Japanese Classic Cars

Everything Goes! Mark Smith Estate Auction

Come October 19-21, 2022 the Hill City of Lynchburg, Virginia hosts the Mark Smith Estate Auction, where myriad belongings of the late auto enthusiast go to the highest bidder. With all lots at No Reserve, you know someone will… more»

Low-Mile Living Room Find! 1972 Honda CB500F

There are all sorts of collectors around the world. Some collect items and stack them up in the back of their garden for them to rot away over the years. Others create homes and garages around their car or… more»

Only 3,944 Miles: 1991 Mazda Miata Special Edition

This is only the second 1991 Mazda Miata MX-5 Special Edition in British Racing Green we have featured here on Barn Finds. That first one had just 25,000 miles on it, but this one here has that one beat…. more»

50-Year First Owner: 1972 Datsun 240Z

I was 15 when the 240Z was introduced. I remember vividly seeing my first Z, an orange one just like this, that a neighbor had bought. I couldn’t believe it was a Datsun, who like other Japanese automakers (save… more»

Right-Hand-Drive: 1992 Suzuki Cappuccino

No, it’s not a cup of coffee! The Cappuccino was a 2-seater roadster built by Suzuki in Japan from 1991-98. It was designed to meet Kei (microcar) standards for lower taxes and insurance in its homeland. The car weighs… more»

Tough Toyota: 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser

While it is hard to imagine today, Toyota’s success in the US market was hard won.  Early Toyotas were as different from American cars as can be imagined.  However, two things worked in the company’s favor: a gas crisis… more»

9K Mile Fire Truck: 1992 Nissan Safari Patrol

We all know by now that the market for JDM-spec cars and trucks has been hot for a while. After all, the vehicles in question are usually forbidden fruit here in the states and loaded up with all sorts… more»

Two-Stroke Survivor: 1975 MT250K1 Elsinore

It’s a toss-up for me as to what my favorite decade is, almost anything from the 1960s on is a contender. Well, other than the 2020s which is by far my least favorite decade and we’re not even three… more»

El-BRAT-Chero! 1982 Subaru GL

Imagine naming a vehicle a BRAT. I’ve had quite a few pejoratives that I’ve used to describe cars that I’ve owned but none would be suitable as a marketing moniker, or likely fit for consumption here. Actually, Subaru’s BRAT… more»

Only One In The US? 1963 Mitsubishi Colt 1000

Mitsubishi didn’t begin to import cars into the U.S. under their brand until 1982. Before that, they provided some subcompacts to Chrysler to use in the 1970s. That was the first time the Colt name became familiar to U.S…. more»

Just Lost Interest: 1977 Datsun 280Z

“Just lost interest” are three words many of us with long-term projects can understand. If you’ve got a few coins in your pocket and can pick up a project for cheap, it always seems like a good idea to… more»

Warehouse Full: Classic and Not-So-Classic Cars

Located in a warehouse near Metuchen, New Jersey is a collection or series of collections that comprise more than 300 vehicles. It appears a variety of major brands are represented, of both domestic and international origin. It seems that… more»

Turbocharged 4×4: 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser

i recently purchased a Lexus LX450 which is just a rebadged Land Cruiser with leather seats. For years, I wanted one of these trucks, and after just a few weeks, I’m pretty smitten with it. It could just be… more»

Four-Speed Trail Bike: 1971 Honda CT70 HKO

How many of you were alive in 1971? If you were and you were a kid, or a kid at heart, you may have wanted one of Honda’s new mini trail bikes. These were incredibly popular little motorcycles and… more»

Anti-Rust Truck: 1981 Toyota Pickup SR5 4×4

It’s hard to believe, but some of those anti-rust treatments that dealers used to hawk in the 70s and 80s seem to have worked. I suspect when we see impressive results like this 1981 Toyota Pickup that some trucks… more»

Projects Or Parts? Three 1960s Hondas

Anyone who is into vintage motorcycles and restoring them usually has or needs a parts bike or two. Or, three, or more… Sometimes the county gets involved when a person has dozens of parts bikes strewn around their yard…. more»

Barn Finds