The Most Iconic Japanese Classic Cars of All Time
Japan went from upstart to icon-maker in a generation. These are the cars that earned worldwide respect, the machines that turned a nation of careful engineers into a powerhouse of desire. Each one rewrote the rulebook in its own unforgettable way.
We have chosen these five for their influence, their beauty and the lasting mark they left on motoring culture. Pour a coffee, settle in and explore the legends that put Japan on the map.
Toyota 2000GT
The 2000GT was the car that made the world sit up and take Japan seriously. Hand-built, achingly beautiful and good enough to star in a Bond film, it proved a Japanese marque could craft a genuine grand tourer. Today it is one of the most valuable and revered Japanese cars ever made.
Datsun 240Z
The 240Z gave keen drivers a proper sports car at a price that embarrassed Europe. Its silky straight six, sharp handling and long bonnet good looks turned it into an instant sensation across the Atlantic. It single-handedly rewrote what the world expected from an affordable coupe.
Honda NSX
Honda built a supercar you could drive every day, and the establishment never quite recovered. With input from Ayrton Senna and an all aluminium body, the NSX matched Ferrari for thrills while starting first every morning. It remains the benchmark for usable, honest supercar engineering.
Mazda MX-5
The MX-5 revived the classic British roadster recipe and did it better than anyone had managed in decades. Light, balanced and endlessly grin inducing, it proved that fun has nothing to do with horsepower. It went on to become the best selling two seat sports car in history.
Toyota Supra A70
The A70 Supra was Japan's answer to the great European grand tourers, and a worthy one at that. Turbocharged, pop up headlamped and built to devour motorways, it blended muscle with refinement in a way few rivals could match. It laid the foundations for one of the most legendary names in motoring.
Explore More Iconic Cars
The Japanese greats are only part of the story. Discover the engineering precision of the Most Iconic German Classic Cars, savour the passion of the Most Iconic Italian Classic Cars, or browse the full classic cars blog for more.
Bring These Icons Home
Love these legends as much as we do? Celebrate them with British-designed automotive art crafted for true enthusiasts. Explore our classic car phone cases, raise a toast with our classic car mugs, or make a statement with our limited edition prints.