Enter the Neo

As the 80’s Japanese cars enter their mid 30’s, the people who brought you the Japanese Classic Car show, have done it again, with the Neo Classic Car show.  Bringing out the next generation of Japanese classics from the 80’s and 90’s.  I figured it would be cool to check 80’s cars with side markers and fuba antennas and 90’s cars decked out in ridiculous amount of stickers and colored vinyl interior.  But that wasn’t the case.

Gettin the shaft

Last epsisode, I was left hanging with the incorrect drive shaft. So I tried searching the net, for some leads on a driveshaft. But it seems no one had one for sale.  So I headed out to the yard to try my luck. I guess I was pretty lucky that weekend. Not only did I find the car, early 80's Toyota Celica, it was ready for removal. Didn't have to go under and get dirty. I should have played the lottery.  But I was content with the acquisition of the driveshaft.

Toyota Museum: Growing bigger and better

Made a visit to the Toyota Museum during a rainy weekend.  Last time I visited they were located in small unmarked warehouse.  This time they're in larger unmarked warehouse located next to Toyota corporate headquarters. 


The museum shows off vehicles from Toyota's long history in America.  So no RHD this or Trueno that.  I'm sure many JDM whores will be very disappointed.  But for the general Toyota aficionado this would be your cup of green tea. 


With the larger facility, more cars were on display. 

 

Especially from Toyota's racing efforts on American soil.

A row of celicas on display.  Celica was the first Toyota my family bought, similar to the black one in the center.  Traded in a 66 Ford Mustang.  Wish we still had the Mustang, but that Celica was plain bulletproof.

The trucks, tough as nails.

Can't forget the Corollas.

Respect 2000GT 007 would be proud.

It's open by appointment only, so if you need more info you can visit their site. http://toyota50th.com/

The rest of the photos are here.

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Fast Celica

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Mother's Day Weekend Extravaganza

This weekend was really busy, being the good son that I am you'd think I'll doing the mother's day thing this weekend. Oh hell no, this weekend was spent at the Queen Mary at Long Beach for Toyota Fest 2009. Yes some of the nicest Toyotas you'll ever see were on display here. This year I didn't participate, I was was just a spectator. I was hired to bring a couple cars to the show for the shop I worked at. Here's a bunch of photos I took that day.


In the morning, while dropping off a car, I spotted this super beautiful Crown Masterline, japan only vehicle, brought to you from the guys at Mooneyes. Very cool to see up close.


A bunch of Scion's enough said.

Is this Tera Patrick's car, I heard she's really into Hello Kitty.


Lots of VIP cars on display.


If you remember Back to the Future this should bring back childhood memories. Hello McFly.
Even Hoshino makes a special appearance.

It's days like this I miss showing my show car off.


But I had to prepare for the next day's action.

Sunday was spent in the Balcony at Willow Springs. A me and a few ringers decided it was time to get some practice before next month's competition.

Dingo8mybaby

Markx

Chohdog



Even J-Mac made a special appearance. He hurt Steve C's car.

And we indeed practiced quite a bit. Hope the rest will be up to the task.


My day was done early due to broke turbo flange bolts, but I got in enough seat time. Don't worry I'm bringing the A game next month so watch out.


But the best part of the day was some cool cat trying to drift on the balcony handed me the keys go his Porsche GT3 RS to take for a spin. I'm definitely one not to say no. Giggling like a little school girl as I fired up this beast from the fatherland. After a breathtaking lap, i definitely need a smoke and someone to pinch me to make sure this wasn't a dream. The chance to drive a 6 figure Porsche doesn't come around very often.

What's funny is after watching us drift around the balcony, he wanted to buy a corolla. He even had the nerve to ask to buy the Yam. But I'd feel guilty if I sold my car to him. But if we traded I would feel as bad.

Well that's about it, I am still tired from yesterday and need some rest. For pics of the show click here. For pics of the track day will be here.

If you wanna drift with Speedventures please visit their site, maybe i'll see you there.

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Get the JDM

With the up coming JCCS in October, what better way to show up in a real deal car from the mother land itself Japan. Ebay has 2 rare classics on their site.


Early model Skyline also known as Hakosuka. It's not a GTR but a replica. It's equipped with a L series engine that has been bored and stroked to 3.1L. Sporting the classic Watanabe wheels it sits very well. I wouldn't change a thing. Well maybe the motor.


This same seller also has an early Toyota Celica 2000 GT lift back. These cars had some resemblence to the early Ford Mustangs. Equipped with the venerable 18 RG. If the engine ever breaks down then just ask the old filipino neighbor he probably has parts the garage.

For the ebay ads click here for the Skyline and Celica.

Name Plates

Something clever I came across this past weekend. At least I thought it was clever. An ST205 Toyota Celica adorned with GT4 attire. I won’t show the entire car to protect the innocent. Though the owner’s plate I thought was the best part of the whole car. What do you think?