The Volkswagen Bus holds a significant place in the history of the company. It gained immense popularity and became an iconic vehicle for millions of people. In a new video, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ vintage division in Germany takes us on a journey through the model’s legacy. The video showcases some of the noteworthy models produced by the company.
One of the most fascinating VW Bulli variants featured in the video is a special 1968 T1 Kombi. This particular vehicle was equipped with half-tracks, making it truly unique. When it arrived at the facility, it was disassembled and came in three or four separate boxes containing individual parts. In the late 1960s and 1970s, the bus underwent a conversion that added two extra axles, with tracks wrapped around the rear two. This transformed the bus into a formidable off-road monster, primarily used in mountainous regions of Austria. It’s important to note that only the rear axle is powered, while the front two axles are used for steering.
The Ford Explorer is the most-sold SUV in American history with over 8.4 million units sold since its debut in 1991. It was one of the first vehicles of its class to be called an SUV alongside the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Suburban, and a few others. It was also the first four-door SUV built by Ford and needed to succeed to prove Ford had made the right decision. The Explorer did not only succeed but was a smash hit and was the SUV to own and helped kick-start the SUV revolution.
It has been around three decades and six generations, but all haven’t been rosy with the Explorer. From rollovers to lawsuits the Ford Explorer has been a marketing success and an engineering nightmare for the brand. But continuous improvements have gotten it to where it is today. It may be a lot different from when it first started, but the Explorer has served American families for years. We are looking back at the History of the Explorer to see how it started and where it’s headed.
3/4 shot of a 1993 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer edition
The first generation Ford Explorer hit the streets in 1991 and was a replacement for the Bronco II. It was a different offering since it was a four-door SUV whereas the outgoing Bronco was a two-door. When it went on sale it was a success as many families wanted to buy one because of its blend of utility and practicality. It was offered as a two-door sport and four-door SUV with the four-door being the preferred choice. It had a 160-horsepower V-6 paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
You could also have it as rear-wheel drive or an optional four-wheel drive which meant a vehicle for your daily commute with off-road capabilities. Its off-road prowess was aided by the fact that it was based on the Ranger pickup. The Explorer was so popular that it was rebranded by Mazda as a Navajo but only as a two-door. It even featured as the tour vehicle in the Jurassic Park movie with that livery still being replicated today. Over a million first-gen Explorers were sold in the four years of production which gave Ford a reason to build another one.
1995-2001 Does Your Explorer Rollover?
Ford
3/4 of a 1996 Ford Explorer parked in front of a house
The Second generation Explorer still used the Ranger platform but had been redesigned to be more useful than the previous model. A host of mechanical changes had been made to make the car ride better on-road and still be capable off-road. It was also the first SUV to have dual airbags for added safety. The added height and width also gave it more usable space for people and luggage. A V-8 engine was now introduced as an option alongside the V-6 mill.
The five-liter V-8 made 210 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. It carried over the V-6 from the previous generation with the same horsepower but later models from ’97 got an updated V-6. The new V-6 had overhead cams which bumped power to 205 horsepower and 250-pound feet of torque which were similar numbers to the V-8. Rear-wheel drive was standard with optional four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options available.
V-8 versions were automatic only but the V-6 version had the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Sales were high with over 400,000 units sold each year and other variants like the Eddie Bauer edition and Mercury Mountaineer were also available. Saleen also made go-fast editions known as the Ford Saleen XP8 supercharged. This was a supercharged version of the V-8 Explorer which now made 286 horsepower and 333 pound feet of torque. It received some aero body parts, Recaro seats, better brakes, and carbon fiber hood options.
Only 300 examples of the XP8s were made which was the agreement but Saleen also made lesser-known versions of the V-6 known as XP6. Ford later made a pickup version of the Explorer which ran from 2001-2005 only offered with the V-6 engine. But this generation also had a major flaw that threatened to end the Explorer.
