What Is an “Old Car”? — The Living Soul of Old JDM Cars
An old car is generally a vehicle over 25 years old, but age alone isn’t the point. It’s the feel of hand-finished parts, the quirks, and the mechanical honesty that modern cars smooth away.
Among old cars, old JDM cars (Japanese Domestic Market classics) stand out for compact packaging, inventive engineering, and a culture of making the most from limited resources.
What Makes Japanese Classics Unique — Craft Meets Innovation
Where many European classics lean on heritage and ceremony, old JDM cars lean on cleverness and courage. Narrow roads, strict regulations, and small engines pushed Japanese engineers to innovate: light weight, aero focus, high-rev units, rotary engines, turbocharging, and later 4WD.
The result is a set of cars that look modest yet drive like wolves in sheep’s clothing—old JDM cars with character and bite.
The 1960s — The Dawn of Japanese Sports Cars (28)
Prince Skyline Sports (1962)
Michelotti-styled “specialty car,” one of the earliest halo cars in Japan.
Only ~60 built, a museum-grade rarity among old JDM cars.
Shaped the premium trajectory of the Skyline name.
Honda S600 (1964–1965)
Refined from the S500; 145 km/h thanks to a high-rev 57 ps engine.
Featherweight agility established Honda’s sports DNA.
A cornerstone for lovers of old JDM cars.
Isuzu Bellett 1600GT (1964–1973)
First Japanese model to wear the “GT” badge; early disc brakes.
“Bereg” vs “Sky G” rivalry colored period car culture.
Clean lines and lively dynamics endure in old JDM lore.
Hino Contessa 1300 Coupe (1965–1967)
Michelotti design with RR layout and long tail.
Brief run but won international design awards.
Hino’s only in-house passenger car—now prized among old JDM cars.
Prince/Nissan Skyline 2000GT (1965)
Born from Skyline’s famous duel with Porsche at the Japan GP.
Blue-badge A and red-badge B became enthusiast shorthand.
Cemented Skyline as a performance pillar of old JDM cars.
Toyota Sports 800 (1965–1969)
“Yota Hachi” lightweight aero darling; endurance legend.
No-nonsense engineering, maximum fun at minimum mass.
A pure, formative light-sports icon in old JDM history.
Nissan Silvia CSP311 (1965–1968)
Hand-finished “jewel-cut” body; 554 units total.
Too costly then, priceless now as an art-car of old JDM culture.
Set the template for Silvia elegance.
Daihatsu Compagno Spider (1965–1968)
Four-seat convertible with Italian flavor; 145 km/h top speed.
Symbolized Daihatsu’s push into passenger cars.
A charming early entry among old JDM cars.
Toyota Publica Convertible (1963)
Open-top Publica; later 790 cc/45 ps “1000-dollar car.”
Brought sports style within reach for many new drivers.
Grassroots gateway into old JDM cars.
Honda S800 (1966–1970)
“100-mile car” with 160 km/h capability and jewel-like engine.
Early chain-drive rear end showed Honda’s experimental streak.
International acclaim made it an ambassador of old JDM cars.
Datsun Fairlady 2000 (1967–1970)
145 ps, 200+ km/h—serious performance for the era.
U.S. popularity proved JDM sports could run with the best.
A world-stage breakthrough for old JDM cars.
Toyota 2000GT (1967–1970)
Six-cylinder, 220 km/h, 4-wheel discs and pop-ups—state-of-the-art.
A national icon that anchors museums and auctions.
For many, the face of old JDM cars.
Mazda Cosmo Sport (1967–1972)
World’s first production rotary sports car.
Space-age styling and audacious engineering.
A cult hero at the heart of old JDM cars.
Toyota 1600GT (1967–1969)
“Koro G” mixed familiar looks with race-winning pace.
Clashed memorably with the Skyline in period events.
Compact size, big spirit—pure old JDM energy.
Datsun Bluebird 1600 SSS (510, 1967–1972)
“Poor Man’s BMW” with real rally credentials.
Safari Rally overall winner sealed its reputation.
Boxy style and balance beloved in old JDM circles.
Subaru 1000 (1966–1969)
Subaru’s first compact; rare FF layout then.
Spacious cabin and stability showcased FF benefits.
Influenced small-car thinking beyond Japan—true old JDM impact.
