Top 25 Best classic Japanese cars

Curious about the allure of the best classic Japanese cars? From the iconic Autozam AZ-1, Toyota Corolla GT AE86, Toyota Land Cruiser J40,Mazda Cosmo,Mazda Luce,Mitsubishi Lancer 1600, Honda S500,Mitsubishi Pajero,Honda NSX-R, Mitsubishi Delica, Subaru Impreza 22B STi, Honda NSX, Mazda MX-5, Toyota 2000GT, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, Datsun 240Z, Toyota Supra Mk IV, Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka,Isuzu 117 Coupe, Toyota Celica 190,Honda City R and Honda Civic Mugen Si. However, Japan has produced some automotive legends that captivate enthusiasts worldwide.  

Classic Japanese cars stand out as symbols of innovation and craftsmanship in automotive history. In Japanese engineering, they combine performance, style, and reliability in a way that redefines the industry...

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Top 25 Best classic Japanese cars

There is no doubt that Japanese classic cars have left an indelible mark on automotive history.The timeless aesthetics and powerful engines of these automobiles continue to enchant enthusiasts around the world.Throughout this comprehensive guide, we explore 25 iconic Japanese classics that have stood the test of time.

1.Autozam AZ-1

The AZ-1 is an iconic Kei car model (a category of very compact vehicles required by the Japanese government). There is a distinct lineage to the AZ-1. Developed by Suzuki and Mazda, the car features gull-wing doors and turbocharged mid-engine technology.

Due to its squattish proportions and bug-eye headlights, the car is beloved by many JDM enthusiasts for its comical appearance. Even though the AZ-1 was only manufactured for a short time (about 4,500 units between 1992 and 1994), many American fans still find it interesting.

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2.Toyota Corolla GT AE86

The Toyota Corolla GT AE86 merits its own dedicated segment of discussion. There is a long list of achievements for the Corolla GT AE86. Among the reasons for this are the twin-cam 1.6-liter engine, the car's precise steering, and its agile handling. As a result of everything mentioned above, the AE86 is among the best-driving vehicles available and is a favorite of both drifters and racers. The legendary Drift King, Keiichi Tsuchiya, drove the AE86 to become one of the all-time great drift cars.

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3.Toyota Land Cruiser J40

There are not all performance models on this list. As one of the best SUVs ever produced, Toyota manufactured the J40 from 1960 to 2001. This represents more than 40 years of continuous sales of the same model. In most places, the J40 was no longer produced by the middle of the 1980s, although it was still made in Brazil under the name "Bandeirante" until the early 2000s.

In response to the success of the Land Cruiser J40, several variations were developed, including the FJ40 and 2FJ40. In addition to enduring, the Land Cruiser J40 has also grown to become one of the world's most sought-after vintage sport utility vehicles. The J40 has undergone some changes throughout its manufacturing life, although it has remained essentially the same for more than 20 years. All J40s produced were as durable as nails, so as long as the vehicle you intend to purchase is in good condition, you shouldn't be concerned about the year of manufacture.

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4.Mazda Cosmo

There is a large number of auto enthusiasts who would immediately recognize the Cosmo as one of the most significant Japanese sports cars in history. One of the Cosmo's greatest claims to fame is its Wankel rotary engine, one of the first mass-produced. The single-piston engine revolutionized the automotive industry when it was first introduced.

A rotary engine was lighter and smaller than conventional engines, as well as having a higher revving capacity and generating more power. The Cosmo's significance in automotive history is directly related to Mazda's Wankel rotary engine history.

First-generation Cosmos are the most expensive and sought-after, with asking prices sometimes exceeding $100,000. The opulent Eunos Cosmo, which marked the end of the nameplate's production run, is more affordable than the more expensive generations.

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5.Mazda Luce

Mazda 1800 Luce was neither a fast nor a powerful vehicle. When the car was at its peak, its 1.8-liter engine could barely produce 100 horsepower. In numerous competitions, it is unlikely you will emerge victorious with the 1800 Luce. There can be no doubt about that. During the early 1970s, Mazda made its first foray into the American automotive market with the Luce.

Mazda has gained reputation and credibility outside of its native market as a result of the Luce, much like Honda achieved with the Civic. Additionally, the Luce remains one of the most attractive Japanese automobiles ever produced. Mazda's decision to send renowned Italian design studio Bertone to Europe to create the Luce design is a testament to their courage.

Mazda's 1800 Luce was once the best-selling vehicle in the US, but it is now considered obscure. The product was too slow to pique the interest of consumers or the media, despite its attractive appearance. Luce was replaced by the second generation Luce, which had a Wankel mill and was marketed domestically as the RX-4.

