Journal Classic Cars

The auction arena was buzzing with excitement throughout the day on Friday at the 2024 Palm Beach Auction, with the arena erupting into cheers on a number of occasions as several highly anticipated vehicles had their turn on the block.

In a diverse offering that ranged from classic SUVs and modern muscle to pickup trucks and ’50s favorites with fabulous fins, more than 200 vehicles made their way across the Barrett-Jackson block on Day 2 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. A 1981 Chevrolet Corvette Greenwood Daytona Turbo (Lot #431) took top honors for the day – and set a new world auction record – with its $247,500 sale. It was followed by a 1968 Ford Mustang Eleanor replica (Lot #416) that crossed the block for $162,800.

Collections were in the spotlight on Friday, with vehicles from John Staluppi’s Cars of Dreams among bidders’ favorites. Notable sales from that collection included a 1958 Buick Special Convertible (Lot #376) with its $126,500 sale (a new world auction record) and a 1959 Chrysler Imperial Crown Convertible (Lot #400) that sold for $110,000.

General Motors brought several special vehicles to sell in Florida. From the Chevrolet Collection, a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R Championship Edition convertible (Lot #396.2) crossed the block for $115,500, while a 2023 Cadillac Escalade-V (Lot #396) found a new home when it sold for $159,500, along with a 2023 Cadillac CT5-V Series Blackwing (Lot #396.1) that sold for $110,000, both from GM’s Cadillac Collection.

Other highlights from the day included the sale of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette 327/365 (Lot #445.1) for $126,500, a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro Zl1 Hennessey Custom Edition “Exorcist” (Lot #411) for $116,600, a 1947 Chevrolet 3100 Custom Good Humor Ice Cream Truck (Lot #426) for $115,500, followed by a 1967 Pontiac GTO Convertible (Lot #427) for $113,300. A 2023 Jeep Gladiator Custom Pickup (Lot #373) and a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Custom Convertible (Lot #391) each brought in $110,000.

A 1950s Chris-Craft Woody Speedboat kiddie ride (Lot #7283) came out on top during the morning’s Automobilia Auction with its $27,600 sale. A circa 1948 Texaco Oil Bennett Model #756 gas pump (Lot #7282), a 1946 Mobil Oil M/S 80 gas pump (Lot #7268.3) and a 1960 Gulf Oil Tokheim Model #300 gas pump in Heritage Edition GT colors (Lot #7285), along with a 1940s-50s Cadillac Authorized Service porcelain sign with neon (Lot #7298), also caught the attention of bidders.

Top Automotive Sales of Day Two

Lot	Vehicle	Sale Price
431	1981 CHEVROLET CORVETTE GREENWOOD DAYTONA TURBO	$247,500
416	1968 FORD MUSTANG ELEANOR REPLICA	$162,800
396	2023 CADILLAC ESCALADE-V	$159,500
376	1958 BUICK SPECIAL CONVERTIBLE	$126,500
445.1	1965 CHEVROLET CORVETTE 327/365	$126,500
411	2023 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 HENNESSEY CUSTOM EDITION “EXORCIST”	$116,600
396.2	2022 CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION CONVERTIBLE	$115,500
426	1947 CHEVROLET 3100 CUSTOM GOOD HUMOR ICE CREAM TRUCK	$115,500
427	1967 PONTIAC GTO CONVERTIBLE	$113,300
373	2023 JEEP GLADIATOR CUSTOM PICKUP	$110,000
391	1970 PLYMOUTH BARRACUDA CUSTOM CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
396.1	2023 CADILLAC CT5-V SERIES BLACKWING	$110,000
400	1959 CHRYSLER IMPERIAL CROWN CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
422	2022 FORD F-150 SHELBY SUPER SNAKE PICKUP	$110,000
430	1970 OLDSMOBILE 442 CONVERTIBLE	$110,000
440	1990 PORSCHE 911 CARRERA 4 CABRIOLET GEMBELLA	$110,000

The Toyota Tundra was Japan’s first entry in America’s full-size truck market. Though initially there were teething issues, Toyota was a quick learner and created a fine competitor in no time. For 2024, the Tundra Limited CrewMax Hybrid 4×4 continues to show that Toyota is a player worthy of consideration. Let’s explore the powertrain, interior, and exterior design, brought to life by the Tundra’s rugged Smoked Mesquite paint and black 20-inch alloy wheels. Base price starts at $60,625, or $66,978 for a fully loaded one like ours.

