AutoMatters & More: 20th Anniversary Japanese Classic Car Show

In October, the 20th Anniversary Japanese Classic Car Show, under sunny Southern California skies, brought together a broad cross-section of Japanese cars, trucks, motorcycles and more. The location was Marina Green Park in Long Beach, Calif.

Whereas these days many are considered classics, 65 years ago Japanese cars were unknown in North America. Toyotas and Datsuns first arrived in North America in the late 1950s. Domestic and European cars were already well established, so the Japanese faced an uphill battle to gain market share. It did not help that Japanese products exported here had a reputation for being cheap commodity goods, so it was unknown whether or not consumers would be willing to purchase Japanese cars.

The first Japanese cars that were sold here were not particularly well-suited to the North American market. Domestic automobiles were rather large and comfortable, with plenty of luggage space and often with over-the-top, trendy styling. Engines were large and gas was cheap — great for the seemingly endless highways. They were designed to meet the wants and needs of North American consumers.

In comparison, the first Japanese cars were small, underpowered and with styling that did not particularly appeal to North American consumers. The first car that Toyota first sold in the U.S. was the Toyopet Crown sedan in 1958. Sales totaled 288 vehicles (see https://pressroom.toyota.com/company-history/).

Datsun’s first car sold in the U.S. was the Datsun 1200 sedan in 1958. That did not sell particularly well either. Only when the Japanese auto manufacturers adjusted their automotive designs to more readily reflect the tastes and needs of the North American market, did their sales and desirability begin to take off — and boy, did they! The first popular Datsun was the 510 (see https://usa.nissanstories.com/en-US/releases/nissan-heritage-collection-spotlight-datsun-510). Two and four-door versions featured fully independent suspension. A roomy station wagon version (with rear leaf springs) was also offered.

To further stimulate sales, Datsun (now Nissan) and Toyota designed image cars. The Toyota 2000GT was legendary. It was even featured in a James Bond movie.

At first, Datsun took a somewhat more modest approach with their 1600 and 2000 roadsters. Think of them as much more reliable competitors to the MGs and Triumphs from across the pond.

Next, in 1969, came the Datsun 240Z. This sports car that had it all: gorgeous two-door sports car styling with a long hood and sloping roof, reliability, the high-performance of a powerful six-cylinder overhead cam engine and fully independent suspension with front disc brakes, fuel economy, reliability, the comfort of reclining seatbacks, amenities that included a high-tech Hitachi signal-seeking radio, and the practicality of a hatchback — all for a very affordable price. The 240Z was so popular that the dealers could not keep them in stock and had long waiting lists for them.

The Japanese Classic Car show had an abundance of Datsun’s Z-cars. Among those, was a 1973 SCORE International BRE Baja 240Z. In celebration of 60 years of BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises), Pete Brock — the legendary founder of BRE — was there and signing autographs, along with racer John Morton and members of the original BRE racing team (also see https://brelegacy.com). Also on display was an unrestored 1969 SCORE International BRE Baja 510, owned by Gayle and Peter Brock.

Japanese automakers were there, including Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mazda. Vendors sold a wide range of memorabilia, wheels, car parts, clothing and more. Food vendors even sold Japanese food! The Petersen Automotive Museum was represented, too, as was Yokohama Tire and Mothers High Performance Car Care (polishes, waxes and cleaners).

Scheduled special events were the Corolla “AE86 Unveil” at the Teddy’s Project booth, a meet & greet with John Lamber from the Lamley Group at the Tarmac & Diecast Talk booth, “Shutter of Speed Photo Book” by Larry Chen and “Cult of GT-R” by Ryan ZumMallen at the Carrara Media booth, and meet & greet novelist Sam Mitani at the JNC booth.

For more information, visit https://japaneseclassiccarshow.com/20th-anniversary-japanese-classic-car-show-2/.

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