They were more prone to rollovers than any other SUV, this problem was present in the first gen but got worse with the second gen and its bigger dimensions. The probable cause was linked to the Firestone tires fitted from the factory. This led to lawsuits from owners and a legal battle between Ford and Firestone with Ford winning the case. With this, the nearly 100-year relationship came to an end.
2002-2005 The Explorer Evolution
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3/4 shot of a 2003 Ford Explorer in front of a golf pond
The Third generation Explorer was all new with its platform which was developed specifically for this vehicle. It had also undergone a major redesign from the previous two generations. A decline in sales of two-door SUVs also meant this Explorer was four-door only. Better safety features and improvements were also made to combat the rollover hazards from previous generations.
The front and rear axles were widened for better stability with independent rear suspension for better road compliance. ABS, traction control, stability control, and YAW control to reduce rollover risk were all standard.
In addition, the Explorer had dual front and side curtain airbags and seatbelt tensioners for protection in the event of an accident. For the first time, the Explorer had third-row seats which meant sitting for seven people. Two engine choices were available, there was the updated four-liter V-6 from the previous generation and a new 4.6-liter modular V-8 used in the Crown Victoria and various Ford trucks.
The V-6 made 210 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque while the V-8 made 239 horsepower and 282 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic was the transmission of choice for this Explorer. A five-speed manual was available but only for the 2002 model year which was the last manual Explorer. The Explorer was also available in another variant the Lincoln Aviator.
Slow moving shot of a 2006 Ford Explorer on a dirt road
The fourth-gen Explorer seemed more like an updated vehicle than a new one. It had the same platform as before but with a beefed-up frame and revised suspension. Other updates were made to update the vehicle but it shared a lot of similarities with the previous. The Explorer sport trac pickup also came back for a second generation.
The four-liter V-6 from the previous generation was also carried over but there was a new optional 4.6-liter V-8 with 292 horsepower and 356 pound-feet of torque. The changes made were not enough to help the Explorer and that showed with sales dwindling to as low as 53,000 units in 2009. Sales were also affected greatly due to the downturn in the U.S. economy which led to less demand for SUVs. This was a sign that Ford needed to act fast or the Explorer would go extinct.
2011-2019 The Explorer Is Reborn
Ford
3/4 shot a blue 2012 Ford Explorer parked under a tree
In comes the fifth generation Explorer, and it had the most radical change ever seen since the first generation. Its design was similar to the Explorer America concept shown in 2008 at the North American International Auto Show. The Explorer moved from a full-size SUV to a family crossover that was based on the unibody of the Ford Taurus. This move was in response to the growing crossover trend and it paid off. Over 135,000 explorers were sold in its first year with sales climbing each year.
There was also a host of new tech added to the Explorer which included a push button and remote start, power tailgate, adaptive cruise control, active park assist, rain-sensing wipers, High-intensity discharge headlamps (HID) and LED tail lamps, and many more. It was an Explorer-like no other coming to reclaim its throne. This generation also saw the most engine choices (five) available from a 2.0-liter inline-four front-wheel drive to a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Ecoboost.
The four-cylinder made 240 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque while the 3.5 V-6 made 290 horsepower and 355 pound-feet of torque with all-wheel drive. All versions came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Everyone preferred the more powerful V-6 since it offered more power and not much sacrifice to fuel economy. This was a big benefit for the new Explorer since the previous versions weren’t so economical.
It managed 17/23 MPG for city/highway driving versus the inline four’s 18/25 MPG figures, the previous gen could only do 13/19 MPH city/highway. Also, there were now selectable drive modes which were: Normal, Mud and Ruts, Sand, and, Grass/Gravel/Snow mode all through a mode selector. Safety ratings for this model were also very high with the NHTSA giving it a five-star score and has maintained the standard to date.
An Explorer sport joined the lineup in 2013 with a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 from the Taurus SHO with 365 horsepower 350 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel drive. Ford even released a 60 MPH time below six seconds to show they were proud of this unit. A facelift version came in 2016 and updated the looks of the already good-looking and a new base 2.3 inline-four with 280 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This model also saw a new police interceptor which replaced the Crown Victoria which had been in service since 1992.
