Aug
14
We really love these little Datsun Fairladys aka the SPL310. They were the first true Datsun sports car was also known as the Datsun 1500. The SP310 was based on a modified sedan platform and an 85 HP dual carb engine. A four-speed transmission with non-synchro first gear was the only one available. This is among the first SPL310s in the US making it somewhat unique when compared to others we have featured. Read More
Aug
12
We don’t recall how many Ms in Hmmmm but that is how Mazda sold us on the neat little spinning rotary engine. They were really cool cars back in the day hampered by a particularly bizarre styling direction. The cars were funky but we don’t really remember how really funky the REPU was. REPU stands for Rotary Engine Pick Up. We think they could have come up with something less Poo-like for a name. We stumbled across this green truck and thought you might be interested in it. Read More
Aug
3
You don’t know why you want this but you do. Sounds like a country western song about a horse. The HJ45 is kin to the perennial favorite Cruiser the FJ40. We don’t see them often here because they were not imported by Toyota. So this truck came from somewhere else and in this case that place is Central America. It looks ready to do battle with anything. Read More
Jul
29
The folks at Jaguar, Alfa and Porsche do not look back to 1970 with fond memories. That was the year Datsun lowered the boom and introduced the 240Z. It had derivative but pleasant styling, a smooth inline-6 and at a great price. With a top speed of 125 mph, it was no slouch either. What the Z-car did was turn people’s heads around when it came to their opinion of Japanese cars. Read More
Jul
22
A Honda on Mint? If you think we just went off the rails think again. We spotted one last week at Lime Rock Park and took a second look. Not because it is insanely gorgeous but because it looked like a really nice, complete package. Just look at the stats. It has 240 hp, a 9,000 rpm redline, rifle-bolt 6-speed, crazy cool dash, and a big red start button. Throw in a power top, A/C and Honda’s legendary build quality and I think you might see the light. Read More
Jun
25
There really isn’t too much to say about this FJ60 other than it is in remarkable condition – for an FJ60. At least for us east coast residents. These are so rare in rust-free original condition that when one comes available, we feel obligated to let you know. The FJ60s are wonderful vehicles and are almost indestructible. Perhaps that is why in addition to it being an Australian Outback favorite, it is seen in the remotest parts of the Middle East and Africa. And you’ll see them lining the streets in Williamsburg, Brooklyn too. Read More
Jun
10
Made in Japan had wonky connotations back in the 60s. That persisted in the early 70s but there were definitely cracks appearing in the argument. Datsun and Toyota sedans were beginning to give VW fits on content and performance. Forget the American small car entries. They were just an embarrassment. Then, on the sports car front, Datsun stuns with the beautifully, yet derivatively styled, Datsun 240Z combined with a smooth 2.4 liter overhead-cam straight six and independent rear suspension. Read More
May
28
We are big fans of the FJ40 as it is a viable alternative to the bulldog Land Rover. We come across many of these in restored, customized, modified and junk condition but when we see a solid original, we can’t help ourselves. This one has exited from long-term storage and made road worthy again by the seller. Read More
May
22
The FJ55 was a 4-door station wagon version based on the FJ40 drive-train, replacing the 4-Door FJ45V. It is commonly referred to as an “Iron Pig.” The FJ55 was designed to be sold in North America and Australia. All Iron Pigs were 2-tone in color. Most added a 3rd color and that is rust. We are huge Cruiser fans and love the slightly archaic look of the Pig. Read More
May
15
This will be maybe the 4th or 5th Datsun1600 Roadster we have featured on Mint. They were all pretty nice examples and the last one had a few needs and that was reflected in the price. But when we spotted this one, it spoke to us. This one appears to be a very original car although the seller doesn’t elaborate. Read More
May
14
Toyota’s version of a Jeep-like vehicle started production in 1954. The Land Cruiser’s reliability and longevity has led to huge popularity, especially in OZ (Australia) where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle and considered to be one of the toughest 4X4s operating in environments with extreme temperature and rough terrain. Read More
May
11
We confess to not knowing anything about this offering. Primarily because it has only 2-wheels and that isn’t our thing. But sometimes, you just stumble across a neat bike that makes you consider crossing over to the other side. According to the seller, this is a 1965 Honda Benly CA95 “baby dream” 150cc cafe racer-style bike. Everything functions perfectly and it has new tires, battery, and an updated Mikuni VM series carburetor. 
The seller has flipped KZ440 bars for the cafe look/riding experience, but has the originals if that’s not your thing. It starts on the first kick and runs great. Has 8k original miles on it. Rare original white paint/red seat combo, and still has the original Honda of Cleveland decal. Now he wants $1300 bucks for it and boy are we tempted. Click here to contact the seller.
Apr
30
Not too much to say about this find sent in to us from Big Peter S. out there in California land. The seller says you shouldn’t bid on this if you are a shy person because you will be inundated with onlookers whenever you go out for a drive. We’ve never seen one of these mainly because we have never been to Japan but it is a very useful tool to have around. Read More
Apr
27
We really like these early Datsun roadsters. We remember chasing one, a red 2000, around the back roads on the Mainline of Philadelphia in our BMW 2002. Also remember our frightened passenger screaming “you are going to roll it!” We didn’t roll it and stayed right up the Datsun’s bumper the entire hair-raising ride. Read More
Apr
20
If you are tired of us saying how much we love a particular car, stop reading (although you’ll miss something cool). We are avid Toyota Land Cruiser fans and we are on our third version – the FJ80. One of our all time favorites is the Jeep-like FJ-40. They are rough and tumble bulldogs. In the darkest corners of the world and some say the most beautiful, the Land Cruiser has usurped the Land Rover as the vehicle of choice. In Oz for example, there is a huge following for the Cruiser with some of the stoutest aftermarket parts emanating from there. Hagerty has recognized the surge in vintage SUVs too. Read More
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