It’s 2024, and the truth of what we now take into account a nostalgic automotive is altering. Vehicles that also really feel like they’re from the present day are starting to search out themselves slotted right into a heritage or traditional class.
That being stated, initiatives just like the Nismo Heritage Elements program are actually absolutely onboard with these fashionable classics, and that may in the end assist maintain them alive.
We’ll kick off with this bone-stock S13 Nissan Silvia, a automotive I’d take into account proper on the cusp of being a ‘traditional’. It’s solely 35 years outdated, however makes up for it with an entire lot of nostalgia.
For the unfamiliar, Nostalgic 2Days is labelled as the largest traditional automotive present in Japan. Consider it much less like a Wekfest, and extra like a Tokyo Auto Salon for classics.
The occasion at all times brings out ‘wow’ vehicles, and can be an ideal place to find specialty retailers that you simply didn’t even know existed. At this level, I’m satisfied that if a automotive has left a manufacturing unit manufacturing line in Japan, there will probably be a specialty store for it someplace within the nation.
While Wekfest and Nostalgic 2Days aren’t alike, the vehicles entered in each reveals all share the identical consideration to element. The Japanese affect on this Corvette made it an actual standout for me.
And this Soarer-fronted Toyota Mark II wagon was performed so effectively that it’s nearly unattainable to inform it didn’t come like this from the manufacturing unit.
If there’s one factor there was undoubtedly no scarcity of at Nostalgic 2Days 2024, it was Nissan S20s. These 2.0L engines fetch mind-bending numbers in as we speak’s market, so seeing over 10 of them below one roof alone is one thing you’d solely ever witness at this occasion.
This Vehicle Restore Storage 0018-built Porsche 964 has been backdated to a slender physique 901 ’73 RSR. The seven-month undertaking left nearly no a part of the automotive untouched.
And this Z-face-converted V35 was actually a neck-breaker.
Utilitas is the right instance of a Japanese area of interest store. Together with Toyota Land Cruisers, Utilitas specialises in Nissan DR30s, and had two Skylines on show that had been introduced again to factory-new situation. There was not a nook or cranny in these vehicles that hadn’t been meticulously refreshed, changed or restored. As Utilitas is native to Tokyo, I believe a store go to is unquestionably due.
Seeing this Mazda RX500 idea automotive in individual was particular. First launched on the 1970 Tokyo Motor Present, this 10A rotary-powered machine was little doubt forward of its time, so to see it catch the similar consideration 54 years on was fairly cool.
Star Highway had one of many greatest cubicles at Nostalgic 2Days this yr. I’ve been lucky sufficient to expertise a couple of of their creations earlier than, and it’s at all times price remembering that not solely do they appear the half, however they’re additionally unbelievable driver’s vehicles.
RAYS had this gorgeous Skyline on show, sitting on perfectly-fitted Volk Racing TE37Vs and sporting a inexperienced color-matched carbon fibre bonnet.
It wouldn’t be a automotive present in Japan with out a minimum of one in every of Akira Nakai’s RAUH-Welt Begriff creations in attendance. Being parked subsequent to one of many two LTO E36s that debuted at TAS offered a superb comparability of simply how huge these RWB Porsches have develop into.
In case you’ve had the prospect to take a look at my 2024 Assault Tsukuba protection, you would have seen this rotary-swapped Mazda Chantez competing on the occasion. After the workforce completed their final session at Tsukuba, they introduced it straight right down to Yokohama for the present. Not a nasty back-to-back look.
It was additionally good to see the legendary Storage Saurus DR30 make an look. It’s been some time since this automotive has been seen out in public, so it was refreshing to know that it’s nonetheless within the nation and being effectively sorted.
Nismo had some huge releases on the present. They debuted a twin cam cylinder head for the L-series, which is big step in the correct course for his or her Heritage Elements program.
Little or no data has been shared so far, nevertheless it’s kicked up fairly the storm within the S30 world. As you’ll be able to see, Nismo has additionally resurrected their outdated emblem.
You don’t want to purchase the Nismo cylinder head to take pleasure in it although. Now you can discover the enduring Nismo emblem on handbrake covers, shift knobs, harness belts, that legendary strut brace, consumption plenums, oil caps, LMGT wheels and extra.
Zero 4 had a various assortment of vehicles on show, together with this gorgeous S10 Nissan Silvia.
The final time I noticed Veilside’s R1 Drag demo automotive, it was effectively and actually tucked away inside their headquarters. It’s nice to see one other iconic Japanese tuning store embracing their hero vehicles from days previous, and bringing them out for folks to see.
Whereas lots of the retailers that show at Nostalgic 2Days give attention to modernising older chassis, Yajima Automobile Engineering has gone the opposite course, retrofitting a Nissan L-series right into a kouki Silvia S14.
Together with all of the vehicles on show, one large a part of Nostalgic 2Days is the elements, collectables and trinket cubicles. As soon as once more, this yr’s occasion had no scarcity of them.
Facet be aware: that set of SSR MK2 wheels is certainly ¥850,000. That’s over US$5,500, ouch!
If Nostalgic 2Days 2024 confirmed me one factor, it’s that there are thrilling instances forward for the vehicles we love from the ‘golden period’ of Japanese efficiency motoring. Hopefully the pattern of conserving historical past alive continues for a few years to return.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