The latest generation Explorer is built on the already brilliant fifth-gen model with better tech and safety features. Towing capacity was also greatly increased with the ability to tow up to 5,300 pounds. A host of new engines were also made available with the option of a hybrid powertrain with rear or all-wheel drive all paired with a new 10-speed automatic. Engine choices are listed below:
Type
Model Years
Power
Torque
EcoBoost 2.3 I4
2020–present
300 horsepower
310 pound-feet
3.3L V6 Hybrid
2020–present, Police Interceptor Utility
318 horsepower
332 pound-feet
3.3L FFV V6
2020–present, Police Interceptor Utility
285 horsepower
260 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2020–present, ST/Police Interceptor Utility
400 horsepower
415 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2022- present, Platinum
400 horsepower
415 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6
2020–2021, Platinum
365 horsepower
380 pound-feet
EcoBoost 3.0 TT V6 Hybrid
2020–present
444 horsepower
620 pound-feet
The New hybrid and ST models are a great addition as Ford is looking towards the future with better emissions and sporty models with a bit more grunt. The Interceptor is also very impressive and is currently the fastest police car in America and can keep up with Mustangs and Chargers until triple digits. Although it has been dethroned by other SUVs like the Toyota RAV 4 which outsell it, the Explorer is still one of the best all-round SUVs in history.
If I were to write about the history of cars, a single chapter wouldn’t be enough to talk about the Japanese car industry’s impact in shaping that history. I’d need a few chapters to properly encapsulate what Japan’s car history means to the larger history of the automotive world. From humble beginnings to global domination, Japan’s car scene has given so much to the auto world.
That includes some of the most iconic car models to ever hit the road. These ten models are classics in the basic sense of the term “classic.” More importantly, these ten models are classics because they’ve earned the right to be called one, whether it’s through sheer popularity or long-lasting impact in the business.
Updated June 10, 2023: Beyond the big four automakers of Japan, Mitsubishi has also produced some noteworthy models that deserve to be on this beefed up list of 15, and we have added three models along with the Honda S600 and the Subaru Leone.
The Toyota Corolla GT AE86 deserves a chapter of its own. The Corolla GT AE86’s list of accomplishments runs long and deep. That’s owed to the car’s nimble handling, responsive steering, and a 1.6-liter twin-cam engine. All of that came together to make the AE86 one of the best driving cars in the market and a go-to car for racers and drifters alike. Speaking of drifters, no less than Keiichi Tsuchiya, better known as the Drift King, drove the AE86 to reach his status as one of the greatest drifters of all time.
Toyota Corolla GT AE86 specifications
Engine:
1.6-liter twin-cam engine
Horsepower:
112 horsepower
Torque:
100 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
8.6 seconds
Top Speed:
118 mph
As accomplished as the AE86 is, you can argue that the model’s greatest claim to fame is its starring role in Initial D, one of the most popular Manga comic series of its era. To this day, the Toyota GT AE86 remains a hot ticket item among fans and collectors. Good luck trying to find a good-condition AE86 today. If you do, prepare to shell out at least $30,000 for it.
front 3/4 view of a 1980_Toyota_Land_Cruiser_(FJ40)_hardtop
Not every car on this list is of the performance variety. It’s a testament to the J40’s stature as one of the greatest SUVs of all time that Toyota produced the model from 1960 to 2001. That’s over 40 years of the same model hitting the market without interruption.
A front 3/4 shot of a 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S parked
When you mention the word “Cosmo” to car enthusiasts, a lot of them will immediately remember what is arguably one of the most important Japanese sports cars in history. But the Cosmo’s true claim-to-fame is its stature as one of the first production cars to feature a two-rotor Wankel rotary engine. The single-piston engine took the industry by storm when it was introduced.
