White ravens from Japan - JDM sports cars with collectible potential
The Japanese seem calm by nature, but they have a lot of cars beloved by automotive fans to their credit, which will work both on public roads and on race tracks. These constructions contradict the generally accepted image of this nation. The most igniting the imagination, of course, are the models that were offered mainly or only in the country of cherry blossom. They are an excellent decoration of the garage and a valuable addition to any collection.
Toyota Supra JZA80 (RZ)
Toyota Supra IV gen. is one of the most iconic shapes in the history of the automotive world. The car was produced from 1993 to 2002 and for a short time was also available in Europe, however, finding a copy with the steering wheel on the left borders on a miracle. A 2JZ-GTE engine was placed under the hood. Motor 3.0 has 6 cylinders in a row and 2 turbochargers. Although it generates 280 hp as standard, its potential is much greater. Therefore, it has become popular among tuners. The design allows you to achieve a power of about 600 hp without the need to replace the structural elements of the engine. The RZ version is interesting in that it has not only rear-axle drive, but also a manual transmission. In the RZ-S variant, a 4-speed tiptronic transmission with paddles for shifting gears at the steering wheel is installed. The interior features a carbon fiber steering wheel and Recaro SR2 seats. It is worth mentioning that the copies sold in Europe had a 320 hp engine. It is estimated that only 995 were produced with left-hand drive. The car is presented in the body of a coupe and a targa.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33/R34
Nissan Skyline is another Japanese name that arouses respect among car enthusiasts. While the GT-R34 is most famous, the earlier R32 and R33 should not be underestimated. The Skyline GT-R R32 debuted as a homologation car for Group A, which was equipped with a twin-turbocharged RB26DETT engine that generated 280 hp, but as with the Supra, its potential was definitely greater. It also has four-wheel drive and a rear steering axle. The model with the designation R33 has improved aerodynamics, and the V-Spec version introduced an active differential in the rear and improved ABS.
While the performance and success of the Skyline GT-R R32 and R33 series are impressive, the R34 model has not only made history in automotive history, but has also become one of the automotive icons of pop culture. The car was even more technically advanced and achieved some of the best results of its time on the iconic Nürburgring Nordschleife. Many special versions have been created. For example, the GT-R V-Spec N1 is devoid of air conditioning, an audio system and even a rear wiper. In turn, the M-Spec has leather upholstery, a more comfortable suspension and heated seats.
Honda NSX Tipo S Zero
Honda NSX is in demand and appreciated regardless of the version. The car was supposed to compete with Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. The Type S Zero version is designed for those who expect a clean and raw driving experience. It is equipped with a 3.2 engine. The car weighs only about 1270 kg, since many of the equipment elements responsible for comfort have been removed from it. So it is useless to look for air conditioning, audio set and sound effects here. But there is a lot of carbon fiber and excellent performance. The suspension was tuned more rigidly compared to the standard NSX. In the second generation, the weight increased to 1320 kg. This is one of the rarest variants of the Honda NSX and even the Japanese have a problem getting hold of it.
Mazda RX-7 Tipo R
Mazda RX-7 is a car that is interesting regardless of generation, and its uniqueness lies primarily in the fact that it has a Wankla engine, that is, with a rotating piston. Although it is demanding in servicing, it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting structures in the automotive world. This Japanese sports coupe had a shape that was ahead of its time and thanks to this it looks young all the time. The model with the designation Type R has a 280 hp engine and weighs just over 1200 kg. Added to this are rear-wheel drive, stiffened suspension and reinforced construction. Such a combination makes the car incredibly exciting.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI “Versione” (JDM)
The Subaru Impreza is one of the rally legends from the country of the cherry blossom. The car shared and ruled the rally tracks together with the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO. The most sought after is the Impreza WRX STI Version 1, which gave birth to the legend of this model. 654 cars were produced in the sedan body and only 267 in the station wagon body. The car has an advanced four-wheel drive, turbocharged 2.0 boxer engine that generates 235 hp and is very light. Noteworthy are the versions with the designation Type RA. They are deprived of air conditioning and elements ensuring driver comfort. They are focused only on high performance and precise cornering.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition
Tomi Mäkinen is one of the most deserving rally drivers who represented the Mitsubishi brand. The racer won 4 world champion titles in auto rallies, so on this occasion the manufacturer released a model with the designation Tommi Mäkinen Edition. The Lancer Evolution VI is already an iconic and desirable car in itself, but a special edition takes it to a new level. Under the hood, it has a 4G63T engine with 280 hp. It is distinguished, among others, by a special bumper, Recaro seats with the Tommi Mäkinen Edition logo, a Momo steering wheel and a modified suspension. It is estimated that about 4,000 copies of this model were made, but the exact number is unknown. Some copies went to Europe because Cars from Japan They were imported into the UK.
Honda Civic Type R (EK9)
Although the Honda Civic was already offered in powerful engine versions before the 6th gen. and so, for example, in the V gen. we had a B16A2 engine with 160 hp, the designation Type R appeared only with the next generation. In addition, the car was sold only in Japan, which makes it unique and in great demand. A 185 hp B16B engine went under the hood. It used a new valve system, which allowed to achieve higher rotational speeds. Reducing friction inside the power unit makes it more durable. Inside, extreme Bucket Recaro seats and a Momo SRS steering wheel are installed. An interesting taste is the titanium gearshift knob.
summary
The rare Japanese sports cars shown above are just the tip of the iceberg of possibilities for engineers from the country of cherry blossom. The abundance of models, special and limited versions makes Japan a real paradise for collectors and lovers of analog motoring. Although manufacturers used modern technologies for those times, still these cars remain strict in use. They require a lot of attention and skill from the driver.
If you want to become the owner of such a car, then it is worth following the offers of Japanese auction houses, where such cars appear from time to time. However, the specificity of their functioning makes the purchase and Car transport from Japan are possible with the help of a qualified intermediary. One such company is Sakura Motors, which will carry out the process of searching, buying and importing for you, although it is worth watching the auction in person to increase your budget or completely change the object of your interests. Even before you start, you will know the approximate cost of importing a car from Japan. With the right partner, you can make your automotive dreams come true!
