Japanese Classic Car Show: Behind the Scenes (Photos)
The 13th annual event featured eclectic showcase of rare and vintage vehicles from popular Japanese automakers.
On a perfect Southern California day, Long Beach once again played host to the annual Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS). In its 13th year, this event proved to be the biggest one yet with special displays to commemorate the 50th anniversary of two icons: the Datsun 510 and the introduction of Mazda’s rotary-engined vehicles.
The sponsorship and support of manufacturers like Nissan, Mazda, Toyota, and Honda, along with aftermarket favorites have really helped JCCS become the place to be for ultra-rare vehicle sightings and exciting announcements.
At Nissan’s booth, Matchbox’s new 1970 Datsun 510 Rally diecast car made its debut to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its namesake and earliest iteration of the “4-Door Sports Car.” Forty lucky attendees won one of the first examples of this collectible, and we were one of them!
Other notable Nissan vehicles on display included the 2018 Heritage Edition 370Z, the 2018 LEAF (now boasting a 150 mile range!), a 1970 Datsun 240Z F/GT Bonneville, and a 1994 D21 Hardbody Bonneville. Both the 240Z and D21 Bonneville vehicles are land speed record breakers.
Mazda wowed rotary fans by bringing out the legendary 767B four-rotor race car wearing its famous “Charge” livery. This instantly recognizable endurance racer is the latest masterpiece in Mazda’s Heritage Collection to be restored and raced.
Some of our favorite aftermarket brands, like Motul, TEIN, Meguiar’s, and more, were also on hand with very special show cars and lots of cool swag.
But, of course, the real stars of JCCS are the enthusiasts who maintain, restore, and modify all of these heritage vehicles so that fans from all walks of life can enjoy them.
Nissan’s Z car seemed to be the darling of this year’s show. There were 240/260/280 Zs everywhere you looked, and in all stages of presentation, from factory accurate to wildly modified.
What really caught our attention this year was the variety of vehicles on display. There was something for everyone, no matter how niche your tastes, like this stock 1969 Subaru 360 Sedan Deluxe, for example.
If you’ve never been to JCCS, we highly recommend checking it out. The atmosphere is electrified with passion and enthusiasm from both collectors and admirers, and it’s a feeling that any automotive-lover can appreciate. Check out more exclusive photos below!
Photos: Andrew Chen
