JDM in the US: 1988 Toyota Celica Convertible

Now that every auto year of the 80s is exempt from the federal government's 25-year and older rule on importing used cars, all sorts of quirky new classics have been flooding in. One huge market in the making are Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars in the US. These were cars made for Japan and were either never imported here or were imported with changes ranging from subtle to major.

The Celia of course made it to North America and was very popular. But this is a JDM right-hand drive version. It's an odd choice of car to be worth the hassle of importing but it's definitely fascinating to see.

For one, I can't remember the last time I saw this era Celia, much less the convertible. These were among the first front-wheel drive Celica, and for what they scarified in glorious ability to drift they gained in better styling and greater efficiency.

It helps this one is in black-on-black, never a bad combo. The smoked indicators and amber-cornered taillights are tell-tale JDM-spec. Overall, the body looks remarkably clean, straight and free of dents and dings.

Underneath the hood is a 2.0-liter 16-valve 4-cylinder engine. It won't set your hair on fire, but it will get you to where you need to go, and without emptying the gas tank, too.

The seller says they brought this over in July 2013. They say everything is working except the cruise control and there is no rust. The also think the paint could be original.

The right-hand drive will take some getting used to (as will the Japanese waveband radio!) but this seems to be a neat little car in unusually good shape. It will be a hit at the JDM shows.

Available here on ebay with bidding starting at $5k and a Buy It Now of $7,200.

JDM in the US: 1991 Nissan Figaro

This may look like a car from the 60s, but you read the year right: it's a 1991.

Nissan only made about 20,000 of them in the early 90s for the Japanese market only. They were so popular that owners were chosen by lottery.

The styling is one of the earliest examples of retro designs like the New Beetle, 2002 Ford Thunderbird and Mini Cooper. It works well, especially with the flat periwinkle paint, white top and white wheels (inside very small tires). "Cute" would be a word the casual observer might use.

Inside is a right-hand drive non-airbag steering wheel, nice leather seats with piped trim and classy white face gauges.

The actual mechanicals are just as low key and simplistic, with front wheel drive and a four cylinder engine under the hood. Thankfully, the engine was turbocharged to provide a little extra boost.

The actual mechanicals are just as low key and simplistic, with front wheel drive and a four cylinder engine under the hood. Thankfully, the engine was turbocharged to provide a little extra boost, while also being really good on gas: the seller claims it gets 57 mpg.

The seller says it was titled in Florida and Texas before making its way to California where it is now. They say it has about 75,000 km which is about 46k miles on the odometer. The only flaws they point out are cosmetic: cracked seats and dash. Fortunately, they say everything mechanical works and is ready to go.

The also say it's just one of three in the US at the moment. This one isn't practical. It's all about what your heart says.

Available here on ebay with 1 bid at $10k and reserve not met.

In the US: 1999 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-S

The Silvia is a long-running nameplate of rear-wheel drive coupes by Nissan. North America was privy to a couple versions, but missed out on the version that debuted in Japan in 1999. It wore classic Japanese styling: simple, clean, unpretentious and sleek.

Underneath the hood is a 4-cylinder engine. There was a non-turbo version and although the seller doesn't specify I would assume and hope this is the turbo. These also came with 4-wheel steering, but, again, the seller does't specify.

What they do mention is that it is the Spec-S trim, which features a 5-speed manual transmission, open differential and 4-piston front brake caliper.

Since it was made for the Japanese domestic market, the steering is right-hand drive. The seller says they have added a Pioneer screen with some speakers, different coils, 300ZX brakes and tinted windows.

Although the U.S. government only allows importation of vehicles older than 25 years old, this one is somehow in the states. The ad implies it is in Rhode Island, but in the photos it wears Florida plates, which actually may explain matters as the Florida DMV is notoriously (and pleasantly) lenient when registering unusual and non-US motor vehicles. Regardless, the seller claims the car is titled, registered, inspected and insured, all huge pluses. They even have a photo of the title, although to confuse matters again it's a New Hampshire title.

These cars have a cult following. This one seems to be cared for and has to be only a handful that have made it here, making it even more of a rarity. There also isn't anything quite like it on the market today, especially from Japan: a 4-cylinder turbocharged rear-wheel drive coupe.

Available here on craigslist for $19,000.

JDM Snow Days: 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser LX

Although my E46 325xi is performing sufficiently in inclement weather (as it did this fine slushy winter morning), there are occasional moments when I wish I had something with even more traction like this Land Cruiser that was never officially offered in North America, but is here now.

The Land Cruiser is up there with the Land Rover Defender 90 and Mercedes-Benz Galendenwagen as classic off-road vehicles of the 20th century. They are not only extremely capable, but as aesthetic masterpieces of form over function, they are stylish, too. I have no doubt the Land Cruiser is considered by some to be the best.

