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.

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.