Sakura Picnic attracts Japanese classics both old and new

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine, Photography by: Tony O'Kane, WhichCar.com.au

Date: 12.09.2018

The annual Melbourne event brought out an array new and old Japanese metal

One of the highlights in the calendar for Japanese car enthusiasts is the annual Sakura Picnic show.

Japanese cars have always attracted a younger crowd, though have been steadily gaining steam with collectors around the world over the past decade.

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Sakura Picnic is a great and relaxed environment that reflects the broad range of interests, styles and people within the Japanese car community.

Have a scroll of the gallery above to see the diverse turnout, and read on as we’ve highlighted a few cars that caught our eye below.

The Datsun Skyline GT-R of the early 70s was the first to wear the hallowed GT-R badge. They’re one of the absolute hero cars of Japanese collecting and are incredibly rare and valuable. Most are clones, and we couldn’t deduce whether this was a genuine car, but real ones fetch a pricely sum.

At Pebble Beach 2016, a 1972 Datsun Skyline GT-R sold for about AUD$263,000.

Next to it sat its modern classic offspring – the R32 GT-R. Fans of this car should keep an eye out for an upcoming issue for something special.

A high watermark for the Evo lineage, this Tommi Makinen Edition Evolution VI is one of the most immaculate we’ve seen. It’s an icon born at the height of 90s WRC competition, and gained a lower ride height, model-specific front bumper, embossed Recaro seats and 17" Enkei Racing wheels.

This first-generation Toyota Celica liftback is another lesser-known Japanese classic and is often likened to a ‘baby mustang’. It’s a charming little coupe and was fitted from factory with a variety of peppy four-cylinders.

Looking for more ways to spend your weekend? Check out our Events listings here!