The time when Japanese cars had little prestige in the classic car world is long gone. From the sixties onwards, several generations in Europe also grew up with cars from the Far East. And that is becoming increasingly visible within today's classic car population. In Germany too, people now look at Japanese classics differently than they used to. The organisation of the Bremen Classic Motorshow has responded to this by putting together a special and surprising main theme for the 23rd edition.
The upcoming edition in the German Hanseatic city (January 31 to February 2, 2025) will offer a platform for historical Japanese exotics. The main theme 'From Turbo to Tradition – Japan's Sports Car Icons"will show twelve real underground stars," says project manager Frank Ruge, who has been involved in the opening of the German classic season in Bremen for years. The likeable Ruge is not exaggerating, because the twelve Japanese exotics are simply a jewel of a main theme.
The collection that will soon be on display includes the four-wheel drive Mitsubishi 3000 GT (1994) and the exceptional Honda S 800 (1970). Others made their name in rallying – for example the virtually unbeatable Toyota Celica Twin Cam Turbo TA64 (Björn Waldegaard, Bandama Rally Ivory Coast 1986) and the Mitsubishi Pajero (Jutta Kleinschmidt; Dakar Rally 2001). And within the collection of Japanese exotics, machines like the Honda NSX (1991) and the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1992) also belong. They are also part of the main theme. And there is another category that was only sold within the Japanese Domestic Market, but has since achieved cult status elsewhere: the quirky Autozam AZ-1 (1992) with gullwing doors and the Eunos Cosmo (1991). And the latter exotic is the only series-produced car with a three-rotor Wankel engine.
“With these icons spanning five decades, we want to show that the great automotive nation of Japan has earned a place in our classic car community,” says Frank Ruge. He concludes by reflecting on one of the most illustrious Japanese cars in history. “The fascinating Toyota 2000 GT from 1967, which today represents a value of more than one million euros, is the absolute highlight for us.”
The Japanese main theme is just one of the many attractions that Bremen traditionally offers. On a floor area of 52.000 square meters in eight halls, visitors will once again encounter much, if not everything that makes the classic heart beat faster. Because the organizers, together with the 730 exhibitors, provide a selection of smaller car and motorcycle themes, exhibitions, trade offers, parts, miniatures, books and memorabilia. Therefore, circle the weekend of January 31-February 2 in red in your agenda. Simply because you as an enthusiast should not miss one of the most beautiful classic car fairs in Europe.
Just one thing, besides the fact that Japanese cars could be beautiful; they are all copied from us Westerners.
Soon we will also honor Chinese cars at the fair?? ;);)
Japanese glory sounds promising. Last year's show was already a party, so I can't wait to see what they'll pull out of the closet this time.
Great news! Japanese classics often don’t get enough spotlight, so this is a great opportunity to put them in the spotlight.