Random Best Classic Japanese Cars (25 items)

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  (#23) First Generation Toyota Corolla

  Years: 1966-1970

  With their Pony car inspired styling, these cars are the epitome of cool. The Sprinter models came complete with drool-worthy details like fender-mounted mirrors and billet grilles, making these early Corollas look more like mini-Ford Mustangs than economy cars. Yet for all their resemblance of classic Americana, they manage to retain their own sense of identity, along with that legendary Toyota efficiency and reliability.
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  (#17) Datsun 510

  • Datsun

  Years: 1967-1973

  The 510 is a lovechild of Kazumi Yotsumoto, one of the founders of Nissan-Datsun. Affectionately known as "Mr. K," Yotsumoto-san was inspired by experiences racing Datsun 210s through the insane 10,100 mile Australian Mobilgas Rally. He was also inspired by German car manufacturers, especially the rugged, nimble, and fun BMW Neue Klasse 1600. From this amalgamation came the Datsun 510, called the “Bluebird” in Japan - a reliable “driver’s car” that has seen many a rally finish since its inception.
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  (#8) Toyota FJ Landcruiser

  Years: 1960-1980

  The FJ Landcruiser is what happens when the Japanese take existing designs and make them better. Inspired intimately by the American Jeep and British Land Rover, Toyota launched their first compact 4x4 in 1957 and has been perfecting them ever since. The FJ’s are so bullet-proof and reliable, they are used by militaries in foreign countries, and can be seen traversing sand dunes and jungles all over the globe. While all their models are amazing, the FJ40 stands out from the pack with its jaw-dropping, classic design.
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  (#4) Toyota AE86

  Years: 1984-1987
  
  Whether delivering tofu through the mountains or going for Sunday drives to the beach, the “Hachi-Roku” is a budget drifter’s dream. It was the last Corolla hatchback to feature a front engine, rear wheel drive layout. Powered by the 4AG engines that also made the MR2’s so efficient, the 86 is easy to keep revved up high while sideways -- maximizing grip and fun factor. They are easy to modify, low maintenance, faithful canyon companions and daily drivers. Unfortunately, their high desirability has rocketed up resale prices, and makes it quite a challenge to find stock, unabused models for sale.
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  (#22) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

  • Mitsubishi

  Years: 1992-1995

  Lancers had already been tearing up Japanese tarmac since 1992 by the time they were brought to the States by popular demand in 2003. Hop into one of these cars, and you'll be immediately impressed by how the torque from the four-cylinder motor pushes you back into your seat. It’s nigh impossible to find out actual stats on these power plants because Mitsubishi purposely downgrades their factory outputs, but they pull around 300 horsepower out of those inline fours. They must have wizards using dark magic to accomplish it, along with forced induction. All their production years are amazing, but the first two generations stand out with their classic Japanese design.
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  (#25) Datsun 1200 Sunny Truck

  Years: 1971-1988

  Based upon the chassis of a two-door sedan with the same name, the Sunny is another excellent city work truck. Far less common than the Toyota Pick-up, Sunny Trucks have the classic style and cool, careless composure of a laid back Rockabilly about to spark up a smoke. Just look at those fender-mounted mirrors! Unfortunately, these JDM classics were never sold in the continental US, which means you’ll have to import one and manage a Left Hand Drive car on Right Hand Drive roads if you decide to bring one home (not a feat for the faint of heart).

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