Japanese Steel: Auto Museum Exhibit Tour

cazalea · 2017-06-22T22:30:34Z

Explore the "Japanese Steel" exhibit with cazalea, featuring iconic Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, and Subaru cars. Discover rare Japanese automotive history.

cazalea

WPS member · Automotive forum

4 replies1099 views31 photos

cazalea, the Seiko Moderator, shares an immersive photo essay from the "Japanese Steel" exhibit at a local auto museum. This post goes beyond wristwatches to showcase the rich heritage of Japanese automotive engineering, offering a unique perspective on design and innovation from a different facet of Japanese craftsmanship. Readers will appreciate the detailed visual tour of these iconic vehicles.

And I don't mean wristwatches.

Our local Auto Museum is hosting an exhibit called Japanese Steel, highlighting all sorts of exotic machinery. Thanks to Sally for getting us into the "donor appreciation dinner" where we rubbed shoulders with docents, curators, collectors and reps from Japanese manufacturers who made this possible.

As the Seiko Moderator I felt it was my obligation to present a few cars to PuristS all over the world. So here we go, starting with the 1991 Toyota Eagle

FJ45 Pickup (thanks Toyota Museum for the loan of 4 cars)

Toyota Stout Pickup

Toyota 2000 GT

Rare sports sedan Isuzu 117 came here from Ohio for the show

Is an SSS better than an SS? (in the background is an NSX)

Datsun 220 Pickup with original paint and period surfboards, loaned by the surf shop that still owns it.

Subaru 360

Ummm, I forget. No, wait - Toyota S800 and behind it a Toyota Skyline

Honda City with matching scooter

Two car guys with similar taste in cars and shirts -- we have lived a mile away from each other for 30 years, but never met before tonight.

Nissan Pulsar modular hatch-mobile

Of course the museum has some cars on exhibit that are not Japanese.

A barn find:

I'm talking about the 1928 Studebaker, not Mrs C who tore her achilles' tendon so is in a chair for awhile.

Cadillar V16 ~~barn~~ forest find

This was a 31-year restoration project

Frank Sinatra's London taxi cab

Old wooden plank road ran from east of San Diego towards Phoenix, before pavement it was the only way to cross the desert.

Thanks for stopping. We hope you enjoyed the visit.

Cazalea

PS - not that is not MY 2CV

Key Points from the Discussion

The Nissan Skyline, particularly the GTR variant, is recognized as a monster car with a strong legacy, and its limited availability in the US market is noted.
The Toyota FJ45 pickup, Toyota 2000GT, and Isuzu 117 sports sedan are highlighted as design champions, with particular appreciation for vintage Japanese pickups.
The exhibit's inclusion of a Datsun 220 Pickup with original paint and period surfboards, loaned by its original surf shop owner, adds a unique historical and cultural dimension.
The Toyota 2000GT, Nissan Skyline, Nissan EXA, and Isuzu 117 are praised as rare and significant cars within the Japanese automotive landscape.

The Discussion

kev09

Jun 22, 2017

I enjoyed reading about the plank road. What a journey that must have been. Thanks for this post and best wishes to Mrs. C for a speedy recovery. Regards Kev.

AuHavrePro

Jun 23, 2017

and my affinity for the vintage pickups is probably strongest, especially for the FJ45 which looks totally outstanding to me . Other than that, the 2000GT and Isuzu sports sedan are true design champions (the green color on the Isuzu as well!). Thanks for such a comprehensive report on one of the many things Japanese manufacturers make highly compelling, the bit about meeting your neighbor who happens to be wearing an eerily similar outfit was likewise highly engaging X), cheers, Filip

KMII

Jun 24, 2017

Especially like the Toyota 2000, the Nissan Skyline and the EXA, as well as the Isuzu 117! Thanks so much for sharing these rare cars here!

KIH

Jun 24, 2017

.. Skyline is Nissan - why don't they sell Skyline in US is mystery. But Nissan GTR is sold, right? That is Nissan Skyline GTR..... A monster car - back in the day. Not following cars these day at all since I don't have or need one now ) Thanks for showing the exhibit. Very nice collection and as a Japanese, much appreciated. Ken PS: I wonder why I have a feeling that those panels or logos of the exhibits makes me suspect that people confuse Japan and China a little bit.... In the first pic, the

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