How does an American RV maker figure in the creation of a Japanese SUV? When it’s Winnebago, asked by a Wisconsin dealer to alter the Toyota Hilux pickup to make a hunting rig for its customers. Toyota’s mistake –… more»
Japanese Classic Cars
Jul 7, 2024 • For Sale • 17 Comments
Nicest One Left? 1979 Plymouth Arrow Sport
I just about jumped out of my skin when I saw this 1979 Plymouth Arrow Sport pickup, it looks almost exactly like my 1980 Dodge D-50 Sport, a tiny truck that I wrote about here on Barn Finds seven… more»
Jul 7, 2024 • For Sale • 9 Comments
Low-Mileage 1980s Tourer: 1987 Toyota Supra
It’s no secret that 1980s supercars are becoming the collectibles of the moment. Nostalgia drives this, as a generation of people become old enough to afford to stash away the car they couldn’t afford to drive when it was… more»
Jul 5, 2024 • For Sale • 6 Comments
Sports Car Collection: BMW 2002 and Nissan 240SX Auction
There are small auctions happening all over the country on a given basis, far outside the glare of the big-ticket Mecum and Barrett-Jackson auction houses. While I wish we could sniff out all of these estate sales and local… more»
Jul 4, 2024 • For Sale • 12 Comments
Survivor! 1991 Honda CRX Si
Honda’s CRX sprang from its Civic lineage in the same manner as the Prelude arose from the Accord: as a sporty alternative to its sedate, economical siblings. The snub-nosed hatchback was given a lively suspension, an economy engine, and… more»
Jul 2, 2024 • For Sale • 35 Comments
Nicest One Left? 1982 Dodge Challenger
Not the Dodge Challenger of yore, if you count yore as being four years prior. This 1982 Dodge Challenger is a captive import from the Dodge Boys and is based on the Mitsubishi Galant Lambda, not exactly a name… more»
Jun 29, 2024 • For Sale • 27 Comments
Factory Cafe Racer: 1963 Honda CB92 Benly
Many of you will chuckle if I were to say that Honda’s CB92 was their “sport/racing” bike since it’s a mere 125-cc in size. As almost always, most folks think you have to have the absolute biggest, most powerful… more»
Jun 27, 2024 • For Sale • 3 Comments
Christmas Special: 1986 Honda Z50RD
Special Editions are nothing new to the classic world, with manufacturers devising a seemingly endless list of reasons to send something distinctive to dealerships to entice potential buyers. Honda followed that practice in 1986 with its iconic Z50 Monkey… more»
Jun 26, 2024 • For Sale • 4 Comments
Diesel Import: 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ42
It would be easy and understandable if our Barn Finds readers looked at this 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser and thought it was just another FJ40. However, it is the FJ40’s cousin, the BJ42. It spent years serving as a… more»
Jun 24, 2024 • For Sale • 31 Comments
Rare 80s Hot Hatch: 1988 Isuzu Impulse
There comes a point in every car enthusiast’s life where you have to draw a line. It’s surprisingly easy to acquire cars once people know you like a certain type of vehicle, and given my odd preference for old… more»
Jun 19, 2024 • For Sale • 15 Comments
61k Original Miles: 1993 Toyota 4×4 Pickup
The Toyota Pickup, known in some markets as the Hilux, enjoys a reputation for exceptional reliability. Top Gear UK once tried to “kill” one of these classics, but after an 8-hour total immersion in ocean water and a deliberate… more»
Jun 19, 2024 • For Sale • 9 Comments
One Family Owned: 1966 Datsun 1600 Roadster
Long-term ownership is often an important factor when an enthusiast commences their quest for a classic to park in their garage or workshop. Cars of that type have typically been cherished and avoided the abuse that can plague less… more»
Jun 17, 2024 • For Sale • 26 Comments
The Ultimate Commuter Car? 1994 Honda Civic VX
What’s the most important factor when you’re looking for a commuter car: fuel economy, reliability, price, or whether it’s fun to drive? And I don’t mean contractors or other specialists who buy specific vehicles for businesses, like full-sized pickups… more»
Jun 17, 2024 • For Sale • 8 Comments
Unmodified Survivor: 1990 Toyota Supra Turbo
The MK3 Toyota Supra is one of the unsung heroes of the 1980s sports car scene. When it comes to multi-generational models, some eras remain inherently unpopular due to being a let-down after the introductory offering. But in the… more»
Jun 16, 2024 • For Sale • 7 Comments
Fire Survivor: 1976 Datsun 280Z
Survivors are typically cars that have managed to get through life without any modifications or restoration. However, this 1976 Datsun 280Z wears that title for a different reason. Years ago, it suffered an engine bay fire that could have… more»
Jun 16, 2024 • For Sale • 7 Comments
Road or Track: 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Consider the poverty of the American car scene in the 1970s. The dominant themes were horsepower reduction and fuel efficiency, sapping fun from the driving experience. Only Japan was meeting our new requirements handily, sending over cars like the… more»
