaguar E-Type did not influence it when designing its Z-Car range, although a brief look at the styling and engineering makes that statement hard to fathom. They shared many of the same styling cues,… more»
Jan 23, 2024 • For Sale • 38 Comments
Oklahoma Farm Find: 1965 Datsun L320 Pickup
When I think of a farm or ranch in Oklahoma and what pickup could be hidden there, I think of Ford or Chevy as most people would. After all, it’s a rugged state filled with rugged people doing rugged… more»
Jan 17, 2024 • For Sale • 12 Comments
Two-Stroke 4×4: 1972 Suzuki LJ20
The Toyota Land Cruiser gets a lot of love in the vintage truck community, often propped up as the ultimate old-school SUV. And there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those claims, as it is a beast off-road and a smart… more»
Jan 13, 2024 • For Sale • 19 Comments
Japanese Alfa: 1971 Isuzu Bellett GTR
For as long as most of us can remember, the BMW 2002 and the Alfa Romeo GTV have been the benchmarks in sports sedan manufacturing. Today, those same models are among the more sought-after vintage European models you can… more»
Jan 12, 2024 • For Sale • 11 Comments
Project Hot Hatch: 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16-GTS
When you think of 1980s hot hatches, it’s easy to focus solely on the likes of the Volkswagen GTI and the Honda Civic. However, Toyota was a serious player in this space as well, with models that included a… more»
Jan 11, 2024 • For Sale • 22 Comments
Only 9,900 Miles? 1980 Subaru GL 1800
Oddities and collectability often go together, as is the case with this little 1980 Subaru GL 1800, available on craigslist for an asking price of $6500. If you want it, it’s waiting for you in Woodbury, Tennessee, sporting four… more»
Jan 10, 2024 • For Sale • 30 Comments
Fairly Fast Field Find: 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R
The seller mentions that they bought this 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R a couple of years ago from someone who had it sitting out in a field for about five years. It’s been in this storage unit since the seller… more»
Jan 9, 2024 • For Sale • 12 Comments
No Reserve Driver: 1971 Datsun 240Z Series 1
Japanese manufacturers developed a reputation during the 1960s for creating solid and reliable cars featuring excellent build quality and impressive fuel consumption figures. However, companies like Datsun wished to push the envelope with cars providing motoring excitement. One of… more»
Jan 7, 2024 • For Sale • 23 Comments
Early VIN: 1970 Datsun 240Z
The Datsun 240Z was a game-changer when it debuted in 1969. It didn’t try to be a Jaguar XKE, but its shape was certainly similar. It didn’t go as fast, but its performance was certainly worthwhile. It cost about… more»
Jan 3, 2024 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Nicest One Left? 1980 Toyota Cressida Wagon
Distinctive doesn’t begin to describe the third-generation Toyota Mark II, known here and in other countries as the Cressida. At one time in Toyota’s history, this was as nice as it got if a person wanted the nicest Toyota… more»
Jan 3, 2024 • For Sale • 24 Comments
Needs Engine Transplant: 1968 Datsun Fairlady 2000
While many of us feel guilty for harboring thoughts of modifying a good car to make the ride of our dreams, in some situations, that is forgivable. If a vehicle has suffered enough damage or is missing crucial parts… more»
Jan 3, 2024 • For Sale • 37 Comments
High Fuel Efficiency: 1985 Honda CRX HF
Alphabet soup vehicle names have been around for decades. It’s either random numbers and letters of seemingly nonsensical names that may or may not have ancient Latin meanings. Or, words that are meaningful in the country of origin for… more»
Dec 29, 2023 • For Sale • 18 Comments
Big Block Love: 1980 Chevrolet LUV
I used to subscribe to a theory that when enough was just right, too much was perfect! Well, old age and crotchetiness have, unsurprisingly, changed that view a bit. Take this 1980 Chevrolet LUV compact pickup for example. Somewhat… more»
