Japantastic (56K warning)

[hansvonaxion]

Originally Posted by Spazatao

But I'm impressed with how many different models they have... And how little some of them are! But it's Japan, it's not a big surprise.

In Japan there are a lot more body type variations on the same base, especially in the K car segment. I'm sure its similar for Europe and the US, somewhere like Australia gets limited models/versions, but they do have a couple of "homegrown" products.

I still think theres a long way to go, and was just talking about it today, in producing basically order made cars. You could go into a dealer and order a body shape, choose a "body kit" style from an aftermarket (only not aftermarket) designer, select from different interior styles etc...

It looks like Toyota Yaris.

Yeah its a Yaris O/S and Vitz in Japan.
Like the Fit here is a Jazz in other markets.

[Pedrocas]

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Is this a Primera?

Yes, it is. A tuned one. Here's the original:

[bobo_1314]

Saw this here (I didn't take the pic in Japan but the car is from there as it's right-hand drive)

[GM_IV]

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Some Caldina GT4 goodness. Actually, anyone know if these cars are any good? Based on an old Celica GT4 with 260HP AWD?

Yes the GT4 is very good, its a shame it never left Japan and now is no more. It is probably the only Toyota that could challenge the Subaru Legacy with a turbo if Toyota actually bothered to release it outside. The regular Caldina is considered ho hum however. Sigh, the Toyota Matrix XRS is a really pathetic compared to a Caldina GT4.

[hansvonaxion]

Originally Posted by GM_IV

Yes the GT4 is very good, its a shame it never left Japan and now is no more. It is probably the only Toyota that could challenge the Subaru Legacy with a turbo if Toyota actually bothered to release it outside. The regular Caldina is considered ho hum however. Sigh, the Toyota Matrix XRS is a really pathetic compared to a Caldina GT4.

I think the 4WD system on the Celica GT4 must've been pretty good cos it was used well after the original GT4 was long gone. They even used the rally version in Oz to build a rally Corolla not that long ago.

Saw this here (I didn't take the pic in Japan but the car is from there as it's right-hand drive)

I actually like the Figaro.
I think it might be because (for some strange reason) they can actually make a retro car really retro here. I think the safety standards might be pretty lax as they dont have airbags so they can put in an old style steering wheel.

Anyway, Im running out of things to photograph, and this thread is losing steam. But I'll hang in there.

This photo desnt show it, but this GTR is sweet. If I ever had one, it would be a clean R32, like this...




This one is not so cool.








And an R33

[hansvonaxion]

Check out this "Lexus" Hiace. Lots of chrome. Pimp my plumber.






I think this is an RV-R?




But I'm not sure what this is.

[hansvonaxion]

Subi




Crown Majesta




Honda




This car is pure Hip-Hop. Talk about grill.

[hansvonaxion]

I came across this drift-mobile the other day.






And in front of it was this BMW.




And another scooter.

[hansvonaxion]

A small, 1 person electric vehicle. Whats the point? Ride a bike.






I think I already upped photos of this?






And a barber who hasn't changed the posters in the window for about 30 years. Love it.

[maateuszz89]

I absolutely adore your thread, one of the best here, so I hope you will be updating it regularly.

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

You won't see something like that in Europe.

And I see that even BMWs in Japan are white and have (of course) body kit and aftermarket wheels installed

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Is that really Lexus? I thought Lexus makes only BIG cars.

[Redliner]

Wow, so much interesting vehicles!

[hansvonaxion]

Originally Posted by maateuszz89

I absolutely adore your thread, one of the best here, so I hope you will be updating it regularly.


Is that really Lexus? I thought Lexus makes only BIG cars.

Thanks.

Its a pretty big car (Hiace) but it isn't a Lexus. The guy just put Lexus badges on it for looks.

Sorry the pics were gone for a while there, my cheap server crashed again.

[bobo_1314]

I actually like the Crown Majesta! I've never been in one, but it's probably just as luxurious as Mercs and BMWs.

[hansvonaxion]

I like that Crown Majesta too. But I just saw a 99 740iL on the net for about $15K and I think that would be my first choice. I'm not so keen on the interior of the Crown.

Alfa. I love these. If I were a millionnaire I'd have a few Alfas.




Another Alpina. Not keen on the pinstriping on Alpinas.




An old Italian pony in the yard.




Some dodgy Ferrari memorabilia shop I go past sometimes.

[hansvonaxion]

Another GTR




And a Supra






An uncared for Sylvia.




Another

[hansvonaxion]

Swift Sport




See a lot of these




Another one of these top-heavy cars




Chaser




There was talk somewhere about a Honda having a lopsided grill, well this one is doubly lopsided

[hansvonaxion]

These people used to make my life a living hell. Megaphones are popular here.




A stripped out civic race car






And this was weird. A collection of odd stuff, including some kind of formula race car being driven by a teddy bear, in what used to be a shop/office window.

[hansvonaxion]

These guys drive around playing music (in this case, its a small world), like Mr. Whippy, selling kerosene for heaters and stuff.




I guess this guy was rich, once, but something happened and now he's poor. Weird sight.




The colours were nice, shame it dosnt show up on the mobile camera so well.

[Austere]

Originally Posted by hansvonaxion

Ouch! That stings! On old Mercedeses the chrome is usually the last thing to succumb to the elements so when the chrome appears to be that far gone... the car is usually rooted beyond repair. Unless you're Jay Leno or something and you can throw bags of money at it...