Datsun Sunny Coupe (1968–1970)
Coupe twist on the Sunny with Mustang-like rear.
Design rekindled interest amid fierce market battles.
Entry-level hero in the old JDM car scene.
Mazda Familia Rotary Coupe (1968–1973)
Second rotary road model; 10A/100 ps in a light shell.
180 km/h capability at a sensible price.
A key early rotary in old JDM cars.
Honda N360T (1968–1972)
Twin-carb kei hotshot: 36 ps and 115 km/h.
Shattered expectations for tiny cars.
Sparked a performance thread in kei-class old JDM cars.
Suzuki Fronte SS (1968–1970)
First kei to break 20 s in the quarter mile.
125 km/h in RR form—focused and feisty.
Featherweight fun in old JDM folklore.
Subaru 360 Young SS (1968–1970)
Sportier “ladybug” with 36 ps and a tach.
Couldn’t reclaim sales crown, but won hearts.
A beloved micro-icon among old JDM cars.
Isuzu 117 Coupe (1968–1981)
Giugiaro’s elegant long-running masterpiece.
Legendary early years reportedly saw no recorded scrappage.
One of the classiest silhouettes in old JDM cars.
Toyota Corona Mark II T60/70 (1968–1974)
Bridged Corona and Crown; GSS hit 200 km/h.
Balanced comfort and speed for new buyers.
Staple of 60s/70s old JDM sedans.
Honda 1300 99S (1969–1972)
Honda’s bold first “regular” sporty sedan.
185 km/h from 1.3 L—astonishing for the class.
Quirky hardware made it a cult old JDM piece.
Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R PGC10/KPGC10 (1969–1972)
The origin of the GT-R legend—dominant in domestic racing.
Sedan to hardtop transition brought agility and wins.
Bedrock of performance in old JDM cars.
Isuzu Bellett 1600GTR (1969)
Top-tier DOHC Bellett with 117-derived spirit.
Sporty black interior and limited run allure.
Short-lived, long-loved in old JDM circles.
Datsun Fairlady Z 432 (1969–1973)
“4 valves, 3 carbs, 2 cams” S20 engine, 210 km/h.
Top-shelf original Z—mythic status today.
A purebred halo among old JDM cars.
Mazda Luce Rotary Coupe (1969–1972)
Elegant FF rotary reaching 190 km/h.
Raised Mazda’s profile with beauty and pace.
A refined note in the early old JDM chorus.
The 1970s–1980s — Constraints, Creativity, and the Golden Age of Old JDM Cars
1970s (40)
Nissan Laurel HT 2000GX (1970)
Debuted the “High-Owner Car” idea—upscale yet attainable.
2.0-liter top trim targeted aspirational drivers.
A refined coupe thread in old JDM cars.
Daihatsu Fellow MAX (1970–1980)
Shifted from FR to FF in the kei class.
SS trim hit 40 ps—kei performance milestone.
Long-lived, lively presence in old JDM kei lore.
Honda Z SA (1970–1974)
Kei specialty coupe with distinctive rear glass.
36 ps/120 km/h—fun meets practicality.
Quirky charm beloved among old JDM cars.
Toyota Celica 1600GT (1970)
“Daruma” Celica range-topper with famous 2T-G.
Set the template for affordable sporty Toyotas.
A pillar of 70s old JDM cars.
Mitsubishi Galant GTO MR (1970–1972)
First “MR” and first DOHC for Mitsubishi.
Hip-up rear took cues from American fastbacks.
A bold early-70s old JDM statement.
Toyota Carina 1600GT (1971)
“Good-footed” sedan sibling to the Celica.
2T-G power with friendlier pricing.
Underrated gem in old JDM sedans.
Mitsubishi Minica Skipper GT (1971)
Kei coupe with low roof and cut-off tail.
Sharp lines and cheeky advertising.
An eccentric favorite among old JDM kei sports.
Suzuki Fronte Coupe (1971)
Giugiaro-origin design at only 1200 mm tall.
2+2 layout proved most popular.
Low-slung style icon in old JDM minis.
Mazda Capella Rotary Coupe (1971)
50th-anniv model with new suspension and 12A.
15.7 s quarter mile—swift for its class.
“Wind of Capella” blew through old JDM history.
Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (1971)
Japan-only aero special with radials standard.
Even served as a high-speed police car.
A cult Z variant in old JDM mythology.