This 2024 Toyota Tundra bids farewell to the V8 engine, embracing a new era of performance with its 3.4L i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid powertrain. Generating an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 foot-pounds of torque, this hybrid engine delivers exhilarating performance while also offering respectable fuel efficiency. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Tundra delivers seamless power delivery and a smooth driving experience across various terrains.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offers an array of trim options, ensuring that there’s something for every driver’s preference and requirement, from the rugged TRD Pro to the luxurious Limited trim. The exterior design offers a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication. From the striking Smoked Mesquite paint option to the bold character lines that accentuate its muscular profile, every detail exudes confidence and style. The inclusion of 20-inch black Alloy Wheels and blacked-out accents further enhances its aggressive look.

Stepping inside the Tundra, you are greeted by a fully equipped and spacious interior consisting of several notable features. The centerpiece is a massive 14-inch infotainment system, which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, the 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster provides essential vehicle information at a glance, while the 12-speaker JBL sound system delivers immersive audio performance.

From Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, the Tundra offers peace of mind on every journey. Additional safety features like Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are also great to have, especially if you’re towing.

Despite its size, maneuvering this truck among traffic is surprisingly effortless, thanks in part to the intuitive 360-degree camera system. The suspension provides a smooth ride on various road surfaces. Moreover, the hybrid powertrain delivers impressive acceleration and responsiveness, what you’d expect in a truck.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra Limited Hybrid CrewMax 4×4 represents a bold step forward in the evolution what we know as a truck. With its powerful i-Force MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, luxurious interior features, and advanced safety technologies, the Tundra offers a compelling blend of performance, comfort, and convenience. While the hybrid variant may come at a premium, the standard model remains a solid choice for those seeking robust towing capabilities and everyday drivability.

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 2,120-mile 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk coupe. According to the Firehawk Registry, this vehicle is one of approximately 1,132 Trans Am coupes invoiced by SLP in 2002. It is powered by an LS1 5.7-liter V8 mated to a BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission. Features include removable T-tops, 17-inch wheels, Monsoon audio system, and cat-back exhaust system. Finished in Black over Ebony leather interior, this final-year F-body comes with owner’s booklets, promotional literature, car cover, clean CARFAX report, and clear title.

Only 430 Trans Am Firehawk coupes were Black (code 41). Exterior features include fog lamps, composite hood with air induction system, vented front fenders, removable T-tops, Firehawk graphics, and decklid spoiler.

Chrome 17-inch five-spoke wheels are wrapped in 275/40 Firestone Firehawk tires.

The 2+2 cockpit is optioned with Ebony leather bucket seats up front with the driver’s side being power-adjustable. Features include power windows and power door locks, power steering, cruise control, air conditioning, Monsoon eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio system, Firehawk-branded floor mats, and remote keyless entry.

The instrument panel consists of a 155-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure, and voltage. The digital odometer reads 2,120 miles, which falls in line with the CARFAX report.

The SLP-modified LS1 5.7-liter small-block was rated at 345 horsepower and 345 lb-ft of torque. Power is directed to the rear wheels via a console-shifted BorgWarner T-56 six-speed manual transmission, with 768 Trans Am Firehawk coupes having this combination.

Stopping power comes from anti-lock disc brakes. The Bilstein-equipped suspension uses 35-millimeter front and 21-millimeter rear stabilizer bars. The cat-back exhaust system is an authentic SLP item.

The auction for this 2002 Pontiac Trans Am Firehawk ends Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 11:45 a.m. (PDT)

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery

Japan is one of the top car manufacturing countries in the world, with a thriving automotive industry serving an international clientele. It’s the third-largest automobile industry after the United States and China, and the second-largest car producer. The Japanese pre-owned car industry attracts collectors and car enthusiasts from across the world, with companies like Export from Japan (EFJ) offering insider access with low exporting fees, translation services, and access to Japanese car auctions. Classic cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors due to their more affordable price tag and higher quality, with many models exclusive to the Japanese market.

Let’s look at why Japan is the go-to choice for classic car collectors, with advice on navigating the Japanese car market to find your perfect classic car.

