Japanese classics put on a show

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Kyle Ranauro’s crowd favorite, a 1959 Datsun 1000, picked up Best of JCCS and Best Original Class.

Japanese classics put on a show

Laura Jacobsen / 2009-10-12

The Japanese Classic Car Show rolled back into Irvine, California, on October 3. The show, now in its fifth year, refuses to be overlooked by the car community – Koji and Terry Yamaguchi have turned it into the largest classic Japanese car event in America and a staple for enthusiasts in Southern California.

The Yamaguchis launched the JCCS in 2005 at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, but were uncertain about the event’s future; they didn’t even bother putting "first annual" on the T-shirts for the inaugural show. But the event’s success exceeded their expectations and the JCCS continued to expand. The show outgrew its original venue by 2008, and it moved to Hidden Valley Park in Irvine where it continues to thrive.

Thousands gathered for this year’s fifth annual show from all over the country to see the 360 Japanese-manufactured, pre-1985 vehicles. The poor economy has not deterred these loyal enthusiasts. “120 cars were first-comers with new projects and many of them won awards,” said Terry Yamaguchi. “The quality of the cars keeps going up, and judges are always amazed by their great restoration work.”

Terry cites a huge availability of parts and the mild climate of the West Coast for the surge in enthusiasm for Japanese collector cars. Southern California is home to some of the rarest collections of Japanese classic vehicles in the country.

Passion and pride were clearly evident on the faces in the crowd. A father and son even flew in from Florida just for the day to catch the show. Kyle Ranauro’s crowd favorite, a 1959 Datsun 1000, picked up Best of JCCS and Best Original Class. Best JDM went to Paul Bischoff’s 1971 Nissan Skyline. Other top cars included a modified 1967 Datsun Fairlady Roadster, a 1971 Mazda R100 and a 1978 Toyota Cressida.

If trends continue, this event will only continue to grow. Mark your calendars for October 2010 if you’re want to go to the best show of its type in the country.

Links:
1. Fifth annual Japanese Classic Car Show winners
2. Laura’s photo gallery of shots from the show.

Article Comments

The Datsun 1000 was the first Nissan sold in the US. It was brought to the US by Mr. K. When he saw how underpowered it was compared to the US cars, he went back to the drawing board. The 240Z was the car he introduced to the US next.

To the masses who believe there is no such thing as a japanese classic, you need to stop hating and recognize. Who do you think invented the first automobile? What,you think the only classics are ford and chevy?

I have had 4 "classic" Japanese cars insured through Hagerty. I find it surprising in this day and age that someone can still have a closed minded view about Japanese cars.

I don't care how aften you say so, there is no such thing as a classic Japanese car.

nice.

Maybe the Japanese know there is no such term (though widely used) as "First Annual". It would simply be "First".

Sounds like a great show. I liked the Guide to Datsun Z cars, however when outlining how to tell a 260Z compared to a 240Z the difference in tail light configuration should be mentioned. The 240's had an integrated reverse light in the lense and the 260's had a separate backup light (as did the later 280Z's).