Classic Japan 2018 takes over Melbourne

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 18.12.2018

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.

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.

If you missed out this year, check out the extensive gallery above!

We can't wait for the next one, hopefully we see you there!