The History of the Japanese Car Industry

The Japanese car industry is virtually unrecognizable from when the Takuri was originally made in 1907, the first entirely Japanese-made car. In the early 1930s, American car manufacturers, including Ford and GM, had factories in Japan but were forced out of the market by government intervention in 1939. This resulted in the development of brands like Nissan and Toyota, along with the birth of the JDM industry.

After WWII, Japan entered a phase of high economic development, becoming the world’s leading economy in 1995. During this economic prosperity, the Japanese public began to invest in luxury and exotic cars, with car manufacturers producing special edition models available exclusively in Japan. The Mercedes Benz 560SEL became symbolic of the era as the go-to car for professionals.

The ‘90s represented a golden era for the Japanese automotive industry that began importing prestigious car models from Europe, including the Ferrari F40, Mercedes Benz S600, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 911 Turbo. Imported cars with left-side steering wheels became a status symbol, a theme that continues today. Demand for luxury cars led to AMG producing special editions, such as the G36 AMG and SL73 AMG, exclusively for the Japanese market.

Japanese car manufacturers also heightened production, releasing iconic JDM cars such as the Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline GTR, and Toyota Supra RZ. Cars produced for the domestic Japanese market typically feature right-side steering wheels.  

Some of the world’s most sought-after luxury cars sit in garages in Japan. The gradual devaluation of the Yen over recent years means most rare and JDM car collectors are reluctant to sell their vehicles. However, Japan remains a top destination for collectors searching for classic cars in excellent condition.

Pre-owned luxury cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors as they typically have lower mileage and are in better condition than used cars in the United States and Europe. The annual car mileage in the USA is 2-3 times higher than that of Japan, where the average annual mileage is only 6,790 km/4,200 miles.

How to Buy a Collector Car from Japan

Most cars in Japan are sold through auctions and undergo extensive inspections by independent professionals, with the findings included on the auction sheet. Car collectors can work with specialists offering auction sheet translation services to shop online auction listings.

If you’re planning to buy a car from Japan, the importing conditions will vary depending on the country you live in. For example, the United States only allows non-domestic vehicles to be imported if they are over 25 years old.

Regardless of which car you’re purchasing or where you’re importing to, the process of buying a car in Japan typically involves five steps:

• Choose a JDM Exporter

The first step to buying a Japanese car is to work with a specialist JDM exporter. They’ll help you navigate the local market, including auctions, while also offering cars that can be purchased directly from them.

Your chosen exporter is your eyes and ears during the purchasing process, carrying out a pre-purchase inspection and translating auction sheets. Working with a JDM exporter allows you to access the Japanese car market like a local, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

• Choose Your Classic Car

Decide your preferences for your classic car, including your budget, manufacturer, and mileage allowance. Selecting these factors will help your exporter find suitable options to speed up the purchasing process.

• Make Your Purchase

Cars in Japan can either be purchased through an auction or sold as a private sale. Your Japanese car exporter will facilitate a transaction through either method. Car auctions are popular in Japan, but you’ll want to work with an expert to complete the bidding and purchase process.

• Have Your Japanese Car Exported

Once you’ve purchased your car, it’s time to start the exporting process. Your exporter will oversee the shipping process and complete the documentation on your behalf.

Choose a Japanese car exporter near a shipping port to reduce additional fees and speed up the dispatching process. You should receive a final invoice, export certificate, inspection certificate, and deregistration certificate.

• Vehicle Clearance on Arrival

When your Japanese car arrives at your local port, you’ll need to provide the documentation sent by your exporter to have it released. Your exporter will offer guidance on how to make the port clearance process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Are you shopping for a classic car in Japan? Export From Japan (EFJ) offers exotic and rare car acquisitions from Japanese auctions and dealerships not typically accessible to international buyers. Its team has over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry and specializes in JDM sports cars, rare cars, hybrids, and project cars. Located in Nagoya, EFJ is one of the top-rated exporters of pre-owned and classic cars in Japan. You can find out more about EFJ by visiting their website.

Japan is one of the top car manufacturing countries in the world, with a thriving automotive industry serving an international clientele. It’s the third-largest automobile industry after the United States and China, and the second-largest car producer. The Japanese pre-owned car industry attracts collectors and car enthusiasts from across the world, with companies like Export from Japan (EFJ) offering insider access with low exporting fees, translation services, and access to Japanese car auctions. Classic cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors due to their more affordable price tag and higher quality, with many models exclusive to the Japanese market.

