Classic Japanese cars are getting a lot of attention as of late. I use the term “classic” loosely, as most people would look at a 70’s corolla and say “what an ugly econobox”. That’s okay in my book, because people said the same thing about many of the 50’s and 60’s American cars we now adore as classics.
There’s little argument that most famous of all classic Japanese cars is the Nissan 240Z. When the 240Z hit showrooms it not only changed the way people saw Japanese cars, but it revolutionized the way the Japanese saw themselves, and that is kind of a big deal. Here was a car that was not only affordable, but looked great, had enough power to be a hoot, and amazingly started raking in the trophies at the track.
Wow really, us old folks don’t know about “classic Japanese cars”? Q. Who do you think bought them all when they were new? A. People who are approaching or over 60.
We got it then, and we get it now…
The rest of the article was great btw.
I believe Nathan was referring to the fact that now the younger generations are catching on to how great these classic Japanese cars still are.
I’m sorry you seem to have misunderstood me Bill, but I never accused any older person of not knowing about old Japanese cars, but was pointing out that many people don’t realize the renaissance of popularity they’re seeing. Many people over 50 who bought a datsun as their first car don’t realize that there’s now websites like japanesenostalgiccar.com who specifically cater towards the younger crowd, because that’s who’s buying these cars on the used market.
5 years ago, I could pick up a 510 for under $1,000 and in GREAT shape. Now the same car would sell for $8,000+, and that’s not due to supply drying up, there’s just that much more interest, and it’s all been from the younger generations.
So yes, I acknowledge that Nissan sold a LOT of Z cars, and a LOT of 510s, and Toyota sold a LOT of cars too (corona, celica, and corolla to name a few) and I meet the people who owned them all the time and they tell me stories about how much they loved their cars. But they’re rarely the ones who own them today I find.
If you don’t believe me, I’d like to direct you to ratsun.net. Stay there for a while and see for yourself the average age of the people hot-rodding their Datsuns today.
I’m glad you liked the rest of the article.