REPORT - 2025 Classic Japan
Words & Photos: Mike Ryan
Hosted annually by the Toyota Car Club of Australia – Victoria (TCCAV), Classic Japan is one of the state’s biggest gatherings of Japanese cars aged 25 years old and older. For 2025, Classic Japan was held ‘down on the farm’ in the grounds of historic Cruden Farm on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.
The rolling 25-year cut-off for eligibility to Classic Japan meant the 2025 edition of this big event welcomed Japanese-made cars from 2000, which is sure to make some of you reading this feel old if MY00 cars are being labelled as classics!
First held in 2011, Classic Japan has grown each year, and it was only persistent rain at the most recent show, on 30 November, 2025, that prevented it from being one of the biggest ever. Despite the soggy conditions, around 300 cars made the journey to Cruden Farm, with around twice that number of spectator vehicles going through the gates.
Four Wheels and Two
Along with older passenger cars, Classic Japan welcomes 4x4s, light commercials and Japanese-made motorcycles, too. So, in addition to the Toyotas, Mitsubishis, Mazdas and Nissans you’d expect, you’re likely to see the odd historic LandCruiser, LJ50 and Patrol, as well as kei trucks and classic motorcycles from Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Kawasaki.
JDM Revelation
For newcomers to Classic Japan and those unfamiliar with Japan’s diverse carmaking history, what’s notable with the show is that, along with familiar models we spent our childhoods in, drove on L plates or lusted after as teenagers, there are also cars and model variants that were never officially sold here, like the Isuzu 117 coupe, Autozam AZ-1, Honda City Turbo II and Toyota Century. These JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) vehicles add to the appeal of Classic Japan
Regardless of what your favourite make or model of Japanese car, there was something to appeal at Classic Japan. Even with the reduced numbers, the variety was impressive, from custom Micras to performance Skylines, early Corollas, stylish (and increasingly rare) RX-7s, humble Civics, the exotic NSX, forgotten Paseo and cult favourite Mighty Boy.
Cars that caught the eye of JUST CARS on the day included an immaculate ‘shovelnose’ third-gen Toyota Corona, mild custom Mazda B2000 ute, a gaggle of Subaru XTs, an outstanding LandCruiser Troopcarrier, and a Mitsubishi Sigma mocked up like ‘The King’ from Cars!
Winter Warmer
If what’s presented here has given you a taste for more, the TCCAV also run ‘Sakura Picnic’. Open to all Asian cars and motorcycles, regardless of age, Sakura Picnic is a relaxed gathering, with plenty of good vibes in a family-friendly atmosphere. This year’s Sakura Picnic will be held on Sunday, 3 May, at Bundoora Park.
For more information on Sakura Picnic, plus the 2026 Classic Japan and other TCCAV events, like the All Toyota Winterfest, go to: www.tccav.org.au
Thanks to the TCCAV for assistance with compiling this article. For more from this show, check @classicjapanshow on Instagram.
Classic Japan highlight – Toyota Century limo
Introduced in 1967, the Century has been Toyota’s premium model for almost six decades, but is rarely seen outside its home country. Used mostly by the Japanese royal family and government officials, the car has evolved slowly over three generations, with only a handful produced in LHD for export markets. A Century SUV was introduced in 2023, but the limousine remains in production.
The Century featured is from the second generation, which was produced from 1997 to 2017, and available with a V8 or V12 engine (Toyota’s first V12), which were both of 5.0-litre capacity, matched to automatic transmissions. This was initially a four-speed, with a six-speed introduced in 2005.
More than five metres long, and much more luxurious than a Lexus, the Century boasted every possible assistance and comfort feature, with a bias toward cosseting the rear seat passengers. A look inside this example showed leather seats, an abundance of woodgrain trim, multi-function steering wheel and that oh-so-Japanese accessory – headrest doilies.
Classic Japan highlight – Datsun 1200 ‘Sunny’ ute
Sold as the Datsun 1200 ute here in Australia, the ‘B120’ series compact pickups were known by various names in other markets, including the ‘Champ’ in South Africa and the ‘Sunny Truck’ in its native Japan.
This 1985 example was presented by Shakotan Clan, a Melbourne-based business specialising in clothing and accessories celebrating the Golden Era of Shakotan, Kyusha and Kaido Racer culture. Rare items on this ute include parts from the contemporary 1200 ‘GX’ performance model, like the centre console with tacho. The fender mirrors and bonnet are GX units, too with the latter brought back from Malaysia as oversized luggage!
Aftermarket add-ons include a hakosuka front lip and coilover suspension with lowering blocks, while the wheels are 13-inch Longchamps with a slight (-9) offset at the rear. In the cabin, there’s Cobra Classic seats and a Nardi steering wheel, with the factory AM/FM converted to run Bluetooth and AUX input.
To check out the Shakotan Clan merch range, go to: www.shakotanclan.com.au
Classic Japan highlight – Toyota AE92 Corolla Levin
Toyota’s Corolla Levin and related Sprinter Trueno have history dating back to the 1970s as performance variants of the humble Corolla. Created exclusively for the Japanese market (although several have been exported), these cars evolved through TE27, TE37 (and derivates) and TE71 Series before the AE91/AE92 Series was introduced in 1987. For the Levin, three variants were available from launch – the 1500 Zi (AE91), 1600 GTV (AE92) and 1600 GT-Z (AE92). The GT-Z added a supercharger to the 1587cc DOHC 4A-GZE engine for listed output of 145kW. Unlike previous Sprinter/Levin generations, including the iconic AE86, the AE91/AE92 was front-wheel drive.
The example featured is factory authentic in most areas, including the bonnet scoop and side skirts, although the wing and front spoiler are slightly different. The wheels are aftermarket Enkeis, fitted by the owner, who explained to JUST CARS he spent months looking for an AE92 Levin, and even considered importing one from Japan before he found this car for sale just a few suburbs away!