Mazda Cosmo specifications
Engine:
Two-rotor Wankel rotary engine
Horsepower:
110 horsepower
Torque:
96 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
8.2
Top Speed:
115 mph
The rotary engine was not only smaller and lighter than conventional engines, but it also produced more power and had a higher-revving capacity than standard engines of that time. The history of Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine will always be tied to the Cosmo, making the latter one of the most important vehicles, not only of its era but the overall history of cars.
Front three-quarters shot of a 1977 Honda Civic CVCC parked in front of water
Every model that has made it big in the industry has roots to a time when automakers were just trying to make an impact in the business. That sentiment holds for a lot of models these days, none more so than Honda’s super popular Civic compact sedan. At that time, Honda needed an economical, durable, and affordable car to beef up its automotive lineup after initially finding success in the motorcycle segment. That’s when the Civic came into the picture.
1972 Honda Civic specifications
Engine:
1.2-liter four-cylinder engine
Horsepower:
73 horsepower
Torque:
74 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
13 seconds (est)
Top Speed:
80 mph (est)
It wasn’t the fastest car by any stretch of the imagination, nor was it the fanciest ride that money could buy. But it checked a lot of requirements that Honda needed for an affordable ride. It’s not a coincidence that the Civic turned into Honda’s first commercially successful vehicle. Since then, it’s become one of the most identifiable vehicles in the entire auto industry. It’s even evolved from a cheap subcompact to a sophisticated compact vehicle that’s teeming with a lot of Honda’s newest technologies. That’s how far Honda and the Civic have come in 40-something years.
5Datsun 240Z
What else has to be said about the Datsun 240Z that hasn’t been said already? Also dubbed the Fairlady Z, it arrived in 1970 at a time when safety regulations effectively placed domestic performance cars in a state of flux. As people started to look elsewhere to satiate their thirst for vehicular performance, the 240Z arrived like manna from the skies, packing a 2.0-liter straight-six SOHC engine that produced a stout 130 horsepower.
Datsun 240Z specifications
Engine:
2.4-liter inline-six engine
Horsepower:
151 horsepower
Torque:
146 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
Eight seconds
Top Speed:
126 mph
It helped, too, that the 240Z stood out from the crowd with a drop-dead sexy design that reminded folks of exotic European cars of that era. From the Porsche headlights to the Jaguar body to the Aston Martin profile, the 240Z was an affordable performance car that looked way more upscale than it actually was. American car buyers gravitated towards the 240Z like moths to a light, and to this day, the “Fairlady” remains a hot ticket item among car collectors and enthusiasts.
6Toyota 2000GT
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Much like Honda, Toyota wasn’t the car brand that it is now. There once was a time when the Japanese auto giant was an obscure automaker with dreams of selling cars in the U.S. in small quantities. One of its models, the 2000 GT, was a small but peppy Japanese sports coupe that sported an underrated six-cylinder engine. Its arrival in foreign markets, the U.S. most notably, helped put Toyota on the map.
Toyota 2000 GT specifications
Engine:
2.0-liter inline-six engine
Horsepower:
148 horsepower
Torque:
129 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
10 seconds
Top Speed:
128 mph
Not only did it look astonishingly sexy, but the aforementioned six-cylinder unit had enough bite (150 horsepower) that it delivered impressive performance capabilities to go with racecar-like handling credentials. It’s an understatement to say that Toyota struck gold with the 2000 GT. Toyota didn’t sell too many 2000 GTs in the U.S., but it did do something far more important than putting money in the automaker’s coffers; it introduced Toyota to a region that would end up becoming the automaker’s largest market in the world. That’s called impact, folks.
front 3/4 view of a silver 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R coupe
When you’re talking about Japanese performance cars, no name can elicit swoons and over-the-top gasps like the Nissan Skyline GT-R. That’s what the OG Skyline GT-R looked like. But underneath the boxy profile and the squared lines sat a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 160 horsepower, enough to turn heads back in the late 1960s.
Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R Hakosuka specifications
Engine:
2.0-liter inline-six engine
Horsepower:
160 horsepower
Torque:
129 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
8.1 seconds
Top Speed:
121 mph
The Nissan Skyline GT-R will always be one of the greatest automotive marvels Japan has ever produced. That it was never imported to America has made it that much more expensive and highly collectible among car collectors the world over. Remember, whenever we talk about the car we know as Godzilla today, proper homage must go to the Hakosuka as well.
Not a lot of people remember Isuzu as a carmaker, but back in the ‘60s, Isuzu built some ravishing car models, including the 117 Coupe. You don’t expect a Japanese automaker back then to come out with a coupe that carried stylish curves and swooping lines, but that’s exactly what Isuzu did when it rolled out the 117 Coupe.
Isuzu 117 Coupe specifications
Engine:
1.6-liter inline-four engine
Horsepower:
118 horsepower
Torque:
105 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
10.2 seconds
Top Speed:
120 mph
Of course, the real secret here is that the 117 was actually penned by Georgette Giugiaro, which explains the car’s aesthetics. Isuzu enjoyed a lot of success with the 117 at the helm. Production lasted until 1981, and while the coupe wasn’t exactly a bastion of performance, it was elegant in ways very Japanese cars were back then. Good luck finding a well-maintained Isuzu 117 Coupe these days.
front 3/4 view of a 1966 Mazda Luce at Mazda museum
The Mazda 1800 Luce wasn’t a powerful car, and it certainly wasn’t a fast one, either. In top form, the sedan was powered by a 1.8-liter engine that barely produced 100 horsepower. You’re not going to win a lot of races in the 1800 Luce. That much is certain. So why is this model on this list? For all intents and purposes, the Luce was Mazda’s moneymaker when it entered the U.S. market in the early 1970s.
Mazda 1800 Luce specifications
Engine:
1.8-liter inline-four engine
Horsepower:
100 horsepower
Torque:
112 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
12 seconds
Top Speed:
103 mph
Like the Civic in Honda’s case, the Luce gave Mazda credibility and recognition outside of its home market, and the Japanese automaker has built on that credibility since then. On top of that, the Luce also remains one of the best-looking Japanese cars ever built. That’s a credit to Mazda’s decision to venture to Europe and have famous Italian design house Bertone pen the design of the Luce.
frontal view of a 1973 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR Rally in a museum
Mitsubishi Lancer is one of the most iconic nameplates when it comes to Japanese performance cars. When combined with the Evolution moniker, the Lancer is a formidable rally car for the road. But the Lancer went rallying long before the “Evo” came to be. In 1973 Mitusbishi introduced the first-generation Lancer, internally-dubbed A70. The brand’s rally aspirations spawned the Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR.
Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR specifications
Engine:
1.6-liter inline-four engine
Horsepower:
110 horsepower
Torque:
108 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
8.4 seconds
Top Speed:
108 mph
In Europe, the car was sold as the Cold 1600 GSR while the US got a rebadged, non-performance version called the Chrysler Valiant Lancer. The car was made to race off-road and propulsion was entrusted to a 1.6-liter inline-four with 169 horsepower and 119 pound-feet. While street versions were less-powerful, this is the Japanese classic car that paved the way for all of Mitsubishi’s future rally models, including all generations of the Lancer Evolution.
11Toyota Celica
JoachimKohler-HB via Wikimedia Commons
Front and side view of a Toyota Celica
As much love as the Toyota Supra has received, it’s worth mentioning that it wasn’t the only performance car that helped Toyota become a big player in the global car scene. For those who couldn’t afford the admittedly pricey 2000 GT, Toyota built a budget-friendly sports coupe that still carried a performance vibe to it. Enter the Toyota Celica. The first-generation Celica arrived in 1970, and the model immediately took off.
Toyota Celica specifications
Engine:
1.6-liter inline-four engine
Horsepower:
114 horsepower
Torque:
105 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
11.5 seconds
Top Speed:
108 mph
It lasted seven generations, spanning 36 years before Toyota shelved the nameplate in 2006. More than its longevity, the Celica proved that Toyota was also capable of offering an affordable performance model that allowed owners to enjoy the thrill of a Japanese-built sports coupe without having to pay too much of a premium for it. To date, the Celica remains popular among car aficionados, so much so that rumors of a return are never far from the surface.
