Please re-read what was posted. I said *viewed* as inferior.
I'm afraid the nonsense here is yours. Read up on the import levies and taxations placed on imported Japanese vehicles, and the reasons behind that. The American car market at the time was (and perhaps under Trump will be again) fiercely protective of its own product, especially in the luxury market, and viewed most Japanese cars as "grocery getters". It is rather ironic that with time the Accord and the Camry went on to be so popular, but not until later.
For the brands mentioned, you'll find the same products that were sold as Lexus etc in the US were branded as Toyota or Nissan back in Japan. Only later did you see Lexus on the Japanese market. It's simply a case of projected image to overcome market views, it's even mentioned in their brand history.
And the British car industry was sunk for a number of reasons, not just the Japanese offerings.
Doodle, apologies for the miss understanding there but it's quiet hard to differentiate between viewing as inferior and being inferior. Why would you tell me that they were 'actively viewed as inferior' when the real reason they placed all those levies and taxes on JDM vehicles is that they actually felt threatened by them and wanted to protect their home product?
Ultimately, if anything, wouldn't it be the opposite? That essentially means that they were actually superior because the American car market felt threatened by their products and wanted to protect their own market from them? It's like mixing the truth with a lie so that it sounds believable, just tell me straight what the deal is rather then taking me through a loop like all these fookin' politicians on the TV. Americans love JDM cars, particularly the younger generations and the older lot are slowly coming around because whilst they were using these big block engines to build for big power, they know it's super impressive to casually make 400 bhp with a little bit of tinkering to a 2.0 Turbo Evolution or what have you.
I know German cars were also given awkward regulations etc. They even banned many European and JDM cars like the Skyline as if it would entice the whole nation into buying European/Japanese cars.
In the late 70s and early 80s in East Africa we had Land Cruisers, Cressidas, Corollas and a single, much sought after Mazda 626 coupe. There were other European staff issue cars, but the Japanese were always first choice given the toys, the fuel economy and the seat upholstery - which didn't burn your legs and back given every day was 40c +. Best of all though were the Peugeot 504s which had uncanny ability to race across very rough ground, making them first choice amongst many taxi drivers. Alas, we weren't allowed them for some reason.
Exactly, you make a great point. Number 1 choice in extremely hot countries and terrible road conditions is a good Japanese car. And on top of that, they don't charge you £500 extra for folding mirrors!
You will never believe what my friend from Bahrain tells me... that the Arab girls get more impressed with his dad's Toyota Land Cruiser over his Black SL55 AMG. I didn't believe it myself.
and again, ---------- no class ! and no one cares if you don't want to hear it again--------and don't be so defensive, you did ask !
I'm stoked! I'd rather have no class than have class and be boring and miserable like you my man!
I think that things cool, most older vehicles out of japan just ooze coolness, but then again i am a bit bias having an older jap import myself
Thanks for the kind words Wolfie. What JDM import do you have?
You’re not doing your argument any favours posting them next to each other!
Thanks SPX, You really think so? I think it must be an age thing. But me personally (for someone who does appreciate style of old Mercs), the Leopard just looks much sharper and sleeker. The lines and even the marker lights on the hood make it look much more presidential. There doesn't seem to be any attempt at aerodynamics on the SEC. In short, the SEC looks like Pauline from Sunday Church but the Leopard looks like Jennifer Lopez, you get meh?
I think it's of it's time. - Having had the Australian domestic version I can recognise all the bells and whistles they put in this car compared with the budget versions.
Was it the Vauxhall Cavalier that used to talk at you with reminders about seat belts etc? That's very Japanese (they're always making noises to tell you about something) and would seem incredibly dated now, but I remember being incredibly impressed by that in the late '80s.
I had never heard about the R31 Pintara until you mentioned it. They look like they would make excellent track day cars! