Japanese Classic Cars

Get alerted of new Japanese finds:

Barn Find Parts: Honda 50 Mini Trail

If you have a bunch of Honda 50 parts laying around, except the engine or frame, then exactly what we’ve been looking for can be found here on eBay. Just the engine and frame of a vintage Honda Mini… more»

Unbelievably Stock: 1987 Toyota Corolla GT-S

There are unicorns and there are unicorns: this is 1987 Toyota Corolla GT-S, more affectionately known as the AE86, and more frequently seen in modified form. This particular example is the top-of-the-heap GT-S model with a 5-speed manual, rear… more»

Twin Stick Survivor: 1981 Plymouth Champ

Our resident Japanese survivor-car fanatic Scotty G. may want to check out this unmolested 1981 Plymouth Champ, a rare variant stemming from Chrysler’s affinity for re-badging Mitsubishi economy cars. This particular example is less frequently seen, as most of… more»

Siren Included: 1986 Nissan Safari Fire Truck

I’ve had the opportunity to get some exposure to the latest craze involving importing ex-municipal Japanese trucks thanks to the founder of Paladin Trucks in Blue Ridge, Georgia. The proprietor explained how many Japanese-market 4x4s live fairly low-impact lives… more»

RHD Rarity: 1979 Mazda Savanna RX-7

Here’s a curiosity: a right-hand drive Japanese-market spec Mazda Savanna RX-7. These were sold with the Savanna nomenclature overseas, and according to the listing, this particular car has been here for quite some time – as the seller says, ” All… more»

Delivery Route Discovery: 1993 Toyota Supra

This 1993 Toyota Supra was discovered by a courier after dropping off a parcel somewhere in Ireland. Taking the opportunity to perhaps bargain for a car no one else was aware of, the delivery driver came home with an… more»

Short Bed Bargain? 1985 Nissan 720

Made in Tennessee, this 1985 Nissan 720 pickup is one of the early Japanese vehicles built in America. For most of us 1985 isn’t exactly early, but 33 years is older than a decent percentage of Barn Finds readers…. more»

Still For Sale: 1976 Plymouth Arrow 200 GS

$4,800 seems like a lot of money back in the day for a car like this 1976 Plymouth Arrow GS. Although, that’s only $21,000 in today’s money, hardly anything when it comes to new car prices. The seller is… more»

$1,500 Ragtop: 1981 Toyota Celica Sunchaser

Spring is almost here, even though we’re supposed to get almost a foot of snow again this week. Sigh. This 1981 Toyota Celica Sunchaser gives me hope that winter will soon be over with. It’s posted on Craigslist, and… more»

Godzilla Tough: 1985 Mitsubishi Diesel Jeep

Like Coca Cola, Corvettes, and Oreo cookies, Jeeps are a uniquely American product.  Born just before we entered World War II, the legendary all terrain vehicle emerged from the fires of war to become a plaything for Americans obsessed… more»

3 Names 3 Countries: 1978 Buick Opel by Isuzu

I know a few people with three names but I can’t think of too many cars with three names, or at least three separate companies in three different countries! This 1978 Buick Opel by Isuzu is listed on eBay… more»

3,000 Smiles for $3,000: 1985 Honda CRX Si

Some of the most fun times behind a steering wheel can be had with a great handling, small car driven to its limits. There are a lot of contenders for that but one of the top picks for a… more»

GTI Alternative: 1987 Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S

Seller hyperbole about a certain car being rare because it’s the only one on eBay at the moment is a pet peeve of mine, but I’ll allow it for an original Toyota Corolla FX16 GT-S hatchback. In fact, the… more»

Spring Fever’mobile: 1978 Toyota Chinook

Spring fever is hitting hard here in the upper-Midwest. With a foot of fresh snow on the ground, I’m finding it hard to not dream about hitting the open road in something like this 1978 Toyota Chinook. This one… more»

S Package Survivor: 1983 Honda Civic

When gas mileage was king but the Big 3 were still cranking seriously heavy iron, Honda surveyed the situation and gave the people a reason to enjoy being thrifty: the 1983 Honda Civic “S” package, like this example seen… more»

4WD Time Capsule: 1989 Toyota HiAce Fire Truck

Although I do love my HiAce project, it’s tough to not stare longingly at some of the later versions that are popping up for sale with increased regularity. Thanks to the relaxed importation laws, vehicles meeting the 25 year… more»

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