Let’s look at why Japan is the go-to choice for classic car collectors, with advice on navigating the Japanese car market to find your perfect classic car.

The History of the Japanese Car Industry

The Japanese car industry is virtually unrecognizable from when the Takuri was originally made in 1907, the first entirely Japanese-made car. In the early 1930s, American car manufacturers, including Ford and GM, had factories in Japan but were forced out of the market by government intervention in 1939. This resulted in the development of brands like Nissan and Toyota, along with the birth of the JDM industry.

After WWII, Japan entered a phase of high economic development, becoming the world’s leading economy in 1995. During this economic prosperity, the Japanese public began to invest in luxury and exotic cars, with car manufacturers producing special edition models available exclusively in Japan. The Mercedes Benz 560SEL became symbolic of the era as the go-to car for professionals.

The ‘90s represented a golden era for the Japanese automotive industry that began importing prestigious car models from Europe, including the Ferrari F40, Mercedes Benz S600, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 911 Turbo. Imported cars with left-side steering wheels became a status symbol, a theme that continues today. Demand for luxury cars led to AMG producing special editions, such as the G36 AMG and SL73 AMG, exclusively for the Japanese market.

Japanese car manufacturers also heightened production, releasing iconic JDM cars such as the Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline GTR, and Toyota Supra RZ. Cars produced for the domestic Japanese market typically feature right-side steering wheels.  

Some of the world’s most sought-after luxury cars sit in garages in Japan. The gradual devaluation of the Yen over recent years means most rare and JDM car collectors are reluctant to sell their vehicles. However, Japan remains a top destination for collectors searching for classic cars in excellent condition.

Pre-owned luxury cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors as they typically have lower mileage and are in better condition than used cars in the United States and Europe. The annual car mileage in the USA is 2-3 times higher than that of Japan, where the average annual mileage is only 6,790 km/4,200 miles.

How to Buy a Collector Car from Japan

Most cars in Japan are sold through auctions and undergo extensive inspections by independent professionals, with the findings included on the auction sheet. Car collectors can work with specialists offering auction sheet translation services to shop online auction listings.

If you’re planning to buy a car from Japan, the importing conditions will vary depending on the country you live in. For example, the United States only allows non-domestic vehicles to be imported if they are over 25 years old.

Regardless of which car you’re purchasing or where you’re importing to, the process of buying a car in Japan typically involves five steps:

• Choose a JDM Exporter

The first step to buying a Japanese car is to work with a specialist JDM exporter. They’ll help you navigate the local market, including auctions, while also offering cars that can be purchased directly from them.

Your chosen exporter is your eyes and ears during the purchasing process, carrying out a pre-purchase inspection and translating auction sheets. Working with a JDM exporter allows you to access the Japanese car market like a local, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

• Choose Your Classic Car

Decide your preferences for your classic car, including your budget, manufacturer, and mileage allowance. Selecting these factors will help your exporter find suitable options to speed up the purchasing process.

• Make Your Purchase

Cars in Japan can either be purchased through an auction or sold as a private sale. Your Japanese car exporter will facilitate a transaction through either method. Car auctions are popular in Japan, but you’ll want to work with an expert to complete the bidding and purchase process.

• Have Your Japanese Car Exported

Once you’ve purchased your car, it’s time to start the exporting process. Your exporter will oversee the shipping process and complete the documentation on your behalf.

Choose a Japanese car exporter near a shipping port to reduce additional fees and speed up the dispatching process. You should receive a final invoice, export certificate, inspection certificate, and deregistration certificate.

• Vehicle Clearance on Arrival

When your Japanese car arrives at your local port, you’ll need to provide the documentation sent by your exporter to have it released. Your exporter will offer guidance on how to make the port clearance process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Are you shopping for a classic car in Japan? Export From Japan (EFJ) offers exotic and rare car acquisitions from Japanese auctions and dealerships not typically accessible to international buyers. Its team has over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry and specializes in JDM sports cars, rare cars, hybrids, and project cars. Located in Nagoya, EFJ is one of the top-rated exporters of pre-owned and classic cars in Japan. You can find out more about EFJ by visiting their website.

Japan is one of the top car manufacturing countries in the world, with a thriving automotive industry serving an international clientele. It’s the third-largest automobile industry after the United States and China, and the second-largest car producer. The Japanese pre-owned car industry attracts collectors and car enthusiasts from across the world, with companies like Export from Japan (EFJ) offering insider access with low exporting fees, translation services, and access to Japanese car auctions. Classic cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors due to their more affordable price tag and higher quality, with many models exclusive to the Japanese market.

