Classic Japan 2018 takes over Melbourne

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 18.12.2018

Presented by

The Toyota Century was the Japanese answer to the Rolls-Royce AAffat 6686

A flock of late-80s Toyota Hilux Surfs braved the morning's rain. AAffat 6688

Peter's early-70s 'Hakosuka' Skyline is wild for sure. Another car of his, a 'Kenmari' Skyline appeared in Issue #419 AAffat 6692

This Datsun C10 2000-GTX was one of our favourites AAffat 6695

Toyota 800 Sport was one of the rarest cars in attendance. AAffat 6697

Two R32 Skylines. A RWD 2.5lt turbo GTST on the left, and our own GT-R on the right. AAffat 6698

When was the last time you saw an SVX!? AAffat 6712

1991 Nissan Figaro, full of retro goodness! AAffat 6713

Another rare Datsun Skyline, this time a C210. AAffat 6715

First-generation Nissan Silvia is a stunner! AAffat 6718

Almost looks Italian AAffat 6720

We have a massive soft spot for these Legacies. AAffat 6725

KE70 Corolla with a 4AGE engine swap. AAffat 6732

Dan from Rupewrecht brought along a variety of rare racing wheels that had us drooling! AAffat 6736

His awesome Le Mans chairs were not for sale... Not for a lack of trying on our part! AAffat 6737

The Motocompo was a fold-up motorcycle, famously small enough to fit inside the back of a Honda City. AAffat 6758

Stunning early Honda roadster. AAffat 6762

Ash's gorgeous Celica, cover car of Unique Cars #414. AAffat 6763

Variety is the spice of life. AAffat 6769

Mazda R-360. Mazda's first four-seat Kei car, and powered by a 360cc V-twin motor. AAffat 6787

The Toyota Century was the Japanese answer to the Rolls-Royce

A flock of late-80s Toyota Hilux Surfs braved the morning's rain.

Peter's early-70s 'Hakosuka' Skyline is wild for sure. Another car of his, a 'Kenmari' Skyline appeared in Issue #419

This Datsun C10 2000-GTX was one of our favourites

Toyota 800 Sport was one of the rarest cars in attendance.

Two R32 Skylines. A RWD 2.5lt turbo GTST on the left, and our own GT-R on the right.

When was the last time you saw an SVX!?

1991 Nissan Figaro, full of retro goodness!

Another rare Datsun Skyline, this time a C210.

First-generation Nissan Silvia is a stunner!

Almost looks Italian

We have a massive soft spot for these Legacies.

KE70 Corolla with a 4AGE engine swap.

Dan from Rupewrecht brought along a variety of rare racing wheels that had us drooling!

His awesome Le Mans chairs were not for sale... Not for a lack of trying on our part!

The Motocompo was a fold-up motorcycle, famously small enough to fit inside the back of a Honda City.

Stunning early Honda roadster.

Ash's gorgeous Celica, cover car of Unique Cars #414.

Variety is the spice of life.

Mazda R-360. Mazda's first four-seat Kei car, and powered by a 360cc V-twin motor.

Chrome-bumper classics, 80s icons and 90s heroes from the east invade Melbourne

A highlight of the annual calendar is Classic Japan in Melbourne, organised by the Toyota Car Club of Australia.

Taking place each year around mid-December, it brings an eclectic mix of cars that fall under the expansive spectrum of Japanese motoring.

A rolling 25-year rule of entry means that each year, a new flock of cars are eligible to be displayed, ensuring an incredibly diverse mix of vehicles every time.

Held since 2011, until this year at Como Park in South Yarra; 2018 saw the annual event move to Birrarung Marr just outside the Melbourne CBD. The new location launched the already-outstanding event into whole new dimension.

Over 500 cars lined the inner-city banks of the Yarra River; from the earliest chrome-bumpers to 90s modern classics, both big and small, if it was Japanese and had four-wheels – it was probably there!

The event has turned into "one of the largest gatherings of nostalgic j-tin in the southern hemisphere", putting Japanese design and innovation on display.

Entry is free to spectators and open to the public, entrants paid a nominal fee of $15 – to cover the costs of running with all profits going towards the Lost Dogs Home. There were a bevy of food trucks to keep you fed, as well as various trade stands and vendors.