The J70 Land Cruiser replaced the legendary J40 series in 1984 and is still in production to this day. This is the short wheelbase model with a removable fiberglass top. These are extremely rugged and heavy cars, weighing about 2 tons to keep them planted to the ground. Body plates were made 1mm thicker than the J40 for extra strength.

Underneath the hood is a 4-cylinder diesel engine mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The seller says the engine should be good for 500k miles before a rebuild, which could very well be true given Toyota's build quality from this era. They also say it gets about 21-25 miles per gallon and is fun to drive even at high speeds.

 

Cosmetically, the seller says the underside of the vehicle was rust-proofed. They say the rocker panels were also replaced. There are some lingering spots of surface rust around the doors and windshield, however. They also say a carfax report regarding rear accident damage may be from having the rockers replaced and rear bumper being powder coated, and they have checked for dents and bondo and found none. Inside, occupants meet a no-nonsense, hyper-utilitarian interior of square angles and hard grey plastics. The seller says it has been treated with a wax/clay bar, and the carpets and seats have been shampooed and cleaned.

This is an extremely rare vehicle that seems to have had attentive ownership to date. The seller says it was brought here from Japan 100% legally by Outback Imports and they have a title and registration in hand. They say it now has about 86k miles, and could be ready for many more, despite the minor cosmetic flaws.

Available here on ebay in Kent, Washington with bidding starting at $14,600 but no takers so far and a Buy-It-Now of $15,950.

In the US: 1986 Honda City Turbo II "Bulldog"

North America was never privy to the Kei class of micro cars that Japanese automakers unleashed on their domestic market. Part of that makes sense: most Americans do highway driving, and most highway driving here is fast, hard and furious; in other words, impractical for all but the biggest and toughest of cars. On the other hand, there is something undeniably alluring about the compact dimensions, frugality and efficiency of cars like the Honda City.

The is a first generation City that debuted in 1981. The body was designed to be as tall as possible to fit four seated adults comfortably. It is over 6 inches shorter than the Civic of the same time.

Styling takes inspiration from the classic subcompact cars of Austin Cooper and Fiat but with a stark and an angular twist. No space is wasted, and everything is placed where it should be.

This particular example is the coveted Turbo II, which feature a wider track, flared fenders, special paint and matching alloy wheels. Underneath the hood is a turbocharged 1,231cc inline 4-cylinder ER engine that produces 108 horsepower to the front wheels.

It was also available with the Honda Motocampo, a tiny foldaway scooter that fit in the trunk. The seller has one such Motocampo and will include it in the sale for the right price. I can't ascertain whether it was the original unit sold with the vehicle or not, but it could be a neat inclusion if it's of use to the next owner.

The City was never officially sold in North America, so it's extremely unusual to see one here. The seller says this example was imported in 1987 and has a VIN from New Hampshire and a clear title and registration from Arizona.

The seller says they have restored the vehicle and it now has new fluids, timing belt, water pump and fuel system cleaned.

This is a rare car in above average condition. Japanese car collector's take extra notice.

Available here on ebay in Phoenix, Arizona with a Buy-It-Now of $15,000 and the Make Offer option.

JDM Project: 1993 Honda Acty Pickup 4WD

I love Japanese domestic market vehicles. They offer all sorts of practicalities American and European manufacturers just won't touch. This is a miniature pickup truck. How many times has that enormous Ford F-150 blocked your view of traffic before it rudely cut you off? It makes you wonder if they are really necessary. And I'm sure they are, but I can't help but wonder if American pickup buyers wouldn't mind trying out something as compact as this Honda Acty. They like thrift just as much as the next guy.

Honda has been making variations of the Acty non-stop since 1977. This is a later and more modernized 2nd generation version from 1993.

The engine, rather amazingly, is a tiny 660cc straight 3-cylinder SOHC unit positioned in the rear and can be accessed via a removable porthole on the floor of the bed. This enabled the cabin to the spacious and the front to be short and gives the Acty its ultra-compact dimensions and quirky look.

This example features four-wheel drive for extra traction, and a 5-speed manual transmission.

Unfortunately this example has seen better days. It has visible wear, tear and scuffs. Mechanically, the seller states the timing belt broke, some valves are bent and the head gasket is off. This will need a lot of work to get running again, but it's definitely worth it. Not many are here, and this is otherwise a solid and reliable little cargo hauler that could be good for many more miles. I'd haggle the price way down, fix the engine, then give her a fresh repaint in appliance white.

Available here on craigslist in Tampa Bay, Florida for $1,450.