Japan’s automotive industry has produced some of the most iconic and beloved cars in the world — vehicles that were once affordable and accessible, but have since evolved into coveted classics. From pioneering sports cars like the Toyota 2000GT and Datsun 240Z to high-performance legends such as the Nissan Skyline GT-R and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, these machines helped define what it meant to blend reliability, engineering precision, and thrilling driving dynamics. Today, collectors and enthusiasts alike are paying top dollar for well-preserved examples, often far exceeding their original MSRP.
What makes these Japanese cars so special? Many introduced groundbreaking technologies, dominated motorsport arenas, or earned cult status through pop culture and tuner scenes. Whether it’s the featherweight Acura Integra Type R, the rotary-powered Mazda RX-7, or the bulletproof Toyota Supra, each of these vehicles left a permanent imprint on the automotive landscape. Let’s explore ten Japanese cars that have officially achieved classic status — highlighting their historical impact, performance significance, and, of course, how their values have skyrocketed compared to when they were new. These are no longer just old imports; they’re now automotive treasures.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources.
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10
Toyota 2000GT
1967–1970
Classic.com
The Toyota 2000GT stands atop Japanese automotive history—a rare, hand-built grand tourer that directly challenged Europe’s finest. Conceived in partnership with Yamaha, its sleek silhouette and sophisticated engineering embodied a new level of Japanese ambition. When it debuted in 1967, it carried a sticker price of around $7,150, roughly in line with the Jaguar E‑Type and Porsche 911S.
Fast-forward nearly six decades: with just 337 units ever built, the 2000GT commands superstar auction prices. Recent sales center around $1.0–1.1 million, with high-end examples fetching as much as $2.5 million. On average, a near-original car now trades for approximately $1.05 million.
This staggering appreciation—from under $7k new to over a million—speaks to the car’s rarity, styling, and the market’s awakening to Japanese heritage. Collectors prize original documents, matching numbers, and provenance, such as celebrity ownership. The 2000GT isn’t just a classic—it occupies a level akin to Ferrari and Aston Martin in collectability.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0L inline-six
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
150 hp
Torque
130 lb-ft
0-60 mph
8.4 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
135 mph
9
Datsun 240Z
1970–1973
Mecum
Datsun’s 240Z fundamentally reshaped sports-car perceptions: long hood, independent suspension, potent 2.4‑liter straight‑six, and performance akin to European rivals—yet priced around $3,500–4,000 when new.
Today’s market reflects this legacy. Exemplars in “Excellent” condition now trade between $50,000 and $60,000+, with top concours examples breaking $100,000. In the UK, restored early 240Zs fetch £50k (US $62k), with modest examples hovering near £15k (US $18k).
From mere thousands to tens of thousands, the 240Z’s rise is emblematic of growing respect for “proto‑sports-car” roots. Collectors prize original-spec L24 engines, manual transmissions, and early S30 styling. Its enduring presence in pop culture and motorsport adds to its timeless appeal.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.4L inline-six
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
151 hp
Torque
146 lb-ft
0-60 mph
8.0 seconds
Transmission
4-speed manual
Top Speed
125 mph
8
Mazda RX‑7
1978–1985
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Mazda’s first RX‑7 brought the rotary engine mainstream, blending low weight, responsive handling, and near-exotic character—at an MSRP around $9,700.
Decades later, fair-condition units go for about $12,000, while concours-grade examples demand up to $44,500. Some pristine, low-mileage first-gen RX-7s have sold for as high as $56,500.
From just under $10k to new highs in the $50k+ range, these cars are now treasured for their rarity, supple character, and burgeoning classic status. Mazda’s quirky rotary demands care—scarcity plus cult appreciation means values should continue rising.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.1L Rotary
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
100 hp
Torque
105 lb-ft
0-60 mph
9.2 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
115 mph
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7
Nissan Skyline GT‑R R32
1989–1994
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The R32 Skyline GT‑R—dubbed “Godzilla”—pioneered AWD performance and the RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six. When introduced in 1989, it retailed for about ¥4.5 million ( $35,000–$45,000 at the time).
Today, pristine examples in Japan go for ¥15–30 million, equivalent to $100k–$200k, depending on mileage and condition. In the U.S., where they’ve become legal under the 25-year rule, prices can exceed $150,000 for unmodified, low-mileage versions.
A perfect R32 GT‑R in show‑quality condition can reach $200,000+, driven by nostalgia, motorsports history, and the iconic status cemented in games and anime. The GT-R name now commands serious respect—and serious money.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.6L twin-turbo inline-six
Drivetrain
AWD
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.6 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
156 mph
6
Lexus LS400
1989–1994
The debut Lexus LS 400 quietly shattered luxury norms. Lexus entered the U.S. market in 1989 with a flagship sedan priced around $36,000, delivering smooth V8 refinement and build quality rivalling Mercedes and BMW.
