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Earlier than Supras and Skylines captured world headlines, Japan was already constructing vehicles that defied expectations and hinted at a efficiency future few noticed coming.
Within the Sixties and Nineteen Seventies, Japanese automakers produced sensible transportation whereas experimenting with daring designs, uncommon engines, and racing-inspired engineering. These vehicles didn’t at all times make the duvet of shiny magazines, however they laid the groundwork for every part that got here later.
Some have been quietly good, others wildly forward of their time. All of them deserve a more in-depth look.
How We Selected These Classics
We centered on Japanese vehicles from the Sixties and Nineteen Seventies that pushed boundaries by way of engineering, design, motorsport success, or cultural influence. Every mannequin included a minimum of one of many following:
- Broke new floor or launched daring innovation
- Marked a key second in its model’s evolution
- Influenced the way forward for JDM efficiency or model
- Stood out for being uncommon, forward of its time, or simply plain cool
From rotary rebels to rally stars, these vehicles show Japan’s golden period of automotive ingenuity began lengthy earlier than the ‘90s.
Toyota 2000GT
Calling a automobile with 150 horsepower a supercar may sound like a stretch, however in 1967 Japan, it was a game-changer. Most Japanese vehicles on the time barely cracked 50 horsepower, so the Toyota 2000GT’s 2.0-liter straight-six packing 3 times was nothing in need of revolutionary.
The 2000GT’s fashionable design was impressed by European sports activities vehicles, such because the Jaguar E-Sort, but it surely’s a lot rarer than the British sports activities automobile. Toyota solely constructed 351 2000GTs, and once they have been new, they value round $7,000. That was some huge cash again then, but it surely’s much more costly in the present day, fetching upwards of $1 million at public sale. Trendspotters take notice: It’s not at all times about horsepower; it’s about power-to-weight ratio.
Honda S-Sequence
By the early ‘60s, Japanese automakers have been diving into the world of small sports activities vehicles, and nobody noticed Honda coming. Recognized for its dominance in bikes and its quirky kei vehicles, Honda wasn’t precisely on the radar as a sports activities automobile producer. Then got here the S500, and out of the blue, the sport modified.
Most sports activities vehicles pack some energy, however Honda went with a 44-horsepower 0.5-liter engine within the S500. Each energy and displacement grew till the S800, with 70 horsepower and a 9,500 rpm redline, arrived in 1966. Honda drew on its bike experience when constructing the S-series, and it was each revolutionary and enjoyable to drive.
Datsun 240Z / Fairlady Z
Toyota wasn’t the one one taking notes from the Jaguar E-Sort. Enter the Datsun 240Z (or the Fairlady Z, because it was recognized in Japan). This was the automobile that kickstarted the legendary Z-car lineage, and if you happen to squint, you’ll be able to positively see hints of that basic British sports activities automobile in its lengthy hood and smooth fastback design. And let’s be actual — Jaguar was nonetheless cool again then. Nowadays? It’s extra of a high-fashion accent in a fragrance industrial than a model pushing the bounds of efficiency.
The 240Z had a 2.4-liter straight-six engine with 151 horsepower, and in contrast to the 2000GT, it introduced sports activities automobile possession to the lots. In 2020, a 1971 240Z offered for a file $310,000, in line with Hagerty.
Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka
Earlier than “Godzilla” dominated the streets, there was Dagon—the unique Skyline GT-R, or as JDM fans name it, the Hako-suka (“Field-Skyline”). Born within the late ‘60s, this was the great-great-grandfather of in the present day’s R35 GT-R, and it set the stage for what would develop into Japan’s most legendary efficiency automobile.
Beneath its hood, the Hakosuka GT-R hides a 2.0-liter DOHC six-cylinder engine that churns out 150 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. For some time, the Hakosuka was unbeatable on Japan’s racetracks, racking up greater than 50 wins by 1972.
Mazda Cosmo 110S
The Cosmo was Mazda’s first Wankel-engined automobile, and the corporate named it after the house race of the late Sixties to indicate that this was the best way of the longer term. Whereas Mazda continued to work on the rotary engine over the next a long time, it by no means perfected the components.
