What mass produced Jap cars will become desired classics?

[300bhp/ton]

I think there is a change happening here, slowly, but there none the less. Although the trend up until now has not been greatly positive.


As I'm in the UK I'm looking at this purely with a UK focus on it.

If you attend or visit a classic car show during the summer you will see cars such as:

-Spitfires
-MGBs
-GT6's
-TR's
-Jags

In the terms of the "modern" classics of those still built in the 80's and maybe even 90's, you'll still see quite a few. Including cars like Cosworths and Capri's (and more so MK3/4 Escorts too). Even early MGF's are semi accepted at classic events and they will surely in time fulfill the same market as the MGB does with classic enthusiasts.


But what of the Japanese cars? Where are they?????

There's no shortage of some great Jap performance cars, in the past 30-35 years even:

-1979 RX-7
-MR2's (MK1/2)
-MX-5
-300ZX z31
-300ZX z32
-Celica Supra's
-Celica GT4's
-Supra MKIII
-RX-7 gen 2
-DC2 ITR
-Impreza Turbo
-280z
-Starion
-Piazza
-SVX
-FTO


But to date, even at large car shows with circa 1200-1500 cars on display, you see very few of these Jap cars. Maybe a MK1 MR2 or MX-5 and if lucky a 240z.



So ,do you reckon any Jap car will reach similar notoriety as the humble Spitfire? Even more so when it's a huge challenge even to buy some (RX-7 Gen 1 or 2, z31 300ZX for example).


Personally I hope so. I suspect the MX-5 will and I hope the DC2 ITR does. But how many will literally disappear into obscurity?

[Asterix]

I guess the NSX is already there but not really in the 'humble' zone.

What about the Toyota 2000GT?

S2000 should probably be on the list.

[Biker's Nemesis]

Mazda MP6.

[anonymous-user]

All Nissan Skylines?

[DanDC5]

Skyline GTR's yes, can't see the GTS-T's becoming classics in the same way. Can see Honda CRX's becoming a classic, S2000's, FD RX7's, Supra's.

[WeirdNeville]

It depends on which ones star in cult Anime series surely?

I think japan has retained more of a focus (certainly up until the turn of the millenium) on building focused drivers cars than any other nation. Every car mentioned thus far is deserving of classic status in my eyes.

[CaptainSlow]

Nissan Cherry (mk2)

[Riknos]

AE86, CRX already are I would say. As in, prices have risen in the last few years, very few good condition ones about, etc. S13 200SX also.

[Truckosaurus]

Would people into Japanese classics be into the generic 'classics' scene? It seems to latch onto the modified cars and drifting scene.

Also, most of the cars on your list would have been used as daily drivers rather than garage queens so have probably been used to death by now.

[200bhp]

Lexus LS400 MK1

[cocopop]

FD RX7s.
All GTR Skylines - the R32 is heading in that direction already.

[MrKipling43]

Sunny (Pulsar) GTI-R
Celica GT4
All MR2s

[kam05]

The original IS200/Altezza?

This is the car that gave the E36/E46 BMW's and W202/W203 Mercs (of the late 90's/early 2000's) a run for their money, I'd say.

[Twincam16]

The Mazda MX-5 seems to be stepping quite seamlessly into the MGB's shoes. Same mechanical appeal, same accessible pricing, same back-to-basics driving style on offer, not bothered about challenging the hottest track cars but by the same token still offering a motoring recipe so many others seem to have abandoned.

Also, MGB prices have been stealthily climbing for some time, so for a 1.8-litre roadster with classic appeal the MX-5 makes a lot of sense as a first car. Think about it in terms of age too - the MGB was released in 1962 and by 1985 was the default entry-level car on the classic scene - not expensive, very numerous, a great way in.

The MX-5 was released in 1989, and by now the early ones tempt young classic enthusiasts looking for a fairly uncomplicated roadster to get into that classic scene with. They're the default choice on here to the point of comedy.

In years to come, as the MGB gets older, more expensive and more cosseted, you'll start seeing row upon row of MX-5s taking their place.

There are also purity arguments to be had - the Mk1 MX-5 equates with the Mk1 B, and I suppose you could say the current version with its big arches is the Mazda equivalent of the rubber-bumper cars. There are also aftermarket V8 conversions for both cars, a racing scene and a 'dress-up' scene which sees both cars fitted with wooden dashboards, aftermarket steering wheels and leather seats.

The only difference is, the MX-5's so successful that I can't see it going out of production any time soon.

[obob]

Surely some of them are already classics. Look at their values.

An AE86 is about 8k for what is essentially a Toyota Corolla. Datsun Z cars are classics as are CRXs and Integra Type Rs.

[Chicane-UK]

I'd have thought the Skyline R34 GTR will make it? I think I've only ever seen 2 on the roads in the UK!

[Mr Gear]

Early examples of anything japanese are rare.

Try and find an Mazda RX4 or Honda S600 for sale. They were mass produced in factories, but no-one bought 'em over here in the first place. Brits only started buying Jap cars in the 1980s.

[HustleRussell]

Suzuki Cappuccino deserves more recognition and was sold in small numbers.

[Captain Muppet]

Twincam16 said:

The only difference is, the MX-5's so successful that I can't see it going out of production any time soon.

There is a ten page thread on MX5OC about the next MX5, and the feeling seems to be that either Mazda won't replace the NC, or it'll be a FWD thing using Mazda 3 bits. Mazda have run out of money apparently. Or it's all baseless internet conjecture - I did read it on a forum.

[pat_y]

Traditionally it's been the special edition versions rather than the mass produced variety that apprecite in value, good guidance seems to be those cars that have achieved international motorsport success, rather than just domestic. My guesses would be:
R32 GTR V-spec
R33 GTR V-spec & other limited editions
R34 GTR NUR's/Z-tunes/V-specs ect

WRC winners as a longer term investement (10 - 20 years from now)
Rev 6 Impreza STI special editions (RB5's, P1's ect)
Evo 6 Tommi Mak editions
Possibly S202 GT4's (WRC editions), not totally sure on this one though.

ITR DC2 in correct white colour totally standard may be worth a punt, but another 10 - 20 year wait on that i suspect for true value increases

FD-3 RX-7, Bathurst, Spirit R series, again probably a bit of a wait but reasonably assured a good return investment.
Of course overriding this is the cost of running these and keeping them in top condition, which in reality is going to negate most value increases over time.