Classic cars from Japan
Cars imported from Japan are distinguished by good technical condition and rich equipment. When looking for a classic for everyday driving or to be used as an investment, it is worth considering buying a car from the country of the cherry blossom. Wealthy Japanese pay great attention to their vehicles, which is why they are in great demand among customers from Europe. This is not only about old Japanese cars, but above all about cars of European brands.
Classic Mercedes from Japan
Mercedes from Japan is a popular choice among customers from Europe, including Poland. The most frequently imported model is the fourth generation SL with the designation R129. Auction houses are full of copies in the most powerful engine versions, in excellent condition and with low mileage. You can easily hit the AMG versions, because in the 90s of the last century, Mercedes began to tighten ties with its current court tuner.
It is worth knowing that in 1995 the SL R129 underwent a major facelift. Bumpers, turn signals and radiator catch have changed. The range includes a 5-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, which was standard with V8 and V12 engines. Also new was the introduction of the Traction Stabilization System (ESP), but only in the models with the V12 under the hood it was part of the basic equipment.
The second popular model is, of course, the S-class, and two generations are popular here. The first was the Mercedes W126, which was produced from 1979 to 1991. It was distinguished by its low coefficient of air resistance and technological innovations in the form of, for example, hydropneumatic suspension available as an option. On its basis, a coupe version was also created, namely the Mercedes SEC. Its successor is the Mercedes W140 — the so-called sow. The car is huge, luxurious, has powerful engines and is characterized by excellent silencing. The coupe version built on the basis of this model has the designation CL. Here, too, you can count on a wide range of models with V8 and V12 engines. The latter, however, are rare enough that they can be a good investment.
Classic BMW from Japan
In the case of cars BMW from Japan collectors should first of all look around for the M3 E30 model. This is the first generation M3 and is therefore in high demand. Many special versions have been developed to meet the requirements of DTM homologation. Currently, they have great investment potential, and among them the most popular are M3 Evolution and M3 Evolution II. The car was also offered in Japan, from 1986 to 1990.
Other popular models are classic roadsters, namely the BMW Z3 and BMW Z4. The former was ridden by James Bond himself in the movie “GoldenEye”. The car was produced from 1995 to 2001. In 1998, the M Roadster version with a 321 hp engine went on sale. It is worth knowing that the car was also offered as a coupe, but due to the eccentric appearance it was not in great demand at that time. Now well-groomed copies of the M-version coupe achieve high prices at auctions.
After the Z3 came the BMW Z4, and it's hard to believe that the production of the first generation ended in 2009. The roadster presented in 2002 still looks fresh. An interesting feature is the M Coupe version with a 343 hp engine. It is also a rare variant and therefore also an excellent investment.
Among the BMW limousines, the BMW E38, the third generation of the 7 Series, is an undisputed classic. Its distinctive and minimalist silhouette always commands respect on the streets. However, if we look at the rallies of classic cars, the Mercedes S-class is definitely more popular. Therefore, the 7 Series will be an excellent choice for those who like to stand out. The list of additional equipment included bulletproof windows and armor packages.
It was followed by the infamous E65, designed by Chris Bangle. It's a car you love or hate. However, one cannot deny him the fact that richly equipped versions with powerful engines are valued by collectors.
Classic Porsche from Japan
Thinking about bringing Porsche from Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is, of course, the iconic 911. Porsche 928 and Porsche 968 are rare here. It was these cars that dominated the range of second-hand Porsches in the country of cherry blossoms. There are few offers for truly vintage 911s, but in vintages after 1990 there is plenty to choose from. Looking through the auction houses, it is easy to come across the Porsche 993, that is, the last generation with air-cooled engines.
Equally popular is the Porsche 996, which was the first with liquid-cooled engines. It was not the only revolution, as for the first time in 34 years the appearance of the 911 was significantly changed: the front of the car was flattened and the headlights took on a new shape and resembled those of the Boxster.
The next revolution is the Porsche 991, produced in 2011-2019. A new floor plate was used for its construction, 100 mm longer than the previous one. Aluminum and steel were used to build the body, and the 991 is lighter than the previous generation by 45 kg and stiffer. Mirrors were placed directly in the door, and the suspension was lowered, which has a positive effect on the aerodynamics of the car. The retractable rear spoiler can be locked in several positions. In the interior, many elements from the Panamera model were used.
Why buy a classic in Japan?
Importing a car from Japan has many advantages. These include:
- low mileage;
- very good technical condition;
- documented and easily verifiable history;
- rich versions of equipment and the most powerful engines.
How to bring a classic car from Japan?
If you are interested in the classics cars from Japan, Sakura Motors is the company you can entrust your automotive dreams to. We bring used cars from the cherry blossom country and are happy to advise you on choosing the right vehicle.
The scope of our services includes:
- search for a vehicle;
- participation in bidding;
- import of the car to the selected port in Europe and delivery to the indicated address;
- intermediation in activities related to customs, excise duty and VAT;
- assistance in preparing the car for registration and adapting it to meet the requirements of Polish regulations.
Buying a car from Sakura Motors is confidence in its condition and legality of origin. Whether you want to ride your classic or buy it as a capital deposit, with us you will invest your money safely. We also offer vehicle insurance from the moment it is loaded in a port in Japan until it is unloaded in Europe. We will keep you up to date with all the progress. We also encourage our customers to participate in auctions, because you can always change your mind about the vehicle you are looking for or increase your budget to get the car of your dreams.