Japanese Imports will become classics?

[3000ways]

Well this topic of debate caused much controversy at my job the other day. The topic of debate was on whether or not some Japanese Import Cars will one day become classics? Please provide knowledgeable answers on why you feel Japanese Imports will or will not?

[3000ways]

Sorry wasn't 100% sure where to put this thread, so put it in the Comparison section. In a way it is a kind of comparison, in that it is comparing enthusiast followings of the Muscle cars in the 60s and 70s that made those cars become classic, is somewhat the same as the enthusiast followings of today's Japanese Import cars that I believe will one day make them classics. I believe many other comparisons can be made for and against Japanese Imports becoming classics.

[VQuick]

Some already are. A few of the Datsuns, for example.

[mason_RsX]

C&D had an article aruging non of the new cars today will never become classic cars. I believe that there will be classic cars from this generation but there will be alot fewer that get the distinction. Cars like the Rx-7, supra tt would be front runners in my opinion

[youngvr4]

just as the older camaro's and mustangs mach1's are classics.

i believe so will the nsx, supra, 3000gt, skyline, rx-7 and 300zxtt. the twinturbo generation will def be classics in about 15 years.
in japan, the AE86 is already a classic.

[kman10587]

The Datsun 240Z and Toyota Trueno GT-APEX are already classics in my mind.

[mason_RsX]

What about the wrx sti, and the evo? will the legal rally cars become classics in about 20 years?

[Z_Fanatic]

Originally Posted by mason_RsX

What about the wrx sti, and the evo? will the legal rally cars become classics in about 20 years?

[youngvr4]

whats so funny?

[Z_Fanatic]

I hardly think compact sedans that are ugly as sin will become classics one day. There are too many Japanese good-looking coupes and sports cars of the past and things to come that should be reserved for classics of pre and post 21st century era. The only place you'd find those rally cars considered as classic are in a WRC museum, along with the Suzuki GTI and European rally hatchbacks. These rally sedans for the streets is a fad, like installing hydraulics on old Caddys or putting Type R/NOS/NISMO sticker on the bumper.

[3000ways]

I hardly think looks is the only major factor in cars becoming classics, many cars of the past, where not at all considered attractive during their production runs, but are now considered classics. I think vehicles that have a passionate and loyal enthusiast following have great chances to becoming classics, cars such as the EVO and STI have such followings, that is just my opinion. What about Civics, can you guys see people 20 years from now re-building and restoring a 1994 Honda Civic Hatchback to race or show?

[kman10587]

Z Fanatic, you need to stop being so arrogant and condescending towards Japanese sports sedans. Just because -you- don't like the way it looks doesn't mean it won't become a classic, since there are plenty of people who love the car.

[Layla's Keeper]

Well, the problem is that so few of the Japanese cars are stand-out trendsetters or truly unique cars. The Datsun 240Z legitimized the whole of the Japanese motor industry in the international press's eyes. The first gen RX7 proved a radical engine concept could make for an exhilirating car. They are fast becoming classics.

The MR2 is a Japanese interpretation of the Fiat X1/9.
The Supra is just another powerful tourer.
The NSX is not groundbreaking in style, engineering, or performance (sorry, but the car never became the "Japanese Ferrari" it was touted as)
The AE86 is a cult car. It has its fans, but its value is only appreciating because of current levels of exposure (i.e. drifting fad)

[Stratocaster5292]

I believe the twin turbo halo cars of the 90s will become collector cars, and cars like the gsx eclipse and mr2 turbo will be like a ford torino or some other lesser known muscle car. The civic however will be a completely different story. Does this ad for a Ford Pinto remind anyone of a civic?

http://jr.lovefords.org/galleries/im...3_pinto_ad.jpg

[NISSANSPDR]

Dont forget along w/the Datsun 240Z...you gotta mention the Toyota 2000GT