By Classic Yorkshire correspondent Tony Lofthouse
Starting from humble beginnings to becoming a global powerhouse, the Japanese car industry has made some truly iconic motors along the way.
Super cars from the ‘land of the rising sun’ like the Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline GT-R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and Toyota Supra are often the rolling out in the ‘desirable’ list of motoring enthusiasts.
I’ve had a go at picking my top six Japanese sports cars, from the sixties to the noughties, which takes a swerve from the performance cars above. I’m sure you have your own favourites.
Mazda MX-5
I just have to start with the world’s top selling roadster and a car made for buyers on a budget.
Launched in 1989, Mazda has shifted over 1.1 million MX-5s and the lightweight two- seater is now in its fourth generation. There has been 1.6, 1.8 and 2-litre variants as well as numerous special editions to entice buyers.
Among them, the Mk2 offers perhaps the best value and whilst not as appealing as the Mk1 with its pop-up headlights or the stylish later models it is great fun to drive.
The sporty Mazda set the benchmark for other manufacturers, such as Fiat, who used the MX chassis and other parts to develop their Fiat 124 Spider, launched in 2016.
Datsun 240Z
Growing up, I remember seeing the odd 240Z zipping around the back roads of West Yorkshire.
It’s fair to say the two-seater Coupe stood out from the crowd in the seventies, especially the orange ones! Under the bonnet was a 2.4 straight-six engine, whilst outside it looked distinctly European in a move pitched at the MG, BMW and Alfa buyers.
Some saw a bit of E-Type in its lines and rumour has it that designers got hold of one to fine tune the Datsun’s design. But, its strong appeal was its affordability in a competitive market.
Toyota 2000GT
Much like the 240Z, the Toyota 2000GT was a ‘game changer’ for the Japanese car giants.
The car’s 2.0 litre engine offered plenty of bite – 150 bhp – and race car handling. Inside, the cabin was snug and the roof height low making it a squeeze for a tall driver.
Acclaimed as Japan’s first super car, only 351 units were made over a three-year production run in the late sixties, but its launch in the US would put Toyota on the map.
The car’s appearance in the the James Bond film ‘You Only Live Twice’ would also bring the name ‘Toyota’ to a global audience.
Honda S2000
When it comes to Honda favourites whilst many motoring enthusiasts might plump for the amazing Honda NSX I love the more compact S2000.
The S2000’s VTEC-powered engine can reach 237 bhp and a top speed of 150 mph. Inside, the compact cabin comes with plush leather seating and surrounds.
Launched to celebrate Honda’s 50 birthday in the late nineties, the S2000 continued in production until 2009 and around 8,000 of the cars made it onto UK roads.
A few years ago these 2-litre emerging classics could be picked up for less than £5,000, now prices are going skyward.
Subaru Impreza Turbo
One of the most iconic cars of the nineties was the Impreza, offering a punchy turbocharged boxer engine and unusually came as a three-door coupe, four-door sedan and five-door estate.
The Impreza Turbo elevated the Subaru name to new heights with its success in the World Rally Championships and special editions like the WRX and 22B are real collectors items.
Launched in 1992, the Impreza is still in production today.
Isuzu 117 Coupe
My final choice is the very rare Isuzu 117 Coupe, sporting stylish lines and a long list of impressive spec including leather seats and laurel wood dashboard trim.
The 117 was designed by the Italian, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who developed a string of super cars including Alfa, Maserati and Ferrari models.
During a production run of 13 years to 1981, the 117 would come with 1.6, 1.8 and 2-litre options. It was also regarded as the first sports car available with a diesel engine.
Sadly, the car didn’t make European export but we can still admire its Italian influence.
What’s your favourite Japanese motor? Why not share your top motors in the comments option or via Facebook and Twitter?
Thats a pretty good list and I have had 2 impreza’s and 2 MX5’s. The MX5 is the best value sports car on the market. Personally I would add the Toyota Celica from the very early imports to the later rally cars. I owned an 1800Rg Celica as well. The Datsun 240Z is a favorite too but I never got round to buying one when they were affordable.