Let’s look at why Japan is the go-to choice for classic car collectors, with advice on navigating the Japanese car market to find your perfect classic car.

The History of the Japanese Car Industry

The Japanese car industry is virtually unrecognizable from when the Takuri was originally made in 1907, the first entirely Japanese-made car. In the early 1930s, American car manufacturers, including Ford and GM, had factories in Japan but were forced out of the market by government intervention in 1939. This resulted in the development of brands like Nissan and Toyota, along with the birth of the JDM industry.

After WWII, Japan entered a phase of high economic development, becoming the world’s leading economy in 1995. During this economic prosperity, the Japanese public began to invest in luxury and exotic cars, with car manufacturers producing special edition models available exclusively in Japan. The Mercedes Benz 560SEL became symbolic of the era as the go-to car for professionals.

The ‘90s represented a golden era for the Japanese automotive industry that began importing prestigious car models from Europe, including the Ferrari F40, Mercedes Benz S600, Lamborghini Countach, and Porsche 911 Turbo. Imported cars with left-side steering wheels became a status symbol, a theme that continues today. Demand for luxury cars led to AMG producing special editions, such as the G36 AMG and SL73 AMG, exclusively for the Japanese market.

Japanese car manufacturers also heightened production, releasing iconic JDM cars such as the Honda NSX, Nissan Skyline GTR, and Toyota Supra RZ. Cars produced for the domestic Japanese market typically feature right-side steering wheels.  

Some of the world’s most sought-after luxury cars sit in garages in Japan. The gradual devaluation of the Yen over recent years means most rare and JDM car collectors are reluctant to sell their vehicles. However, Japan remains a top destination for collectors searching for classic cars in excellent condition.

Pre-owned luxury cars in Japan are attractive to international collectors as they typically have lower mileage and are in better condition than used cars in the United States and Europe. The annual car mileage in the USA is 2-3 times higher than that of Japan, where the average annual mileage is only 6,790 km/4,200 miles.

How to Buy a Collector Car from Japan

Most cars in Japan are sold through auctions and undergo extensive inspections by independent professionals, with the findings included on the auction sheet. Car collectors can work with specialists offering auction sheet translation services to shop online auction listings.

If you’re planning to buy a car from Japan, the importing conditions will vary depending on the country you live in. For example, the United States only allows non-domestic vehicles to be imported if they are over 25 years old.

Regardless of which car you’re purchasing or where you’re importing to, the process of buying a car in Japan typically involves five steps:

• Choose a JDM Exporter

The first step to buying a Japanese car is to work with a specialist JDM exporter. They’ll help you navigate the local market, including auctions, while also offering cars that can be purchased directly from them.

Your chosen exporter is your eyes and ears during the purchasing process, carrying out a pre-purchase inspection and translating auction sheets. Working with a JDM exporter allows you to access the Japanese car market like a local, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

• Choose Your Classic Car

Decide your preferences for your classic car, including your budget, manufacturer, and mileage allowance. Selecting these factors will help your exporter find suitable options to speed up the purchasing process.

• Make Your Purchase

Cars in Japan can either be purchased through an auction or sold as a private sale. Your Japanese car exporter will facilitate a transaction through either method. Car auctions are popular in Japan, but you’ll want to work with an expert to complete the bidding and purchase process.

• Have Your Japanese Car Exported

Once you’ve purchased your car, it’s time to start the exporting process. Your exporter will oversee the shipping process and complete the documentation on your behalf.

Choose a Japanese car exporter near a shipping port to reduce additional fees and speed up the dispatching process. You should receive a final invoice, export certificate, inspection certificate, and deregistration certificate.

• Vehicle Clearance on Arrival

When your Japanese car arrives at your local port, you’ll need to provide the documentation sent by your exporter to have it released. Your exporter will offer guidance on how to make the port clearance process as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Are you shopping for a classic car in Japan? Export From Japan (EFJ) offers exotic and rare car acquisitions from Japanese auctions and dealerships not typically accessible to international buyers. Its team has over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry and specializes in JDM sports cars, rare cars, hybrids, and project cars. Located in Nagoya, EFJ is one of the top-rated exporters of pre-owned and classic cars in Japan. You can find out more about EFJ by visiting their website.

