It’s a wonder how an obscure Japanese subculture from the post-war era has had an influence on the Japanese classic car scene, 50 years later. It’s also transformed what was until recently considered a large, floaty Japanese approximation of a Buick into an object of desire for a generally young group of people. The trend is not widespread in North America, but is spreading, and there are still various options to get in on the ground floor. Extensive research on the internet and Facebook (huh?) shows that the Toyota Crown is one of the more popular cars to modify. In North America, the Crown was known as the Cressida, and we’ve found this 1986 Toyota Cressida with period-looking Hoshino Impul wheels and lowered suspension in the suburbs of Atlanta, GA for $3500.
Bosozoku Starter – 1986 Toyota Cressida
October 10, 2013Subaru Conversion? 1974 Volkswagen 412 Squareback
October 9, 2013Surely, you’ve thought to yourself, “Boy howdy, I’d love to have a VW Brasilia, VW Gol, or even the 1969 EA 276 VW Golf prototype, but golly, those are so hard to find!” Well, look no further young whippersnapper, because there is a solution to your woes: the 1968-74 VW Type 4. This car has very similar styling to those other cars, but with over 100,000 sold in North America, they are easier to find than any of the other cars (although there are a handful of privately imported Brasilias here). They are still fairly thin on the ground, and a recent spotting encouraged a search for a Type 4, which resulted in this 1974 Volkswagen 412 Squareback, available in Wolfeboro, NH with bidding at $589 and 5 1/2 days left to go.
Tasteful Eco-Rocket – 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Turbo Diesel
October 9, 2013As part of the childhood RustyButTrusty fleet, the VW Rabbit has a special place and consequently is featured on a frequent basis. Unfortunately, surviving Rabbits (now between 29 and 38 years old!) are either slammed and bagged with wide 13-inch wheels wearing thin rubber, or they’re rough projects needing plenty of attention. Occasionally you do get a nice original example, or a tastefully modified car. And the latter direction is apparent in our feature car, this 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Turbo Diesel available for $3800 in Pinson, AL. That’s only $400 more than yesterday’s 1983 Mercedes! Wait, what?