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6.Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 

The Mitsubishi Lancer stands distinguished among the eminent titles in Japanese high-performance automobiles. The Lancer becomes an extremely powerful road rally vehicle when the Evolution name is added. Lancer rallied well before "Evo" was created. A70, Mitsubishi's first generation Lancer, was unveiled in 1973. Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR is the brand's rallying vision.

As the Chrysler Valiant Lancer in the US, it was a rebadged, non-performance variant of the Colt 1600 GSR in Europe. Its 1.6-liter inline-four engine produced 169 horsepower and 119 pound-feet of torque, making it ideal for off-road racing. This iconic Japanese vehicle served as the basis for all subsequent Mitsubishi rally cars, including the Lancer Evolution.

In its first run, the 1600 GSR contributed to Mitsubishi's racing legacy by winning the demanding Safari Rally. The road-going models had less success, perhaps because Mitsubishi had to modify the engine.

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7.Honda S500

Previously, Honda was predominantly recognized for its prowess in the realm of motorcycles.Honda introduced its first sports vehicle, the S500, in 1963. As a fastback coupe or soft-top convertible, the small, agile sports vehicle was available in two configurations. It was not only Honda's first sports vehicle, but also its first passenger vehicle. The S500 is powered by a 531cc, inline-four engine that produces 44 horsepower.

The S600, the car's highest-revving model, was released a year later. For many years, it was the most powerful road car, reaching 9,500 RPM, and only a few cars today can match it. The compact sports vehicle was deeply ingrained in Honda's motorcycle heritage due to its chain-driven back axle.

With the S500, Honda silenced any doubts about the company's ability to manufacture automobiles. Despite its age, it remains one of the most elegant and technologically advanced automobiles of its day. As a result, later Honda roadsters, such as the venerable S2000, were modeled after it. Due to the limited number of units manufactured, the Honda S500 is very rare. There are few of these vehicles available on the used automobile market.

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8.Mitsubishi Pajero

Land Cruisers and Mitsubishi Pajeros were the quintessential Japanese off-road vehicles in 1981. While the Pajero is now more affordable than the Land Cruiser, Mitsubish's off-road variant performed quite well in the Dakar Rally. Pajero was available as a three-door or five-door SUV with a short wheelbase for the public.

The Pajero always came with a 4X4 and gasoline or diesel engines. The 6G72 engine made its debut in the Mitsubishi 3000 GT (known as the GTO in Japan). From 1987 to 1989, Mitsubishi's first-generation Pajero was marketed as the Dodge Raider in the US. Mitsubishi offroaders, including the legendary Pajero Evolution, started with this boxy Japanese SUV.

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9.Honda NSX-R

There is still a great deal of interest in the original Acura NSX among collectors. With Honda's highly reliable engine technology, the NSX may be the first supercar that can be used on a daily basis. In spite of this, it is the NSX-R, available exclusively in Japan, that really captures the attention of JDM enthusiasts.

Because Honda removed all the extraneous features, there are no airbags, extra tires, and other non-essentials. In contrast, the American NSX, a right-hand drive oddity in the US, is tame after losing almost 300 pounds.

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10.Mitsubishi Delica

There is no need for every JDM vehicle to be a stylish coupe or an adorable microcar; the Mitsubishi Delica is an example of this. The Delica, which was introduced in the 1960s, is still being manufactured today after five generations. With an optional four-wheel-drive system, this van continues a strong tradition of being a reliable workhorse whether used off-road or for corporate purposes.

During the late 1980s, Mitsubishi imported the Delica, also known as the "Wagon," into the United States. As Chrysler's Dodge and Plymouth minivans dominated the market at the time, this experiment lasted only a short time.

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11.Subaru Impreza 22B STi

This iconic two-door sedan was built to commemorate Subaru's third consecutive victory in the FIA World Rally Championship. The Impreza 22B STi features a powerful 2.2 turbocharged engine, flared fenders from a rally vehicle, and an attractive front bumper. You may customize it to your liking and be ready for the starting grid in the next Fast and Furious movie. 

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12.Honda NSX

NSX is a world-renowned supercar that combines cutting-edge technology with exhilarating performance. With its mid-engine layout and lightweight construction, the vehicle is a coveted classic among enthusiasts.

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13.Mazda MX-5

Mazda's MX-5, affectionately known as the Miata, embodies a spirit of pure driving pleasure. A Japanese classic, the nimble handling and timeless design of this roadster have made it a devoted following since its inception.

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14.Toyota 2000GT

Toyota 2000GT is widely regarded as Japan's first supercar. From the 1960s, this iconic model represents Japanese automotive engineering at its pinnacle.

