Melbourne's best classic Japanese car show has come and gone again for another year: here's what you missed
Last weekend in Melbourne saw the annual Classic Japan car show take place for 2019, and saw over 200 cars and many more fans of Japanese engineering pass through Melbourne’s picturesque Birrarung Marr right next to the Yarra River backdropped by the beautiful Melbourne CBD.
It’s one of our favourite events of the year; simply for the weird and wild mix of metal on show. There’s the most pristine classics, and the wildest modern and modified toys on display – perfectly encapsulating the broad spectrum of all there is to love about Japanese motoring. A rolling 25 year rule of entry ensures a new flock of entries each year, and continually yields an incredibly diverse mix of vehicles each year.
Classic Japan has been held annually since 2011, usually early-mid December, initially at Como Park in South Yarra but moved to its new home at Birrarung Marr for last year’s show.
Entry is free to spectators and open to the public, while entrants paid a nominal fee of $20 to cover the costs with all profits being donated to the Lost Dogs Home.
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There was once a time when the words Japanese and “classic” were scarcely heard in the same sentence, but as Classic Japan goes from strength to strength each year – it’s easy to see that the once burgeoning niche has grown into an incredibly large and passionate community.
Even amongst our offices, which we share with our stablemates encompassing everything from Street Machine, through 4×4 Australia to the frontrunners of new-car journalism; Wheels Magazine and Motor Magazine – 2019’s Classic Japan gave those of us in the office with a cherished piece of J-tin in the garage, to get out and enjoy them together!
So here’s our motley crew of Journos. Whichcar’s Tony O’Kane brought his Nissan Z32 300ZX (fresh from Bathurst the weekend before, we might add!), Tim and his track-ready Mazda NA MX-5, the Unique Cars Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R; and Motor Magazine Editor, Dylan Campbell’s pristine Toyota Corolla AE86.
We dragged one of the industry’s best snappers, Alastair Brook out with us too – so you can thank him for the oustanding photo gallery above! It’s just a taste of all you can see at next year’s event. It’s really not one to miss!
Like Classic Japan on Facebook to stay updated on future events, we’ll see you there!
Classic Australian Family Car Value Guide home page
Muscle Car Value Guide home page
Japanese Classic Car Value Guide home page
Photography: Alastair Brook