12Honda S500
Maysy via commons.wikimedia.org””>
Maysy via commons.wikimedia.org
front 3/4 view of a red 1964 Honda S600 cabriolet next to a red red Honda S600 coupe
In the past, Honda was known solely for its motorcycles. In 1963, the Japanese carmaker introduced its first sports car – the Honda S500. The compact, nimble sports car came as a soft-top convertible or a fastback coupe. This was, not just the first sports car from Honda, but also its first passenger car. The S500 is the first of three versions and featured a 531cc (0.5-liter), inline-four with 44 horsepower.
Honda S500 specifications
Engine:
0.5-liter inline-four engine
Horsepower:
44 horsepower
Torque:
33 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
18.5 seconds
Top Speed:
80 mph
The S600 came a year later and was the most high-revving version of the car. With a redline 9,500 RPM, it was the most high-revving, road-going car for many decades and even today, very few cars manage to top that. Honda’s motorcycle roots were firmly imbedded in the small sports car, since the rear axle was chain-driven. The Honda S500 set the tone for future Honda roadsters like the iconic S2000.
front 3/4 view of a white 1984 Mitsubishi Pajero Superwagon
Toyota’s Land Cruiser may be the definitive Japanese offroader, but from 1981, it shared the off-road scene with Mitsubishi’s Pajero. In modern days, the Pajero is a more budget-friendly alternative to the Land Crusier, but in truth, Mitsubishí’s off-road model was a lot more consistent in Rally Dakar, where it saw great success. When it came to the regular versions, sold to the public, the Pajero was sold as a five-door or a three-door, short-wheelbase SUV.
Mitsubishi Pajero NB specifications
Engine:
3.0-liter V-6
Horsepower:
139 horsepower
Torque:
165 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
12.2 seconds
Top Speed:
99 mph
4X4 was always standard and the Pajero came with a variety of petrol and diesel units. The range-topping variant introduced the 6G72 engine, which was most notably-used in the Mitsubishi 3000 GT (GTO in Japan). Mitsubishi is no stranger to partnering with Chrysler and between 1987 and 1989, the first-generation Pajero was sold in the US as the Dodge Raider. Regardless, the boxy Japanese SUV marked the beginning ot a long lineup of rugged Mitsuvishi offroaders, among which the legendary Pajero Evolution.
Subaru is mostly known for its rally-bred Legacy and Impreza models that dominated WRC throughout the years. The brand, occasionally, dipped into the sports coupe segment and its first attempt was with the Subaru Leone. First introduced in 1971, the Leone was a front-wheel-drive model that came in three generations. Four-wheel drive was always optional and in true Subaru fashion, only flat-four engines were available.
Subaru Leone 1st Generation specifications
Engine:
1.6-liter flat-4
Horsepower:
71 horsepower
Torque:
83 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
17.1 seconds
Top Speed:
91 mph
The first and second-generation Subaru Leone also introduced a pick-up version called the BRAT. The third-generation Leone came in 1980 and was the first Subaru to enter the World Rally Championship. The rally ream was led Noriyuki Koseki, who would later, found Subaru Tecnica International (STI). The Leone would, eventually, be succeeded by th Legacy, which in turn was replaced by the Impreza STI in Subaru’s rally efforts.
front 3/4 view of an orange 1971 Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO MR at a car event
The Galant nameplate first arrived in 1969, and is tyoicalyl associated with the brand’s most luxurious sedans. Granted, Mitsubishi is, rarely, associated with luxury, but in 1970, the Galant GTO arrived as the brand’s first model, officially recognized as a grand tourer. GTO stood for Gran Turismo Omologato, and is considered to be the rarest of the Colt Galant models. It was also a homologation special for the JCCA, but the OPEC oil embargo from 1973 meant the car would never see a racing circuit.
