FOR some automotive enthusiasts, Japanese is the bee’s knees.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fans of the brands from the Land of the Rising Sun came from all over the state to the Shannons All Japanese Car Show at the Ballarat Showgrounds on Sunday.
There were Celicas and Supras, Skylines and “Zeds” and, among the motorcycle fraternity, Ninjas and Furies.
In the past, Japanese cars rarely attracted the cult following of European, American or even Australian-made cars.
But there is a growing band of fans dedicated to brands like Datsun, Toyota, Mazda and Mitsubishi, and they are as loyal to their machines as any.
Rhys Oldfield, of Kilsyth, had travelled from the other side of Melbourne to show of his 40-year-old Toyota Celica TA22.
“When I had bought it, it was rusted out. The floor had rusted through and the engine was shot,” Mr Oldfield said.
“The only thing that was any good was the gearbox.
“I’ve put hundreds of hours into it. I wouldn’t like to think how many hours.
“My first car was a Celica. My brother is a Ford nut and he gave me a hard time about it. This is my fifth Celica now.”
The car show raised close to $1000 for Dragons Abreast Ballarat.
In return, “pink ladies” had the honour of nominating their best car in show, a near flawless 1992 Nissan 300ZX convertible.
gavin.mcgrath@fairfaxmedia.com.au