The 8 Best Japanese Classic Cars of All Time

Japan makes some truly iconic cars. Here's our 8 favourites - and yes, most come from the '90s golden era!

Subaru Impreza 22B-STI

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The Holy Grail of Japan’s classic high-performance cars.

The 22B was launched in 1998 to celebrate Subaru’s 40^th anniversary and its third WRC crown. Only 424 cars were made, all hand-built.

The 2.2-litre EJ22G engine could make 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and hit speeds of 157 mph.

In May this year, a 1999 Impreza sold for a gobsmacking £171,000, setting a new UK record.

Classic fact: The Subaru Impreza 22B-STI comes in just one colour – Sonic Blue Mica.

Datsun 240Z

A contender for most desirable Japanese car, the 240Z is a quintessential 70s icon.

Known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan, it was the passion project of Nissan boss Yutaka Katayama (‘Mr K’) who launched it in the States to widespread acclaim in 1970.

Apart from its E-Type good looks, the 240Z could race – winning several SCCA titles from 1970-1973.

Even today, 50 years on, it still looks like it could give Daytona a go.

Classic Fact: According to legend, Mr K personally removed the ‘Fairlady’ badges from every 240Z car in the first US shipment.

Mazda MX-5

When the MX-5 made its debut at the 1989 Chicago Motor Show, nobody thought it would be Mazda’s mic drop moment.

The clues were there: handsome design, superb balance, precise handling, and a fabulous price.

The MX-5 was swiftly embraced by people across the globe. Why? Because it was such a joy to drive.

Over one million sales later, it remains the best-selling two-seater roadster in the world.

Classic fact: The MX-5 embodies the Mazda driver-and-car ethos of Jinbai Ittai – ‘oneness between horse and rider’.

Toyota 2000GT

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Hands down, the most beautiful Japanese car ever made. The Toyota’s 2000GT is now worth its weight in gold – only 337 road versions were built.

Epically cool, it was Japan’s first genuine supercar, created in collaboration with Toyota and Yamaha, and had a 2.3-litre six-cylinder that reached 135mph.

Today, this object of desire can sell for $1.2 million.

Classic fact: Despite appearing as an open-top in You Only Live Twice, a convertible was never produced. (BTW, it’s Daniel Craig’s favourite James Bond car.)

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI

A cult classic, the sixth incarnation of Mitsubishi’s homologated car arrived when rally ruled the roost. 

Gnarly, brutish, and genuinely aggressive, it eventually arrived on UK shores just before the millennium. All 250 imports were snaffled up in a matter of weeks.

Pretty it ain’t, but it could shift – hitting speeds of 140mph. And what a performer. Its fast cornering is now legendary among B-road driving enthusiasts.

Classic fact: An ultra-rare Evo VI Tommi Makinen Special Edition sold for £100,100 in May 2021, setting a new UK record.

Honda NSX

The NSX attained instant icon status because it was partly designed by triple F1 legend Ayrton Senna.

Debuting in 1990, it was the world’s first all-aluminium production car and could reach speeds of 170mph – that’s toe-to-toe with the Ferrari 348.

Proper wide and low, Honda’s first mid-engine rear-wheel supercar was also super-strong and super-safe, all thanks to Senna’s input. God bless him.

Classic fact: The NSX’s exceptional field of view was inspired by the USAF’s F16 Fighting Falcon glass cockpit.

MkIV Toyota Supra

The Supra A80 is a stone-cold Toyota legend.

Debuting in 1993, it was quickly dubbed the MkIV and became ultra-famous even with people who didn’t drive, thanks to the Fast & Furious films.

The blistering 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder engine gave it a ‘regulated’ top speed of 155mph. Disable the speed limiter and we're talking 175mph. Have some!

Classic fact: In a 1993 speed test, the Supra clocked 0-60mph in 5 seconds – the second fastest car that year (beating the Ferrari 348). In first place was the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.6.
 

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34

Godzilla Returns! The now legendary R34 launched in 1999. It could rocket from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds and reach speeds of 165mph (if you dared).

A driver’s car to the core, its turbocharged power came with cutting-edge tech, making it the most fuel-efficient Skyline to date.

Spotting an untampered R34 is quite rare today, but if you do see one on the street it will be surrounded by young fellas taking photos, touching it, and generally gawping.

Classic fact: The world’s most valuable R34 is the Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-Tune edition. Only 19 were produced. Prices range from £300,000-£450,000.

Read more from our Classic Cars Series:

The 8 Best British Classic Cars

The 9 Best German Classic Cars

The 9 Best Italian Classic Cars

The 7 Best French Classic Cars