70's Japanese Vintage Racing

So, found these killer pics on japanesenostalgiccar forum. Really lovin' the Celica's with fat rear wheel/tire combos. If I had a 70's Celica, I'd want it to look like that man!
Check that orange Mazda RX pulling the inside front wheel off the ground on corner exit. That's some serious traction and chassis stiffness (I guess right?...). I love me some vintage J-tin with fender flares and big meats.
They don't make cars like they used to. Chrome bumpers, metal, fender mirrors, 14x9 wheels, carbed dohc 4 cylinders screamin'. I was born 20 years too late. ;)

Test drivin' a 1980 Toyota Celica GT-shweet

So, found a 1980 Toyota Celica GT 5 speed for sale on ksl.com for $3k. It said it had a new clutch, new alternator, fuel pump, 1 year old paint job and momo steering wheel. I emailed the guy. I figured, hey, I love me some rear wheel drive 4 cylinder "vintage" japanese car goodness. Let's go see what these cars are all about. So, I took it for a spin. I gotta say, its pretty slow, but they are supposed to get 34mpg on the highway. They weigh about 2550lbs, have a 2.2L sohc 4 cylinder making 96hp and 122tq. It has a live rear axle, rear drums, front discs. The body is in great shape. It has a newish paint job. It has a Harley Davidson muffler (ha ha) and centerline wheels with 195/70/14 tires. Oh, it has a sunroof and those rear window louvers that were ever so popular. I think this car has potential. The front suspension was soft. What? It's 29 years old man! ;) If it had a proper drop and some nice 15 or 16x8 and 9 inch wheels with some semi stretched tires and clean up the interior, it would be killer. I bet the guy would take $1500-$2000. He just got a ticket because it has been parked at the end of his street. He's really willing to sell...
Check those pics.

Japanese Nostalgic Cars

So, its been awhile since I last blogged. Lately, I've been into old school cool Jap cars. Now, the history of Japanese cars in the USA began in the late 60's. At first, they were considered cheap, small, questionable quality and not cool. My how times have changed. Well, those times began to change when in the early 70's the smog laws started to put the smackdown on Detroit muscle. Cars like the camaro and mustang started losing power and looks and gaining weight and size. Only in the early 90's did the Camaro and Mustang start making its comeback. Well, sorry Detroit, but that's 20+ years of losing market share. Now, Toyota has taken over as largest auto manufacturer in the USA over GM.

Anyway, in the early 70's, Nissan (known as Datsun originally) came out with the 240Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) and the 510 sedan. These cars began to race in the road races and winning. Toyota came out with the Corolla and Celica and also raced. Mazda was there with its rotary powered coupes and sedans as well. Here's a few pics representing what modified versions look like today, some 20-35 years later.

What I like about these cars: Lightweight, rear wheel drive, 13 and 14 inch wheels under bolt on fender flares and lowered and tunability and motor swaps with higher tech 80's 4 and 6 cylinder engines.