Latest news

Are you looking to invest in a classic? Perhaps this is your first foray into collecting classics, or perhaps you’re wanting to grow your already-sizeable collection. Either way, this is the fun part: choosing which motor to invest in.

There are, of course, hundreds of classic makes and models on the market. So, you might want to start your search by breaking down your options into countries.

If the idea of a Japanese motor tickles your fancy, this guide will walk you through some of the top classic cars from the country, as well as the many ‘young-timers’ that could be worth investing in.

But first things first: whichever car ends up on your drive or in your garage, you need to make sure it’s protected with classic car insurance tailored to the vehicle make and model, as well as your needs.

This is where Lancaster Insurance comes in. We’re highly experienced in arranging specialist and tailored classic car insurance, working with carefully selected insurers to find you cover for a price that’s right.

Japanese cars – the early history

Did you know that Japan’s automotive industry is one of the largest and most prominent industries in the world?

Ever since the 1960s, the country has been among the top three in terms of most cars manufactured. It was in the 1970s and 1990s when the sector rapidly increased, and in the 1980s and 1990s it surpassed the US as the top manufacturer, producing around 13 million cars each year with significant exports.

Japan’s automotive history started more than a century ago in 1904, when Torao Yamaha created the first domestically manufactured bus, which was powered by steam. The very first gasoline engine car came later in 1907, when Komanosuke Uchiyama produced the Takuri.

One of today’s top three Japanese car producers, Toyota, was originally a textile manufacturer. The company turned its hand to car manufacturing in 1936, with most of its early vehicles being trucks under military subsidy.

Nissan, also in the top three, actually launched before Toyota in 1911. The company was originally founded under the name Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works, and three years after it launched it created its first car, called the DAT (an acronym of the three founders’ first names). It was only in 1934 when Nissan Motor Company was used for the first time.

Interestingly, cars manufactured before World War II were usually based on American or European models. For instance, the Fiat A3-3 provided the inspiration for the 1917 Mitsubishi Model A, which is largely considered to be the very first, mass-produced Japanese car.

The 1960s were all about competition, exemplified by the head-on rivalry between the Toyota Corona and Nissan Bluebird. It was only in the next decade, though, that Japanese cars really started to pique the interest of British buyers. Nissan Datsun badged cars were particularly popular, renowned for their reliability and low running costs.

The trend for producing reliable, affordable motors continued through the 1980s and 1990s, and as we mentioned, at the turn of the millennium Japan was crowned the largest car producing nation in the world. Its share of the market has since declined, which is largely down to increasing competition from the likes of China, India and South Korea.

What are some of the best Japanese classics?

As you would imagine with such a rich, long history, there are many popular classic Japanese cars. So, if you need some help narrowing down your options, here are some models that are worth your consideration:

Nissan Figaro

As AutoCar explains, the Figaro was only built for one year (1991) for the Japanese market. Still, there are a surprising number of the vehicles in the UK, with its popularity attributed to its neat, retro styling that comprises a folding fabric roof and pastel colours.

It’s a two-seater with a three-speed automatic gearbox and given that most of its running gear is based on a Micra, the car is reliable and inexpensive to fix. Rust is probably the biggest issue, so watch out for this. Also, this isn’t a car for those who appreciate speed and torque from their classic: max power is a meagre 74bhp.

Mitsuoka Viewt

If you’re a fan of the Jaguar Mk2 but your bank balance isn’t, you’d be hard pressed to find a better alternative than this – the Mitsuoka Viewt. The car mimics the look of the Jag’s 1960s saloon, though the body is built around a Nissan Micra. Manufacturing of this model began in 1993, however Japan is still producing them.

If you pick up a Viewt in the UK, it’ll be an import, so make sure you pick through the paperwork with a fine-tooth comb. Watch out for rust around the sills and wheel arches and make sure that the CVT engine offers smooth engagement before you drive off with the car – or the repair bill could end up costing an arm and leg.

 

Toyota 2000GT

If you have cash to splash, then arguably there isn’t a better Japanese classic to invest in than the 2000GT. The limited-production, two-seat hardtop coupe grand tourer was designed by Toyota in collaboration with Yamaha and premiered at the Tokyo Motor Show back in 1965.

The 2000GT was Japan’s first supercar – the equivalent to Britain’s Jaguar E-Type – and is Toyota’s ‘halo car’, in that it changed perceptions of the brand forever (and for the better). Just over 350 were ever produced. The model made its movie cameo as James Bond’s car in You Only Live Twice, with Sean Connery behind the wheel.

As to be expected with such a small production run, and such high performance for a motor at that time, it is rare to spot a 2000GT come up in the sales ads or at auction today. You must be willing to part with serious cash to make it yours, too: examples of the model have sold at auction for as much as $1,200,000.

 

Lexus SC430

Back to affordable motors, the Lexus SC430 teeters on the edge of being classed a ‘classic’, as production began in 2001. Still, for the price of an MGB, you can be the proud owner of this V8, 282bhp luxury drop-top. It’s the ideal motor for owners who see themselves taking many trips with the top down on warm, summer evenings.