Mitsubishi Colt Galant GTO MR specifications
Engine:
2.0-liter flat-4
Horsepower:
123 horsepower
Torque:
105 pound-feet
0 to 60 MPH:
8.9 seconds
Top Speed:
124 mph
Like other Japanese coupes from the time, the Galant GTO resembled a downsized, American Muscle car. Instead of torquey V-8 engines, Mitsubishi’s coupe came with inline-four engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters. The MR edition was the range-topped, powered by a 4G52 engine with 125 horsepower. The Galant GTO is Mitsubishi’s first luxury-sports car and would pave the way for future models like the GTO/3000 GT.
FAQ
Q: Where to buy classic Japanese cars?
Classic Japanese cars are available in a lot of places, including dedicated dealerships and online car sites. You can score good deals in any of these places, though the rarer the classic, the pricier they are.
Q: How to buy Japanese classics?
If you’re buying a Japanese car that’s deemed a JDM, you’re going to have to go through a long and stringent process that includes plenty of paperwork on the authenticity of the said car. It’s easier to buy a Japanese classic JDM that’s already located in the U.S. That means that it already went through the proper channels to become legal to purchase.
Q: What do people think about Japanese Classics?
Classic Japanese cars have gained popularity in recent years as prime collectibles, in part because a lot of these models only became legal to be imported to the U.S. in recent years. The demand for these cars has skyrocketed as more have become available to purchase.
Q: Are Japanese Classics legal in the United States?
Classic Japanese cars are legal in the U.S., provided that they are over 25 years old, and meet the exemptions laid out by EPA and FMVSS regulations.
Q: Are classic Japanese cars valuable?
Some classic Japanese cars have become valuable in recent years as more of the models become available in the U.S. The demand continues to stay on an upward trend, so expect a lot of these classics to gain prestige in the coming years. The more prestigious they are, the more expensive and valuable they become.
Porsche is making the most of its 75th anniversary with a series of events to commemorate its history. In addition to videos and concepts, it sponsored exhibits and art cars to showcase its heritage and direction for the future. Now Porsche has teamed up with Microsoft to produce a special edition of the Xbox Series X inspired by its cars.
Revealed during the Summer Game Fest this week, the Xbox Series X consoles wear liveries of some of the most famous Porsche racing cars in the automaker’s history. Consisting of six different designs, the liveries of several iconic Porsche 917 cars are featured, including the 917/20 “Pink Pig” from the 1971 LeMans, the “Hippie” design of the 917LH, and the red and white livery of the winning 1970 car. Other liveries include the 1998 Porsche 911 GT1 Mobil 1, several versions of the Martini and Rossi cars, and a design commemorating the Porsche 963 car racing in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There will only be 75 of the Porsche-themed special edition Xbox consoles, each featuring a wireless Xbox controller in a matching design. Where do you find one of these consoles? That’s the rub. All 75 consoles are sweepstake prizes in a competition open to US, United Kingdom, and German residents over the age of 18. The sweepstakes event opened on June 8th and runs through October 1. Participants are limited to one entry per day on the Porsche Xbox Sweepstakes website.
Those of us who are not lucky enough to win one of the Porsche-themed Xbox consoles can console ourselves with the new Forza Motorsport. Expected out in October, the game launches with over 500 realistic cars, including the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and the Cadillac Racing V-Series.R prototype racer. Also included are new tracks and a brand-new single-player mode allowing gamers to delve into the art of car-building. Even visually impaired gamers can get in on the action with the new Blind Driving Assists and One Touch Driving for people who need help pressing multiple buttons simultaneously.
Hyundai has been putting its history front and center over the last few years. It restored the original 1974 Pony Coupe Concept last year, and it’s now honoring the company’s early years with a new heritage exhibit at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul.
Hyundai will display the concept, the N Vision 74 concept, and other historical items. The exhibit, “Pony, the timeless,” coincides with the publication of a book and a magazine series focusing on the historic model. The Pony was Korea’s first independently developed automobile.
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