Classic Japan Takes Over Melbourne

It was as if the Yarra had been invaded, filled with not only lots of classic Japanese automobiles, but lots of people too. My first thought? This was much bigger than last years show.

Last year, there had been about 350+ cars at the Classic Japan Show, a number that can't be sneezed at. But this year, I would say that the number hit the 450+ mark. ​

In 2019, the Classic Japan Show, organised by the Toyota Car Club of Victoria featured plenty of cool, clean and utterly bonkers builds, an almost perfect location, with the Melbourne skyline as the backdrop, and kebabs. What else could you want?

So, let's get on with the stars of the show, the cars.

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I'll start with this very clean FC RX7, subtly modified with red lug nuts and side skirts.

One car hidden among the slew of cars at Classic Japan was this orange Celica. Although it looks pretty standard on the outside...

...under the hood was a turbocharged 1JZ

Sitting next to the Celica was also this Toyota Cressida Wagon with another 1JZ engine stuffed up the front. ​

Speaking of engine swaps, a BMW S50B32 inline six engine had been sneakily brought into the show, being hidden inside a Datsun 240Z. Madness!

Another bonkers build was this Toyota Crown built like an american dragstrip gasser, with big drag tires, crazy pipes and a risen ride height to boot.

​One car that had a lot of attention throughout the day was this 4 door Skyline R32, powered by a single turbo RB26.

Taking Over Batman Avenue

Roll out: This was the part I was most excited for, the show rolling out. This was the time I got to shoot the stars of the show in their natural habitat, and among the city skyline. I'll let the photos do the talking.

Was this Tokyo? No this was Melbourne.​ But it sure did feel like it.

Bonus Gallery