The Japanese car industry has helped shape the history of classic Japanese cars. From a humble start to global recognition and supremacy, cars in the Japanese domestic market (JDM) have contributed much to the automotive world.
Aside from the Japanese sports cars, several classic cars are still very interesting and collectible, considering their impressive performance and budget-friendly price. With the prices of American muscle cars rising and pushing out common people from the classic car hobby, the old Japanese cars discussed in this article have provided an affordable way to get back into the classic car world.
Obsessed with classic or vintage Japanese cars? Join us in looking at the top 12 classic cars from Japan that are finding their place in the collector car world.
12 Best Classic Japanese Cars That Defined an Era
Here we present the best classic Japanese performance cars in the Japanese car market:
Subaru Impreza 22B STi
This iconic two-door sedan is a wide-body variation of the STi, manufactured to celebrate Subaru’s third back-to-back win in the FIA World Rally Championship.
The Subaru has a powerful 2.2 turbocharged engine and has flared fenders imbibed from the sports cars. The engine hood has extra vents and a distinct front bumper.
Honda NSX
This two-seater, midsize engine sports car represents the New Sportscar eXperimental. It was compared to the performance of the Ferrari 328 and emerged as more reliable and affordable.
With a 3-0-litre double overhead cam 24-valve V6 engine, the car can attain a speed of 168 mph and can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds
Toyota 2000GT
This 1963 legendary Japanese car is loved and cherished worldwide due to its unique look, which has made the luxury grand tourer sought after at classic car auctions.
The 2000GT can go from zero to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and boasts a top speed of 135 mph.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
The Evo VI represents the road-going version of the winning Mitsubishi in the Word Rally Championship. The car moves at high speed, thanks to its 2.0-litre engine.
Styled with big spoilers and a lightweight interior, the car can reach 60 mph from zero in just 4.4 seconds and claims a top speed of 155 mph.
Datsun 240Z
The first Datsun 240Z rolled off the Japanese production line in 1969, and it’s still as relevant today as it was five decades ago. The two-seater car can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 60 seconds and earn a top speed of 125 mph.
Some classic car enthusiasts have compared the short rear end and long bonnet to those of the Jaguar E-type, though the 240Z has a shorter length.
Toyota Supra MK IV
The first Supra was manufactured in 1978 and marked by an impressive speed, reaching 60 mph in 4.9 secs. With a top speed of 160mph and a Formula 1-type braking system, the Toyota Supra amassed a 70mph braking distance of 149ft. This set the record for the best braking performance of any car tested in 1997 by Car and Driver Magazine.
Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka
The Nissan 2000 Skyline GT-R competes well on the race track with its impressive low-pitched 6-cylinder engine and fantastic handling. Although the first Nissan Skyline was a four-door sedan, Nissan introduced a two-door coupe variant in 1971. The Hakosuka underwent many modifications, but this didn’t stop it from becoming an icon among classic cars in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM).
Isuzu 117 Coupe
The Isuzu manufacturer transformed a name that’s more associated with abandoned trucks and diesel buses into a beautiful classic sports coupe characterized by its speed, comfortability, and easy handling.
The 117 Coupe was the first Japanese classic car built with a 1.6-litre DOHC engine and electronic fuel injection. The interior features a laurel wood dashboard and leather seats —an unusual feature at the time.
Toyota Celica
The first Celica 190 was manufactured in 1970 and was nominated as the best front-wheel-drive (FWD) car on the Japanese market. The Toyota model can reach 60 mph in just 7.2 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.
The speed, excellent braking system, and perfect handling made it a rally car for track day adventures.
Mazda RX-3
Mazda cars have always been about lightness and balance, and this is due to the rotary engine powering them, giving them their distinct driving attributes. Equipped with a 1.3-litre twin-rotary engine, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 10.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 115mph.
Mazda Luce 1800
This is not the car to think of in terms of performance and speed. The sedan also had a 1.8-litre engine, which produced only 98 hp.
The Luce 1800 is on this list because it’s the first Mazda model to enter the U.S. market in the early 1970s.
Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO
The GTO or GT is the brand’s most luxurious sedan and is officially regarded as a grand tourer. It is also considered the rarest model of the Gran Turismo Omologato (GTO). The Galant model boasted a 2.0-litre flat-4 engine producing 123hp.
Conclusion
Each of these 12 JDM classic cars has earned a spot as a top classic Japanese car, regardless of their popularity, performance, first-to-be-produced status, or timeless impact in the industry.
If you’re considering the purchase of a Japanese classic car, ensure you verify the classic car details and perform a classic car VIN check to uncover the car’s history and make an informed buying decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest Japanese vehicle?
In 1902, Komanosuke Uchiyama manufactured the first Japanese automobile, which used a fuel-powered engine from the United States. A completely Japanese-made car was produced in 1907. Thanks to Torao Yamaha, the first Japanese-made bus was produced in 1904.
What is the most iconic JDM car?
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is regarded as one of the most iconic JDM cars ever made when it became successful in the World Rally Championship. This, with its race-provoking performance and handling, fueled its popularity.
Are Japanese Classic cars legal in the United States?
No. Most JDM vehicles under 25 years old do not conform to the federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS), a requirement for registering a car for use on U.S. roads. A JDM car must be at least 25 years old or older to be eligible for Japanese export into the U.S.