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15.Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

As a stalwart of the rally circuit, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI boasts a formidable reputation for performance and agility. With its turbocharged powertrain and all-wheel-drive prowess, this iconic model continues to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.

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16.Datsun 240Z

Datsun 240Z remains a symbol of Japanese automotive innovation, combining sleek design with exhilarating performance. Its timeless styling and spirited driving characteristics have made it one of the most iconic classic cars in history.

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17.Toyota Supra Mk IV

The Toyota Supra Mk IV has achieved legendary status among automotive enthusiasts due to its turbocharged engine and timeless design. As a Japanese classic, its exhilarating performance and iconic styling continue to captivate drivers worldwide.

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18.Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka

The Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka is an iconic example of Japanese performance cars. Among enthusiasts and collectors alike, its legendary inline-six engine and agile handling have earned it a cult following.

A Nissan Skyline GT-R often dominated motorsports, and the R32 GT-R was the model that dominated the sport most. Since operating a GT-R was considered cheating, it participated in every race it won before being permanently banned from competition. Moreover, it led to the formation of the Australian V-8 Supercar racing series, from which the GT-R was inevitably excluded. As a result of all of this, the R32 GT-R was referred to as Godzilla.

This was the first time Nissan used the ATTES  ETS all-wheel-drive system, which was groundbreaking at the time. Moreover, it was the first time we experienced the RB26 DETT engine, two features that would eventually become standard on GT-Rs.

As the foundation for Nissan GT-R, the 1989 Skyline R32 laid the groundwork for one of the world's most storied, powerful, and customized vehicles. As a matter of fact, we have even declared the R32 to be the best performance vehicle ever produced.

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19.Isuzu 117 Coupe

Isuzu's 117 Coupe combines sleek styling with refined luxury, making it a standout among Japanese classic cars. As a testament to Isuzu's commitment to automotive excellence, its distinctive design and smooth performance continue to captivate aficionados.

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20..Toyota Celica 190

With its sporty demeanor and agile handling, the Toyota Celica 190 remains a favorite among enthusiasts. It continues to evoke nostalgia for a bygone era of driving pleasure with its sleek design and spirited performance.

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21.Honda City R

In Japan, compact cars are the norm while they are the exception in the United States. Even with the City R's small size, Honda came up with something inventive. You may locate the Motocompo folding scooter by opening the hatch. You can fit this gas-powered bike into tight spaces where the City R microcar cannot. Again, its the Japanese version of an F-150 truck with a Harley-Davidson motorbike in the cargo bed.

In any case, the City R prioritizes urban utility above performance attributes seen in many other vehicles on this list.

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22.Honda Civic Mugen Si

Those who light up when you mention Mugen are true fans of JDM. In the 1970s, Mugen Motorsports was founded by the son of Soichiro Honda, who founded the Honda Motor Company. As a result of the constant flow of Mugen-modified automobiles that have been released since then, performance enthusiasts have been captivated.

There are many Mugen vehicles to mention, but we will focus on the 2008 Honda Civic Mugen Si. It is not common for a Japanese domestic market vehicle to be exported to the United States formally. In this market, the Mugen Si is very desirable due to its improved suspension and exhaust system. Mugen Si's Japan-spec version is even more performance-oriented, but American enthusiasts must settle for what is available.

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Affordable Insurance for Your Japanese Import

A classic Japanese car is the dream of many enthusiasts, but securing the right insurance coverage is crucial for their peace of mind. Adrian Flux understands the unique needs of classic car owners and offers affordable insurance solutions for Japanese imports. 

Top Classic Japanese Cars and Their Average Market Value

When it comes to classic Japanese cars, understanding their market value is essential for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Here's a glimpse into the average market value of some iconic models:

• Datsun 240Z: $6,153
• Mazda MX-5: $6,600
• Toyota 2000GT: $43,554
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI: $17,801

Specifications of Iconic Japanese Classics

Delving into the specifications of classic Japanese cars offers insight into their performance and engineering prowess. Here are some notable specifications of iconic models:

• Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO MR Specifications
• Toyota Supra A70 Specifications
• Mazda RX-3 Specifications
• Mitsubishi Starion Specifications
• Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R Specifications
• Mazda MX-5 Miata NA Specifications

Mazda RX-7 (1979-1985): The Savior of Automotive Excellence

The Mazda RX-7 holds a special place in automotive history, thanks to its innovative rotary engine and dynamic performance. From the racetrack to the open road, this iconic model continues to inspire admiration among enthusiasts worldwide.

Are Classic Japanese Cars Valuable?

Classic Japanese cars have experienced a surge in value in recent years, reflecting their timeless appeal and cultural significance. From iconic models like the Toyota 2000GT to the Nissan Skyline GT-R, these vehicles command attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike.