Microcar Show

[Phildirt]

The orange Honda Z coupe was a 1973 model and I remember seeing plenty of them on U.S. streets back then. Tt has a 2 cylinder in it.



Always one of my favorites since then, just a great shape with its big black rear window frame. I have a small rainbow of 6 of the Playart examples of it, anda larger Polistil.



Maybe I'll find a real one one of these days...

[AOK Hiro]

The orange Honda Z is a 600cc aircooled motor one. That's export version from Japan on 1970-1974.
On 1970, first Honda Z was bone with 360cc aircooled motor.
1971,new motor watercooled type was fitted in same body.
1972,removed B-piller and called Honda Z GT.
1974,Honda Z's final run.

Export version was instaled 600cc air-cooled motor.

Here is a Japan domestic version. This is 1972 or later year model. On the fender rear view mirror was Japanese standard style.
In Japan,Honda Z was called "under-water goggle" inspired from rear glass hatch design.

Hiro

[TexKitty]

Arigato, Hiro! I love those little cars. I want a Mazda AZ-1!

Subaru 360 also is very cute!

I remember when the first Honda CVCC cars were imported here. My family and I were on a trip to the Texas coast and traffic in Houston was heavier thanusual. The reason was, someone driving a CVCC hit a cow. I first saw the cow, lying in a ditch with its legs stiffened straight, but no blood. The Honda didnot do very well, as the front end was completely smashed.

Cow: 1
Honda: 0

[redlines68]

Hey Hiro. I know its a little off the topic of economy cars but i always wanted to ask someone this question. I see you work for a car magazine and live inTokyo so here it goes. Are togue runs still a popular activity in Japan? And also do the police there crack down on them or make any attempts to hinder it? Oris more of a out of mind out of sight deal since its done in remote areas? Ive always been curious.

[Deora Al]

The Orange Honda is a 1972 Z Coupe. It is a 2 cyl. with 10 inch wheels.

[AOK Hiro]

Hi Redlines68 Justin,your post mean like The Fast and Furious or 2Fast 2Furious?
If so,Those high speed runs are still popular now.Young drivers like fast driving at every Friday night.
Police men are waiting at any highway junction or rest area.
Japan Police have High powered police cruiser as Skyline GT-Rs.
Drifting is not so popular at city.Drifting is grew up professional sports now.
Sometime,Drifting race takes place at circuit near city.
Customizing is still popular,Street Car Nationals by Mooneyes Japan is very famous event at Tokyo City.
Here are some of those custom cars.



Hiro

[redlines68]

Hey Hiro. No not drag racing or high speed runs on the interstate. Im talking about the guys that go racing on the secluded mountain roads. You know like inInitial D? Im sure youre familiar with that series. Does Japanese law enforcement have any sort of deterrent for this or do they even bother? Is it even aspopular as people say it is?

Take care,
Justin

[AOK Hiro]

Hi redlines68 Justin.Mountain high speed run is not popular now.Police or local government were making some obstacles as steel pole on the center line for cannot run drifting. I guess,There do not that run ,Japanese modern cars grew up wider,bigger and expensive.
Toyota AE86 is very popular semi historic car light now. So that car's price is raised as collectibles car.
But Mazda RX-7(FC) are still cheaper price.Mountain run lover's machines are grew up to Subaru Imprezas or Mitsubishi Lancer Evos now.

Hiro

[redlines68]

LMAO. Man screw getting hired by local PD! I wanna get a job with Japanese law enforcement. They have it made! Any job that requires you drive a Skyline aroundand put up "road obstacles" has my name written all over it. Steel poles? Thats insane! Yeah i can see where that could hinder any sort of drifting.As dangerous as the togue runs look i gotta say from what ive seen that it looks like it would be a blast to do.

Justin

[AOK Hiro]

Hi Justin,I didn't take those obstacles pictures. I searched website and find it.

Left picture shows steel poles and convex pavement road( Red painted road).

Hiro