Absence of Rice burners
 

During the Barrett-Jackson Auction, the question was asked as to why there were no Japanese cars on the block. I don't know who made the comment but it was to the affect that "yes, there could come a time when the cars (Jap) might make an appearance at the Auction, but it was doubleful that it will be in this millenium" Ha Ha!!
They said the cars "lacked soul" or something to that affect.

I was amazed at some of the cars that demanded the big prices.
I'm sure other people were amazed at interest in the 60's and 70's American cars that, just a few years ago, were overlooked.

My question is: If you had to pick, and hang onto, a Japanese car that you think, down the road a couple years, would also command the huge prices that American Muscle cars do today, what would you pick?

The Z cars were mentioned as a possibility- the first Civic-the Subra??

Any thoughts??

My 300 ZX Twin Turbo was a hoot to drive and my Pathfinder gets me to work - collectable - I don't think so :)

How about the early Toyota 2000 GT sports car. It was good enough for a Bond movie back in the 60's.

240Z would be another. From memory there is a rare one that had a twin-cam head. Some of our good original Aussie delivered ones have been making their way back to Japan for some big dollars.

Cheers

Got to agree with Mike. I think a Toyota 2000 GT (if available) would probably make the auction today. 240Z in 10 or 15 years. Datsun 510 SCCA car? Maybe today. Mazda Cosmo? 10 to 15 years.

Rarity above all else will get a few Japanese cars to the auction.

Datsun 510? An interesting track car and STILL respected! Four seater though,,,,,, nah, it won't cut the mustard. Not "sporty" enough I think, not "earth shaking" in the big picture of "history".

Hmmm,,,,,240Z's are a likely contender. Was it really the beginning of a "new wave" in the automotive world? Or a "copy" of what Europe had been doing for SO many years all ready? MG's, Sprites, TR's, a host of others were the inspiration for the Z car. No, the 240Z will be an "also ran", never an original. Therein lies the problem, no historic "soul".

Some cars you just KNOW are going to be historic marques the day they are offered or shortly thereafter! And I'm NOT talking about the 25th Anniversary, limited production "Yadda Yadda" mobile here (which to the masses is STILL an also ran).

I can't think of a single Japanese car that "set the automotive world on fire" on a LARGE scale that appealed to all people across the board. An original concept in design and style.

It WON'T be a later "limited edition" car that does it, it HAS to be a FIRST EDITION, like the 64 Mustang, from out of no where, BAM, we got a winner! Or the 63 split window Vette, Avanti, FIRST Jaguar XKE's, timeless in their "styling". If not "radical", beautiful in an "artistic" sometimes subtle way. Like a master piece, perhaps not appreciated for it's full beauty while the artist is living! And like "art" some historic cas leave me wondering WHAT people see in them, go figure!

You could name a bunch of European and American cars that "set the world on fire." It doesn't HAVE to be a "race car" to be extraordinary. But it does have to be unique, original, the first of it's "kind". So go ahead,,,,name ONE Japanese car like that! There must be at least ONE!

Ernie

OK,,,so maybe I'm setting the bar to high. I'm thinking "block buster" cars with world wide appeal. Maybe the thread is directed toward us "motor heads" (a small circle of friends in the big picture) and not the "world".

Ernie

Though it has all ready been "poo-pooed" here-- I think if you had a 240 "Fairlady" Z sitting in your barn--you might be surprised at its value today--maybe not a styling or trend setter but very very rare--especially here in the U.S.--right hand drive and all.

If it had to be one Japanese car - Toyota 2000 GT

1967 TOYOTA 2000GT (337 built)

Fair: $55,000
Good: $75,000
Exc: $95,000
Show: $140,000

per Gold Book Classic

Sonds like this one doesnt have to wait any years, could have been at this years auction.

How about a skyline?

GS

How about the "batmobile" RX7 that they've stopped selling in the US. Sharp looking car, performs well. Wouldn't want to try finding parts for a rotary engine 20 years after they stop making it though!

Subaru WRX?