Toyota Corolla Levin TE27 (1972–1974)
Light weight + 2T-G = 16.3 s quarter mile.
Rowdy ride turned into a virtue.
Budget hero of 70s old JDM cars.
Nissan Laurel HT 2000SGX (1972)
“Big tail” look with wood-tone luxe interior.
Graceful cruiser rather than street fighter.
Shows the elegant side of old JDM cars.
Subaru Leone Coupe 1400RX (1972)
Boxer engine, close-ratio 5-speed, 4-wheel discs.
Became a youth-market darling.
A sporty stepping stone in Subaru’s old JDM lineage.
Mazda Savanna GT (1972)
RX-3 race car ended the Hakosuka GT-R streak.
Street cars rode the wave of rotary glory.
Seminal 70s rotary in old JDM lore.
Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC110 (1973)
Emissions era curtailed run to ~197 units.
First round-tail-lamp tradition for later Skylines.
The rarest GT-R in old JDM history.
Mitsubishi Galant GTO 2000GSR (1973)
Top model after MR with 125 ps.
16.5 s quarter—serious street cred.
Poster-car looks in 70s old JDM garages.
Nissan Violet HT 1600SSS (1973–1977)
Filled the gap between Bluebird and Sunny.
510-style chassis and rally success.
An unsung competitor in old JDM sedans.
Nissan Cherry Coupe 1200X-1/R (1973)
Light 645 kg shell with 80 ps and flares.
FF platform, R-spec attitude.
Pocket-rocket energy in old JDM cars.
Mitsubishi Galant Coupe FTO 1600GSR (1973)
Little brother to GTO with serious hardware.
Overfenders, LSD, stiffened suspension.
Fierce dynamics in compact old JDM form.
Toyota Celica LB2000GT (1973)
Liftback silhouette plus 18R-G punch.
“The Japanese Mustang,” said with affection.
A crowd favorite in 70s old JDM Toyotas.
Toyota Publica Starlet (1973)
Mix-and-match “free choice” spec concept.
Personalization ahead of its time.
Seed for the Starlet’s old JDM legacy.
Toyota Corona 2000GT (1973)
The “safety Corona” also had a fast sibling.
2.0-liter DOHC capable of 200 km/h.
A gentleman’s express in old JDM sedans.
Nissan Bluebird U HT 2000GT-X (1973)
“Shark Bluebird” with straight-six swagger.
Kept the BC wars alive vs Toyota.
An emblem of 70s rivalry in old JDM cars.
Mitsubishi Lancer 1600GSR (1973)
Family sedan gone rally giant-killer.
Wins at Southern Cross and Safari.
Ancestral DNA for Evo—pure old JDM heritage.
Toyota Sprinter Coupe 1600 Treno GT TE47 (1974–1975)
Coupe GT lived here after Levin went hardtop.
2T-G power but emissions cut it short.
A rare bird in old JDM collections.
Honda Civic 1200RS (1974–1975)
“RS” = Road Sailing—efficient long-distance fun.
Short run as CVCC took over.
Early hot-hatch spirit in old JDM history.
Mitsubishi Lancer Celeste (1975–1982)
FTO successor with “blue-sky” eco image.
Vivid colors and breezy personality.
Style-first coupe in 70s old JDM.
Mazda Cosmo AP (1975–1981)
“Anti-Pollution” name with 13B at 135 ps.
Showed rotary could meet regs and still move.
A sales hit and a lesson in old JDM adaptability.
Toyota Celica A40/A50 (1977–1981)
Second-gen Celica broadened its appeal.
2000GT mixed luxury and usability.
Mainstream sports anchor for old JDM Toyotas.
Mitsubishi Galant Λ A120/A130 (1976–1980)
Japan’s first square quad-lamps; “Sapporo” abroad.
Signature rear glass, U.S. market style.
A left-field classic in old JDM stories.
Toyota Starlet KP61 (1978–1984)
Stayed FR as rivals went FF.
Lightweight, neutral handling—motorsport favorite.
“1300 Starlet” is gospel in old JDM club racing.
Mazda Savanna RX-7 SA22C (1978–1985)
130 ps rotary with low nose and pop-ups.
Slick aero for global acclaim.
’83 turbo raised the stakes in old JDM rotaries.
