This 1931 Chevrolet was turned into a hot rod following the seller’s 2019 acquisition and utilizes a steel roadster body mounted on a boxed frame with front and rear leaf spring suspension. Power comes from a 350ci V8 fitted with an Edelbrock intake manifold, an HEI-style distributor, and tubular exhaust headers. Additional details include a three-speed automatic transmission, staggered five-spoke wheels, power-assisted disc brakes, a B&M shifter, shaved door handles, a high-mount brake light, and teardrop taillights. This Chevrolet hot rod is now offered with a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.
The steel body is finished in “Octane Red” and is mounted to a boxed frame. Exterior details include a chopped windshield, shaved door handles, a high-mount brake light, teardrop taillights, a smooth rear frame rail cover, and side-exit exhaust pipes.
Staggered and polished five-spoke wheels are mounted with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. The car rides on front and rear leaf spring suspension, and stopping power is provided by power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners.
The low-back bucket seats are trimmed in black vinyl upholstery and are fitted with lap belts. Additional interior elements include a B&M shifter, an aftermarket head unit, and black carpeted floor mats with red stripes and 1931 Chevrolet scripts.
The three-spoke steering wheel is mounted to a polished steering column and frames a 160-mph speedometer and a tachometer with an adjustable redline, while auxiliary gauges are mounted in the center of the dashboard. The digital odometer indicates 13 miles, and true mileage is unknown.
The 350ci Chevy V8 is equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an HEI-style distributor, and tubular exhaust headers. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission. The battery was replaced in preparation for the sale.
The current Texas title lists the VIN shown above, which is an Indiana-assigned VIN.
This street rod utilizes a fiberglass body from Coast to Coast that is styled to resemble a 1937 Ford and features rear-hinged doors, LED taillights, and a leather-wrapped removable hardtop. The car is built on a custom frame fitted with four-wheel disc brakes, power steering, 17″ and 20″ billet wheels, adjustable coilovers, a Ford 9″ rear end, and a 4L60 four-speed automatic transmission. Power comes from a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 equipped with tubular headers flowing into a custom-fabricated dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. The car was assembled circa 2005 and acquired in 2009 by the current owner, who added 2k miles while attending shows and taking home more than 60 awards. This Ford street rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of the current owner with two remote key fobs and a clean Texas title listing it as a 1937 Ford.
The fiberglass Coast to Coast body is finished in “Viper Yellow” with red and gold pinstripes and is mounted on a polished, custom-fabricated frame. The car features rear-hinged doors with electric poppers as well as a removable hardtop wrapped in “Super Soft Sand” leather and mirrors with integrated LED turn signals.
The billet 17″ and 20″ wheels are from Colorado Customs and are mounted with 205/40 Nitto Neo Gen tires up front and 265/50 Nitto NT420S rubber out back. Initially built with air suspension, the car now rides on adjustable coilovers and features a polished four-link rear suspension and front control arms. A rack-and-pinion power steering system is fitted in addition to power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes.
The cabin is trimmed in “Super Soft Sand” leather with ostrich inserts on the seats, door panels, and headliner as well as the Colorado Customs billet steering wheel, which features fluted spokes matching the wheels. Additional details include remote start, power windows, SuperFrost air conditioning, a polished tilt-column, and a Sony CD stereo. Controls for the removed air suspension system are present in the center stack.
A polished instrument panel houses Dakota Digital instrumentation consisting of blue LCD readouts for speed, engine speed, oil pressure, coolant temperature, fuel level, and voltage. The digital odometer indicates 3,300 miles, approximately 2k of which have been added under current ownership.
The 5.7-liter LS1 V8 features Street & Performance Inc. components, polished fuel rail covers, and ceramic-coated headers flowing into a custom-fabricated dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers. Service performed under current ownership included replacing various engine hoses, flushing the coolant, and changing the oil.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a 4L60 four-speed automatic transmission and a polished Ford 9″ rear end with a 3.70:1 ring and pinion. An aluminum heat sink transmission cooler is fitted.
Body number 18-4055121 is shown on the chassis plate and matches the VIN listed on the current Texas title, which has been signed and describes the car as a 1937 Ford.
This 1947 Willys was modified under prior ownership and fitted with a 413ci V8 linked with a three-speed automatic transmission and a Currie 9″ rear axle with a limited-slip differential. The wagon is finished in black over tan and brown vinyl upholstery and features a choppedroof, a louvered hood, airbrushed woodgrain paneling, a torsion bar front suspension, power steering, power-assisted front disc brakes, 20″ Eagle alloy wheels, an Edelbrock intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a Flowmaster dual exhaust system, AutoMeter instrumentation, and a JVC CD stereo. The vehicle was acquired by the seller in 2023, and subsequent work consisted of replacing two tires. This modified Willys wagon is now offered with a clean California title in the name of the seller’s trust.
The vehicle was repainted in black with airbrushed faux wood paneling under prior ownership. Details include a louvered hood, a chopped roof, a two-piece windshield, chrome bumpers, and polished dual exhaust finishers. The rear side windows are etched with custom Willys script. Paint cracks and blemishes are shown up close in the gallery.
Eagle 20″ alloy wheels are mounted with Laufenn S FIT AS tires up front and Nitto NT555 Extreme ZR rubber out back. The suspension utilizes Chrysler-sourced torsion bars up front, a leaf spring rear suspension, and power-assisted steering. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.
The cabin features bolstered front bucket seats trimmed in tan and brown vinyl upholstery joined by a color-coordinated dashboard, door panels, and cargo side panels. Equipment includes custom embroidered “W” logos on the seat backs, black carpeting, lap belts, aluminum pedals, aftermarket speakers, and a JVC CD stereo.
The leather-wrapped billet steering wheel is mounted to a tilting column and sits ahead of AutoMeter instrumentation. The six-digit odometer shows 28k miles, approximately 1,200 of which have been added under current ownership.
The 413ci Chrysler V8 was installed under prior ownership and features an Edelbrock aluminum intake manifold, a Holley four-barrel carburetor, a polished alternator, Mopar Performance valve covers, and billet pulleys. The aluminum radiator is accompanied by an electric cooling fan. An oil change was performed in October 2023.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission and a Currie 9″ rear axle with a limited-slip differential. A dual exhaust system with Flowmaster mufflers has been fitted.
A label affixed to the door jamb displays the sequence 54167110055, which corresponds with the VIN listed on the California title.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