Essential revisions made to the Lexus mean you should really be looking to purchase a model dated 2004 and later. Because the folding roof is a main selling point, be sure it functions properly when checking over a possible purchase – it should take around 25 seconds from fully up to store under the rear deck.

 

Suzuki SJ/Santana

If you’re simply interested in having a bit of fun with a classic Japanese car, then why not opt for a Suzuki SJ/Santana? Sure, there are many other Japanese models that offer better performance, greater reliability and a more comfortable drive – but you can’t argue when prices start from just £500.

As AutoExpress writes, off-road enthusiasts and farmers started buying SJs when they fell out of fashion; most of which were abused and fell victim to rust and rot. Though, as it notes, ‘the few survivors are now interesting curios that can be fun behind the wheel on a sunny day.’

 

What about future classics?

There are several ‘young timer’ cars manufactured over the past few decades that could prove to be incredibly worthy investments. Experts predict that prices of these cars could skyrocket in the not too distant future…

Toyota Supra

The fourth-gen A80 Surpa’s speed – and that large optional spoiler at the rear – saw the car shoot to fame even before it featured in the Fast and the Furious franchise. As Classic and Sports Car writes, the super-strong 2jZ engines put out over 300bhp – rising to double that when tuned.

Prices for a decent Supra start at over £30,000. As Tristan Longden of Japanese import specialist Torque-GT notes: “Everyone wants a manual transmission turbo model, and that demand means prices are high.

“But the automatics and naturally aspirated versions are still great cars and can be £15,000 cheaper.”

 

Subaru Impreza 22B and RA-R

Every Impreza enthusiast longs to add the 1998 limited-edition 22B to their collection. Though with only 400 ever produced, you’re looking at paying around £100,000 for the privilege.

Luckily, the later RA-R is more affordable, despite the fact that there were fewer produced (around 300). A big plus is that this model is more focused, owing to powerful six-piston Brembo brakes and suspension tweaks. You can pick one up for around £40,000, but it’s predicted that prices will climb significantly over the next few years.

 

Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Australian press nicknamed this car “Godzilla” after it dominated car racing in the country as well as in Japan. That’s thanks to its ATTESA four-wheel drive setup and 276bhp RB26DETT straight six. So, says Longden: “Standard R32 GT-Rs are already collectible [...] but the rare V spec, N1 and Nismo versions are more desirable – and much more expensive.”

 

Toyota Corolla GT AE86

Drift king, European Touring Car legend, rally favourite… This model has many impressive accolades to its name. In fact, the marque even has its own Japanese Manga comic series, called Initial D. The AE86 gets its power from the same 4A-GE 1.6 twin-cam as that of the Toyota MR2, though driving the rear wheels through a live rear axle offered ‘Mk2 Escort-style thrills.’

This car’s cult status means that cars in decent condition can fetch between £15,000 and £25,000.

 

Mitsubishi Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition

This model gets its name from the Finnish rally legend who won four WRC drivers’ championships for the manufacturer. This edition got a couple of tech adjustments to the steering and turbo, as well as its chassis.

The main appeal of this motor was to look like you’d driven it straight off the rally course. Meaning, a red paint job with striped detailing could set you back thousands of pounds more than if you were to opt for silver, white, blue or black instead. To give you an idea, a decent red version can cost in the region of £40,000.

If you want to save even more, you could always opt for a standard Evo VI; it’s almost as good as this edition, while also being one of the quickest cars £15,000 can buy you.

 

Classic car insurance from Lancaster Insurance

At Lancaster Insurance, we’ve been helping classic car enthusiasts protect their pride and joy for more than 35 years with our comprehensive, tailored classic car insurance policies.

Given our time in the industry, we have access to some of the most classic car, vintage car and classic vehicle schemes in the UK. We keep our customers front of mind at all times, working closely with selected, specialist underwriters to ensure that cover reflects owners’ unique needs and their specific vehicle.

There are many reasons to choose Lancaster – some of them include:

• Hard to insure vehicles considered
• Cover for MOT exempt vehicles
• Car club member discounts up to 25%
• Static show cover
• Historical rally cover
• Salvage retention
• Free EU cover up to 90 days
• Two-year agreed value available for just £18
• Laid up cover available
• Choice of repairer
• Discounts for limited mileage

If you ever need assistance or to make a claim, you will also benefit from our UK-based call centre and 24-hours claims helpline.

If you do choose to buy a Japanese classic or young timer, you will be pleased to know that Lancaster works with a number of car clubs for Japanese marques. These include clubs for Nissan, Honda and more.

We’re able to quote for virtually every classic car available, so give us a try. Call the specialist team on 01480 484826, request a call back at a time that suits you, or simply get an online quote today.

Policy benefits, features and discounts offered may very between insurance schemes or cover selected and are subject to underwriting criteria. Information contained within this article is accurate at the time of publishing but may be subject to change.