One factor that’s near perfection is the Cosmo’s gorgeous design. It’s not all present and no go both, because the 982cc 2-rotor Wankel engine produces 128 horsepower and 103 lb-ft of torque. Every Cosmo was hand-built, and through its manufacturing run, Mazda made 1,176 vehicles, 343 Sequence I fashions, and 833 Sequence II fashions.
Toyota Corolla SR5
Within the early Nineteen Seventies, lengthy earlier than the world went wild for the AE86 Corolla, Toyota constructed one other small Corolla coupe that was enjoyable to drive, the Corolla SR5. This second-gen Corolla was constructed to compete in opposition to Japanese icons such because the Datsun 510 and different RWD coupes.
Corollas offered in Japan acquired a 1.6-liter twin-carb DOHC engine that produced 115 horsepower however wasn’t obtainable within the States. As an alternative, the American automobile acquired a 1.6-liter OHV engine with 76 horsepower. Contemplating how mild it was, that was nonetheless fairly first rate.
Why didn’t the U.S. get this setup? Emissions, rules, and market preferences performed an enormous position. However in Japan, the Corolla wasn’t simply an economic system automobile—it had actual driving spirit. That very same DNA later advanced into legends just like the AE86, proving that even essentially the most unassuming vehicles can have efficiency roots. It’s a basic case of forbidden fruit—a type of little-known particulars that makes classic JDM vehicles so fascinating.
Datsun Roadster
When the Datsun Fairlady is talked about, individuals robotically consider the 240Z. In all equity, it was the primary Z automobile, but it surely wasn’t the primary Fairlady. 1963, the Datsun Fairlady 1500 convertible hit the market, able to go toe-to-toe with sports activities automobile legends reminiscent of MG and Alfa Romeo.
With time, the 1500 grew to a 1600, and later, there was a 2000 mannequin. The Datsun 2000’s 2.0-liter engine had a single overhead cam and produced 135 horsepower. With the optionally available efficiency package that included Mikuni carbs and an aggressive cam, energy jumped to 150 wild horses – all despatched to the rear wheels by way of a handbook 5-speed transmission.
Mazda RX-2
Mazda continued down the Wankel rotary engine path when it launched the RX-2 in 1970. It additionally had common four-cylinder engines.
In 1972, it was offered within the States because the Mazda 618, which had a novel 1.8-liter engine for the US market. Nevertheless, we want the 1.2-liter rotary model, which produced an awe-inspiring 130 horsepower. See, Japan? We are able to deal with this quantity of horsepower, we swear.
Datsun 510
There’s no denying that the standard little Datsun 510 has develop into one of the crucial iconic Japanese vehicles ever. It was constructed to resemble the European box-styled vehicles of its period and was obtainable with two, 4, and 5 doorways. Essentially the most fascinating mannequin is the two-door coupe.
The Nissan 510 had a 1.6-liter engine that produced 96 horsepower, about the identical as a European automobile. Because of its affordability and reliability, the 510 grew to become a well-performing race and rally automobile with a burgeoning aftermarket.
Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR
Mitsubishi’s Lancer mannequin grew to become a world-famous rally automobile when Tommi Mäkinen dominated the WRC behind the wheel of a Lancer Evolution. Nevertheless, the Lancer was a power to be reckoned with lengthy earlier than that. Mitsubishi launched the primary Lancer in 1973, and identical to the Evos, the 1600 GSR was a correct rally automobile for the highway.
The road-going Lancer 1600 GSR had a 1.6-liter engine with 110 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque, however within the racing model, this was elevated to 169 horses and 119 lb-ft. Sadly, the Lancer 1600 GSR wasn’t obtainable within the States. As an alternative, the US bought the Chrysler Valiant Lancer, a rebadged model with much less efficiency. Why should we undergo so?
Toyota Celica
Within the Nineteen Seventies, Toyota introduced the battle to American soil, taking up pony vehicles just like the Mustang. The brand new Celica coupe was a stunner, and established manufacturers had cause to be fearful.
Toyota did have sports activities automobile DNA, as they’d already made the Sports activities 800 and 2000GT, so that they knew what they have been doing when making the Celica. There have been two totally different types of the Celica, a slant nostril and a flat nostril mannequin. Within the states, it was launched with a 110-horsepower 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine, which ultimately grew right into a 2.2-liter unit. At the moment, the Celica is extremely sought-after, however discovering a fairly priced instance remains to be potential. Nevertheless, some individuals could also be ready for the return of the Celica in 2026 as a substitute.
Isuzu 117 Coupe
Isuzu is greatest recognized for its pickup vehicles lately, however the Japanese firm has constructed some wonderful sports activities vehicles over time. The 117 Coupe is a beautiful instance of that. If you happen to assume it seems very European, that’s as a result of it was designed by none aside from Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Whereas it wasn’t fast, it did attain 60 mph in 10.2 seconds and had a high pace of 124 mph. However do you wish to go quick in a automobile like this, or slowly cruise by so everybody can see it? Give it some thought. Manufacturing lasted till 1981, however your probabilities of discovering considered one of these vehicles in good situation are slim.
Toyota Celica Liftback
Perhaps we’re simply anxiously awaiting the brand new Celica and have them on the mind, however Toyota made many variations, so we needed to incorporate one other one. The 1976 Liftback Celica is probably the best-looking model of all of them, and it was a direct menace to the Ford Mustang 2.
The Celica Liftback got here alongside through the oil disaster of the 70s, and efficiency vehicles have been so neutered that they have been left within the mud by pickup vehicles. Whereas the Celica solely had 96 horsepower, it appeared higher and supplied higher construct high quality than most American vehicles in its section.
Honda Civic
The unique Honda Civic wasn’t quick nor fancy; it was simply an inexpensive and dependable automobile that did the job. When the oil disaster hit within the Nineteen Seventies, shopper demand for fuel-efficient automobiles skyrocketed, and it was the standard Civic’s time to shine.
The 1.2-liter engine produced 50 horsepower, however its actual social gathering trick was that it may run on each leaded and unleaded gasoline, offering drivers with gasoline alternative flexibility. In Japan, Honda launched a warmer model, the Civic 1200 RS. Twin Keihin carburetors, an improved consumption manifold, a extra aggressive cam, high-compression pistons, and a special exhaust header produced 73 horses.
Mazda RX-3
Bear in mind the Hakosuka Skyline GT-R we talked about earlier? Properly, the Mazda RX-3 was the automobile that ended the Hakosuka Skyline’s race-winning streak. Mazda enjoys taking a special strategy to efficiency vehicles, specializing in low weight and stability slightly than most energy. Due to this fact, the RX-3 flagship mannequin was given a 1.2-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine with 100 horsepower.
The RX-3 was quickly nicknamed “the rotary rocket,” it could lay the inspiration for Mazda’s future rotary-powered sports activities automobile, the RX-7.
Mazda Luce 1800
The Mazda 1800 Luce wasn’t significantly quick or highly effective, but it surely was stunning. It appeared similar to the Alfa Romeos of its time as a result of Giorgetto Giugiaro of Bertone designed it.
When it first entered the American market, it wasn’t a hit. Street & Monitor journal described the automobile as “stable to the purpose of being overly heavy,” noting its nice dealing with however poor efficiency. With a high pace of 103 mph, we will definitely agree with that. It didn’t assist that it got here out when American muscle vehicles have been preventing to be essentially the most obnoxious ones on the highway, leaving the Luce within the mud. Nevertheless, the European mannequin had a handbook transmission, and folks typically liked it.
Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO
Mitsubishi first launched the Galant moniker in 1969, and it’s mostly related to carmakers’ high-end sedans. The Galant GTO borrows its identify from the Ferrari 250GTO, which stands for Gran Turismo Omologato. That’s proper, the Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO is a homologation particular constructed to compete within the JCCA. Nevertheless, due to the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, it was by no means raced.
Like many different Japanese coupes from the Nineteen Seventies, the Colt Galant GTO seems like a downsized muscle automobile. There’s no V8 underneath the hood, although. Mitsubishi went with four-cylinder items starting from 1.6 to 2.0 liters, and the range-topping MR trim had a 1.6-liter DOHC, twin-carb engine with 125 horsepower.
C110 Nissan Skyline GT-R Kenmeri
Following the Hakosuka Skyline GT-R, the C110 Skyline arrived in 1973 and remained in manufacturing till 1977. Due to an advert exhibiting a younger couple, Ken and Mary, within the Hokkaido countryside, the C110 GT-R is popularly often known as the Kenmeri Skyline. Nevertheless, the stylish couple didn’t assist gross sales, and the Kenmeri flopped. Perhaps the advert had an excessive amount of kite flying and never sufficient driving.
The Kenmeri Skyline GT-R had a 2.0-liter inline-six engine that produced 160 horsepower. In contrast to fashionable AWD GT-Rs, it despatched all its energy to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed handbook gearbox.
Toyota Sports activities 800
The Toyota Sports activities 800 could also be tiny, but it surely significantly impacted the producer’s success. Some say it’s among the many most important vehicles Toyota ever made. It was the model’s first manufacturing sports activities automobile and one of many first vehicles to function a targa roof.
It’s a 790cc air-cooled, dual-carburetor two-cylinder engine that produces 45 horsepower, and in a automobile that solely weighs 1,280 lbs, that’s greater than sufficient to have enjoyable. Toyota solely constructed 3,131 Sports activities 800 vehicles, and so they have been all offered completely in Japan,
Toyota Century
The Toyota Century was launched in 1967 and is likely one of the world’s most excellent luxurious sedans. Because it was offered completely in Japan, most international VIPs by no means even knew it existed. In Japan, nevertheless, the JDM limo is the popular mode of transport for vital individuals.
The primary-gen 3.0-liter V8 engine supplies round 150 horsepower, however the Century was by no means supposed to go quick; it’s only for cruising in model, so smoothness is most popular over uncooked power. The Century’s exterior is roofed in black paint with chrome accents, and the inside is as luxurious as you’d count on from its European counterparts.
Datsun Bluebird SSS Coupe
The 610 Datsun Bluebird SSS Coupe is an evolution of the Datsun 510, promoting because the Datsun 610 within the States. SSS stands for Tremendous Sport Sedan, though it was obtainable as a two-door coupe.
This era was beefier and extra muscular than its 510 predecessors, and it had a 1.8-liter engine that produced 115 horsepower. The US market by no means acquired the SSS and needed to make do with a 2.0-liter that churned out 97 horsepower. It nonetheless appeared nice, although.
Isuzu Bellett GT-R
Isuzu by no means supplied the Bellett GT-R within the States. Nonetheless, American gearheads can take pleasure in it within the Gran Turismo online game collection — if you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to come back throughout the uncommon used automobile. The GT-R was primarily a racing model of the Bellett, fitted with quite a few efficiency upgrades, and was solely obtainable as a coupe.
Isuzu solely constructed between 1,069 and 1,400 Bellet GT-Rs, which made them exceptionally uncommon in the actual world. They have been powered by a 1.6-liter DOHC engine that produced round 120 horsepower.
Hino Contessa Coupe
Hino is greatest recognized for making massive industrial automobiles, however the firm did make common vehicles for some time following WWII. Properly, “common” is comparatively talking. Initially, Hino was licensed to construct a domestically tailored model of the Renault 4CV known as the Contessa PC Sedan. It appeared bizarre and flopped, so Hino requested Giovanni Michelotti to re-design it and possibly make it extra regular.
The second-gen Contessa 1300 PD sedan appeared nice, and a sportier two-door coupe quickly adopted it. Hino solely constructed 3,868 Contessa Coupes earlier than new house owners, Toyota, shut down manufacturing.
Datsun 620 Truck
To this present day, the standard, little Datsun 620 truck has an enormous fan base. It was an underdog when it first arrived available in the market, but it surely has confirmed to be a succesful workhorse, even when it will probably’t haul the heavy masses a V8-powered American truck can.
We wouldn’t use it as a piece truck, although. Because of its low weight and 110 horsepower engine, to not point out the huge aftermarket, we’d drive this factor round all day lengthy only for enjoyable. For a truck, it’s fairly dang lovely.
The Legacy Lives On
These vehicles weren’t simply forward of their time; they made the time. In an period dominated by muscle vehicles and European magnificence, Japan quietly constructed its personal model of cool: mild, revolutionary, and sometimes ignored.
At present, they’re greater than classic metallic. They’re tales on wheels. Proof that Japan’s golden age of automobile tradition didn’t begin within the ‘90s—it roared to life a long time earlier.
So the subsequent time somebody talks JDM and jumps straight to Supras and Skylines, hit them with a Kenmeri, a Cosmo, or a Bellett GT-R. Due to the actual roots of Japanese efficiency? They’re hiding in plain sight.