The last time Toyota had a convertible in its lineup was over 15 years ago in 2008. That car, the Solara, lived for two generations and had essentially replaced the Camry coupe. Ultimately, its demise was due to sales numbers (or the lack thereof). Toyota was known for having a few memorable convertibles prior to the Solara, though. One of them was jointly manufactured via an arrangement with American Sunroof Company (ASC) right here in the United States. And today, we get to look at one of those cars.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1985 Toyota Celica convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Greeneville, Tennessee. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Looking for that Sunday drive-around convertible?” the listing begins. “Look no further. This 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S will do the trick.”

The third-generation Celica compact sports car came out in 1981 and was available in liftback and notchback coupe body styles. For the 1984 model year, American Sunroof Company (ASC) customized 200 GT-S Celicas by making them into convertibles. In 1985, another 4,248 units were produced. One of the things that made this a unique car was that it was the last of the rear-wheel drive Celicas. For model year 1986, the car transitioned to a completely new platform that was available only in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Speaking of powertrains, momentum comes from a 2.4-liter “22RE” motor paired with a five-speed manual transmission. “Car has been gone through and runs like a top,” the seller says. “It has a new roof, had a new muffler installed, really good tires, A/C works great. Car is ready to drive.” The odometer shows just 95,822 miles, which by Toyota standards, isn’t a very long distance to have traveled.

The seller’s listing talks about how reliable the 22RE motor was, and the statements are true. According to a history of this engine, it first went into production in 1981 and remained until 1995. Besides the Celica, this robust (yet also fuel-efficient) powerplant went into vehicles including the pickup and the 4Runner.

Today’s featured car looks to be largely original with exception of the BFGoodrich white-letter tires and a Sony AM/FM/CD head unit. My favorite exterior attributes are the aggressive color-keyed fender flares. Included in the listing is a photo of the VIN placard which shows a manufacture date of December 1984. This car will be turning 40 years old later this year!

The asking price is $14,900, which seems like a fair deal for a limited-production, low-mileage reminder of Toyota’s convertible days.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see the library of stories at Pick of the Day.

The last time Toyota had a convertible in its lineup was over 15 years ago in 2008. That car, the Solara, lived for two generations and had essentially replaced the Camry coupe. Ultimately, its demise was due to sales numbers (or the lack thereof). Toyota was known for having a few memorable convertibles prior to the Solara, though. One of them was jointly manufactured via an arrangement with American Sunroof Company (ASC) right here in the United States. And today, we get to look at one of those cars.

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1985 Toyota Celica convertible listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Greeneville, Tennessee. (Click the link to view the listing)

“Looking for that Sunday drive-around convertible?” the listing begins. “Look no further. This 1985 Toyota Celica GT-S will do the trick.”

The third-generation Celica compact sports car came out in 1981 and was available in liftback and notchback coupe body styles. For the 1984 model year, American Sunroof Company (ASC) customized 200 GT-S Celicas by making them into convertibles. In 1985, another 4,248 units were produced. One of the things that made this a unique car was that it was the last of the rear-wheel drive Celicas. For model year 1986, the car transitioned to a completely new platform that was available only in all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive.

Speaking of powertrains, momentum comes from a 2.4-liter “22RE” motor paired with a five-speed manual transmission. “Car has been gone through and runs like a top,” the seller says. “It has a new roof, had a new muffler installed, really good tires, A/C works great. Car is ready to drive.” The odometer shows just 95,822 miles, which by Toyota standards, isn’t a very long distance to have traveled.

The seller’s listing talks about how reliable the 22RE motor was, and the statements are true. According to a history of this engine, it first went into production in 1981 and remained until 1995. Besides the Celica, this robust (yet also fuel-efficient) powerplant went into vehicles including the pickup and the 4Runner.

Today’s featured car looks to be largely original with exception of the BFGoodrich white-letter tires and a Sony AM/FM/CD head unit. My favorite exterior attributes are the aggressive color-keyed fender flares. Included in the listing is a photo of the VIN placard which shows a manufacture date of December 1984. This car will be turning 40 years old later this year!

The asking price is $14,900, which seems like a fair deal for a limited-production, low-mileage reminder of Toyota’s convertible days.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see the library of stories at Pick of the Day.