Now, clean early LS 400s trade between $8,000–15,000, with immaculate low-mileage examples sometimes reaching $20,000+. This marks a modest depreciation overall, but collector interest is slowly growing.
Why classic? As Toyota’s luxury statement, the LS 400 emphasized quiet, reliability, and workmanship—values now considered hallmarks of classic status. Its understated elegance and engineering excellence make it a sleeper that’s finally awakening to collector potential.
Performance Specifications
Engine
4.0L V8
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
250 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
7.9 seconds
Transmission
4-speed automatic
Top Speed
155 mph
5
Honda NSX
1990–2005
Collecting Cars
Honda’s NSX introduced mid-engine reliability and supercar-worthy performance—including an all-aluminium body, VTEC engine, and F1 input from Ayrton Senna. New, it cost around $60,000–70,000, depending on the trim.
Today, pristine early NSXs command $150,000–250,000, with iconic Type R versions regularly fetching over $300,000. Early, low-mileage examples, especially pre-facelift with pop-up headlights, can top $400,000.
From its ability to expose Ferrari drivers to its Honda engineering fame, the NSX now stands shoulder to shoulder with classic European exotics. It has appreciated over 4× in value and shows no signs of slowing down.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.0L V6
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
270 hp
Torque
210 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.7 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
168 mph
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4
Toyota Supra Mk IV
1993–2002
BringaTrailer.com
The Mk IV Supra is one of the most recognizable performance cars ever. Its 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine and wild tuning potential made it a tuner legend. New, it cost around $40,000 for Turbo models.
In recent years, prices have soared: base non‑turbo models now average $20,000–30,000, but turbo cars regularly sell for $80,000–100,000. Unmodified, low-mileage examples are routinely breaking six figures, with rare specs topping $150,000.
Originally a fast-yet-affordable GT car, the Supra has become a collectible icon, fueled by its durability, performance ceiling, and cultural status via Fast & Furious and video games.
Performance Specifications
Engine
3.0L twin-turbo inline-six
Drivetrain
RWD
Horsepower
320 hp
Torque
315 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.6 seconds
Transmission
6-speed manual
Top Speed
155 mph
3
Subaru Impreza WRX STI
1994–2000
BringaTrailer.com
The original WRX STI was born from rally and bred for speed—offering AWD grip, turbocharged power, and a raw, driver-focused experience. In the mid-90s, it retailed for $27,000–35,000 depending on spec and market.
Now, collector interest is red hot. Early STIs often sell between $25,000 and 40,000, with Rally Blue, gold-wheel editions in stock form easily fetching $50,000+. Limited-edition versions such as the Type RA or Type R are particularly sought after.
With its rally pedigree and analog driving feel, the WRX STI has matured into a desirable Japanese classic. It’s a modern muscle car for the mountains, and collectors are catching on.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0L turbo flat-four
Drivetrain
AWD
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
0-60 mph
5.2 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
145 mph
2
Acura Integra Type R
1997–2001
Honda
The Integra Type R was Honda’s lightweight performance masterpiece—featuring a hand-built engine, limited-slip differential, and aggressive weight reduction. New, it cost about $23,000–25,000.
Well-preserved Type Rs now routinely sell for $30,000–45,000, with ultra-low-mileage, unmolested examples exceeding $50,000. Factory-original Championship White examples are the most valuable.
The Type R’s razor-sharp handling and unmatched FWD precision earned it legendary status. While prices have climbed steadily, many believe it still offers more value than many older European rivals in the same price bracket.
Performance Specifications
Engine
1.8L inline four
Drivetrain
FWD
Horsepower
195 hp
Torque
130 lb-ft
0-60 mph
6.6 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
140 mph
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1
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
1999–2001
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The Evo VI sharpened the Evolution series, adding better aerodynamics, stronger cooling, and WRC-winning capability. The Tommi Mäkinen Edition, in particular, became a legend. When new, the Evo VI cost around $32,000–35,000.
Today, Evo VIs in clean, original condition sell for between $30,000 and 50,000, with Tommi Mäkinen Editions often reaching $70,000 or more. As import laws relaxed in the U.S., demand surged, pushing values upward.
Rally roots, turbocharged performance, and homologation rarity make the Evo VI a beloved classic among performance enthusiasts. It represents one of the last analog AWD icons before the digital age took over.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.0L turbo inline-four
Drivetrain
AWD
Horsepower
276 hp
Torque
274 lb-ft
0-60 mph
4.4 seconds
Transmission
5-speed manual
Top Speed
150 mph
AloJapan.com