Older cars have features not found in modern cars. In modern cars, the direction of automotive engineering is determined by safety concerns, cost efficiency and shapes that are low air resistant. This is not the case for older cars, which means that there is a diverse range of designs incomparable to modern cars. Modern cars are made to fit advanced mass production systems; however, many older cars have a beautiful design peculiar to handmade. In this way car design becomes an art form.
The 2018 August event is the third time this event has been held. Over 100 historic cars, beautifully finished like new cars with advanced restoration technology in Japanese factories, have been gathered to create an exciting atmosphere for visitors.
There are many historical cars including "Toyota 2000GT" which is about 80 million Yen
Historically famous cars gained the most attention among the old cars. Visitors keenly looked at valuable models, with small production quantities, excellent style and performance and interesting development stories. This includes the “Toyota 2000GT” which is worth about 80 million Yen. It was manufactured in 1967 and there was only 300 units ever produced. In an Era when Japanese automobile manufacturer’s technical capability was still inferior to the US and Europe, the Toyota Motor Corporation and Yamaha Motor Co Ltd jointly challenged the limits of technology in a monumental sports car. It’s beautiful handmade styling still fascinates sports car fans.
At the time of writing, the price of a complete condition 2000GT exhibited at the venue is 79.5 million yen! However, in the auction world bids will often go over 100 million yen, so this may still be a bargain.
Precious car history is not limited to 2000GT. Many concours condition (the standard of quality that can be exhibited at a classic car show) vehicles such as the Porsche 356 Speedstar (37mil Yen) and the Ferrari DINO 246GT (50mil Yen) were gathered. Among these, the interesting thing is that the price of British Rolls Royce, which is a synonym of luxury, was cheap. As expected the mania might be overwhelmed, as only genuine nobility rides the car.
“Subaru360” which was released in 1958
The Automobile Council 2018 is not limited to extremely expensive historical cars. There are many cheaper historical cars that can be ridden with ease, though the price may still be higher than normal cars. This kind of nostalgia car ride culture originated in America in Europe and there are now a number of such fans in Japan.
One of the examples is "Subaru360" released by Fuji Heavy Industries (current SUBARU), a small-scale manufacturer in 1958. K-Car is based on the concept of "a nation-car that can run at speed of 80 km/h with four people on board". Aircraft engineers gathered and put it into practical use. The idea of loading engine behind 3m of full length car body and securing the indoor space for four people is an innovative thing that can be applied even today, and the styling is very "cute".
“Sport800” which was released by Toyota in 1965
“Sport800” which was released by Toyota in 1965 is somewhat bigger than Subaru360, but still much smaller than modern cars, weighing only 580kg. As an ultra-light weight sports car which can run with a small engine 800cc, it could become very popular if released in the present day.
There are not many shows in Asia, including Japan, where many nostalgic old cars gather. Do not you want to see such a show too?!
Comments