It is a series in and of itself.
There hasn’t been a special series, or a special 5-pack, or an official premium series. But as Hot Wheels has dipped deep into vintage Japanese cars, there has been a very visible partner: Japanese Nostalgic Car.
I doubt I need to introduce the popular online magazine and blog to most of you. If you are a car nerd – not just a JDM nerd – you have most likely been on their site. Editor-in-Chief Ben Hsu and the folks there not only push out interesting features daily, but highlight all kinds of aspects of Japanese car culture, pass along all kinds of news, and have created or been involved in all kinds of super cool car events. Touge 80’s anyone?
And you know they have become significant when their logo has been bootlegged in Malaysia. Nostalgig. Hahahahahahahaha. Maybe I can be immortalized as Lamely someday. Goals.
And that logo, in proper form, is all over Hot Wheels. It has been a rich partnership. Before 2011, the Hot Wheels AE86 Corolla, 240Z, and Datsun 510 were consistent pegwarmers. But in 2011 things started to change. The 510 went BRE, and Jun Imai designed two signature Skylines, the Hakosuka and Kenmeri. The Hako sported a classic racing livery, and for the first time, the JNC logo, or inkan as they like to say.
And thus a love affair was born. Including the upcoming Track Day 510 and 2017 Fairlady 2000, the JNC logo will have appeared on 26 Hot Wheels models. With that kind of output, it is more a question of what models JNC hasn’t been on. And it isn’t many.
We have seen the inkan on several model debuts, a couple of Kmart exclusives, a Regular Treasure Hunt (Mazda RX-7), a Super Treasure Hunt (Datsun 510 Wagon), and several premium releases, including the entire Japanese Historics assortment. In JNC’s world, a Japanese car becomes a nostalgic once it is 25-years old, and so far Hot Wheels has stuck to that rule as well. That is why you won’t see the inkan on an R34 for example. That ’90 NSX? It might be time.
And like I said, there has been no “official” Japanese Nostalgic Car assortment, but the variety of models over the years has been significant enough that hobbyDB dedicated an entire page to the JNC logo.
So, to celebrate the Japanese Classic Car Show this weekend in Long Beach, we are showcasing all of the JNC models, minus the Fairlady Roadster, which JNC happens to be giving away tomorrow along with the Track Day 510 at their booth.
 |
| credit: Japanese Nostalgic Car |
I thought about ranking these, but who am I kidding? That is impossible. Here’s to 26 more…
In order of release:
Fairlady 2000 coming soon…
So… much of Honda/Acura's models haven't gotten the inkan, as well as more recent generations of the Skyline GT-R. There's also the ZN6, the Supra, the Japanese 4WD legends WRX and EVO… OK that's what I can get off the top of my head.
JNC focuses on cars at least 25 years old. Would be cool to see the NSX done though.
We need Isuzus. Piazza, etc.
i need that screen sticker, where can i buy? ��
You didn't read the article did you