Toyota Celica XX A40/A50 (1978–1981)
Straight-six “Supra” abroad, luxury-leaning at home.
Bridged sports and grand touring roles.
Foundation for Supra’s old JDM ascent.
Honda Prelude SN (1978–1982)
Early acclaim overseas; 90→97 ps later.
FF that cornered like an FR—surprising then.
Set up the 80s “date-car” era in old JDM culture.
Nissan Fairlady HGS130 (1978–1983)
First JDM T-bar roof to meet U.S. regs.
TV fame as the “Super Z” with wild mods.
Pop-culture pillar of old JDM cars.
Nissan Silvia 2000 ZSE-X S110 (1979)
Updated suspension and 14-inch wheels sharpened feel.
Pillarless bodywork looked premium.
A slick prelude to 80s Silvia legend in old JDM.
Toyota Corolla Levin TE71 (1979–1983)
3-door hatch kept the Levin/Trueno flame.
2T-GEU + 5-MT = focused driver’s spec.
Affordable gateway into old JDM Toyota sport.
Mitsubishi Mirage 1600GT (1979)
“4-speed × sub-gear” = 8 forward ratios.
Compact size, big tech personality.
A thinking-person’s hot hatch in old JDM.
Isuzu Gemini ZZ PF60 (1979)
Sport trims (ZZ/R) and rally chops.
Diesel and DOHC broadened appeal.
Global GM strategy, local old JDM soul.
Nissan Cedric 430 (1979–1983)
First JDM turbo approved as “energy reuse.”
Sudden boost earned “dokkan turbo” nickname.
Kick-started Japan’s turbo decade—key old JDM shift.
1980s (32)
Nissan Skyline 2000 Turbo GT-E/S HGC211 (1980)
“Japan” Skyline’s redemption via turbo: 145 ps/21.0 kgm.
Restored GT credibility against rivals.
A turning point for 80s old JDM cars.
Nissan Bluebird SSS Turbo P910 (1980)
Star ad campaign and balanced chassis.
Turbo tech trickled down from larger sedans.
Mainstream proof that old JDM sedans could be fun.
Nissan Leopard F30 (1980)
910-based luxury coupe with slippery aero.
Up to 190 ps and gadget-heavy trims.
Where high-society met old JDM performance.
Mazda Familia HB 1500XG BD (1980)
COTY-winning hatch; FR→FF pivot.
Usable, stylish, youth-approved.
Anchor of early hot-hatch old JDM.
Toyota Soarer 2800GT Z10 (1981–1986)
Lit the high-so (high society) boom.
Straight-six DOHC, digital dashes, silent speed.
Luxury wing of 80s old JDM cars.
Isuzu Piazza JR120/130 (1981–1991)
Giugiaro curves amid boxy rivals.
Understated at launch, appreciated later.
A connoisseur’s pick among old JDM coupes.
Toyota Celica XX 2800GT A60 (1981–1986)
Pop-ups and “Navi-Con” proto-navigation.
Sister to Soarer with a sportier brief.
A tech-forward star in old JDM GTs.
Nissan Skyline 2000 Turbo RS DR30 (1983)
DOHC power returned; later “Iron Mask” facelift.
Race wins re-fueled Skyline’s image.
Core chapter in old JDM performance history.
Mitsubishi Lancer EX (1979–1987)
“Lantabo” turbo: 135 ps and sub-16 s quarters.
Light, quick, and competition-ready.
Blueprint for future Evo—pure old JDM DNA.
Mitsubishi Cordia (1982–1987)
Mirage-based hatch with Super Shift.
Later 4WD turbo added bite.
Cult following abroad, footnote at home—still old JDM.
Toyota Celica 1800GT-T (1981–1985)
First JDM twin-cam turbo in a production car.
15-second quarter-mile shocks the class.
Opened the floodgates for 80s old JDM turbo era.
Mazda Cosmo Rotary Turbo (1982)
World’s first rotary-turbo road car.
160 ps and ~213 km/h with slick aero.
A technological north star for old JDM rotaries.
Honda City Turbo AA (1982)
Tall “1.5-box” turned pocket rocket.
16.26 s quarter—tiny terror.
Urban icon in 80s old JDM culture.
Mitsubishi Starion (1982–1990)
Muscular lines, U.S.-friendly attitude.
Ended near 200 ps—proper grunt.
Wide-body presence made it an old JDM poster car.
Honda Ballade Sports CR-X 1.5i AF (1983–1987)
FF lightweight ideal, early semi-pop-ups then fixed lamps.
U.S. version ditched rear seats for storage.
Defined the mini-coupe lane in old JDM cars.
Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Z31 (1983–1989)
V6 turbo up to 230 ps; Europe ~250 km/h.
Parallel-rise headlamps are a signature.
Top-tier 80s grand tourer among old JDM cars.
Toyota Corolla Levin AE86 (1983–1987)
FR in an FF world—driver’s delight.
Levin fixed lamps; Trueno pop-ups.
Drift culture crowned it king of old JDM cars.
Toyota MR2 AW10/AW11 (1984–1989)
First mass-market mid-engine JDM sports car.
Short wheelbase, pop-ups, agile soul.
Ever-green cult icon in old JDM mythology.
Mazda Familia BF (1985–1994)
Expanded BD strengths into a vast lineup.
Full-time 4WD and even a cabrio.
Rally-capable heart in a practical old JDM shell.
Subaru Alcyone (1985)
Subaru’s only pop-up coupe with Cd 0.29.
Aero obsession meets aircraft heritage.
A futuristic outlier among old JDM cars.
Mazda Savanna RX-7 FC3S (1985–1992)
13B turbo from 185→205 ps; ~238.5 km/h.
U.S. press called it Porsche 944’s equal.
Added a cabrio in ’87—rotary royalty in old JDM.
Toyota Soarer Z20 (1986–1991)
7M-GTEU at 230 ps—bubble-era icon.
Limited-run convertible sold out instantly.
Defined luxury-sport in late-80s old JDM cars.
Toyota Supra A70 (1986–1993)
Name “Supra” took hold in Japan at last.
Iterative upgrades, touring-car attempts.
Grand-tourer backbone of old JDM legends.
Nissan Skyline GTS-R R31 (1987)
800-unit homologation special at 210 ps.
Championship successes without the GT-R badge.
Hardcore chapter in Skyline’s old JDM saga.
Nissan Sunny RZ-1 (1986–1990)
Coupe offshoot with designer flair.
Twin-cam NISMO grades added spice.
Bridges everyday and enthusiast old JDM needs.
Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST165 (1986)
Toyota’s first full-time 4WD performance model.
WRC from ’88; four wins in ’90.
Made AWD synonymous with snow trips—old JDM pop culture.
Suzuki Alto Works CA/CC72 (1987)
Kei limit 64 ps via DOHC 12-valve turbo + intercooler.
FF and 4WD RS variants—“all the toys.”
Raised the ceiling for kei-class old JDM rockets.
Toyota Corolla Levin AE91/AE92 (1987–1991)
First FF Levins—sales peak for the nameplate.
“Mini-Soarer” looks; GT-Z had a supercharger.
Late-80s everyman sport in old JDM form.
Honda CR-X Si EF7 (1987)
Stiffer, lighter second gen; class-topping output.
Kept the sharp mini-coupe ethos alive.
Track-day darling of 80s old JDM cars.
Honda Civic Si EF3 (1987)
Longer wheelbase improved stability and grip.
Hot-hatch punch with daily usability.
Bread-and-butter performance in old JDM life.
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 E39 (1987–1992)
Group A intent: 4G63 turbo + full-time 4WD.
Later 240 ps; tech passed to the Evo.
Turbo-AWD template in late-80s old JDM.
Nissan Silvia S13 (1988)
Affordable FR that birthed a drift generation.
Clean lines and tunable hearts.
A folk hero of modern old JDM cars.
Why Old JDM Cars Still Captivate — Emotion > Spec
Old JDM cars endure because they deliver experiences, not spreadsheets. The thunk of a metal door, analog needles flicking to life, an engine note that’s yours to tune—these tactile cues build relationships.
Restorations, parts ecosystems, meets, and online communities have made old JDM ownership more accessible. In 2025, an old JDM car is both a time capsule and a living craft—heritage you can drive.
Conclusion — Heritage on Wheels
These 100 Showa-era sports cars embody Japanese ingenuity, regulation-era creativity, and the joy of driving.
You might not top modern safety or economy charts, but the smile at 3,000 rpm is timeless.
Preserve one, build one, or simply admire one—you’ll be carrying forward the living legacy of old JDM cars.
