Japanese classics

If you are following this blog, there is a good chance that you have a soft spot for Japanese nostalgic cars. I picked that term up from a magazine and website that I usually frequent called Japanese Nostalgic Car. Surfing through their site and forums, and I can't help but think that we Filipinos have it good when it comes to the abundance of old-school cars. I think plenty of you feel the same way. But when it comes to "abundance," I always thought that Japan would be the where the action is at. I was there recently to cover the Rally Hokkaido leg of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. Top Gear (the magazine) will be running my story soon, so do look out for that! While I was there, I kept an eye out for some vintage cars, but sadly, I wasn't able to see plenty! Talk about luck! I was hoping to see more parked on the streets, but at least I got to see some! Here's what I saw during my trip. This is a Nissan Sunny 1200 that was parked outside of my hotel in Obihiro. The first thing that caught my attention were the straight bumpers. I can't help but drool whenever I see chrome bumpers without any dents or pits. This is probably because the bumpers on my wagon are really beaten up. Take a look at those Watanabe rims, too. I say that that style will make any Japanese nostalgic look even better. I'm a big fan of Watanabes, but they aren't cheap! Next up is a Nissan that I am unfamiliar with. Maybe you guys can help me identify it. If the badges are to be trusted, it's a Nissan 2000 GT. Lastly, here's a legend. If anything, seeing this car up close was the icing on the cake. The "Hakosuka" Skyline GT-R was a formidable sports car in its day, and even now it still looks stunning. This ride is much bigger than I thought. I noticed that everybody who walked by did a double-take. Check out those Watanabes! Too bad that I only found three cars. If I find my way to Japan again I will be sure to check out a nostalgic car show. For now though, I will be keeping my camera handy to take shots of old-school rides that I come across in the metro. It should be a fun way to meet you guys! Let me throw another car your way. It may not be an old-schooler, but it is damn cool. Man, I love wagons! Until the next post!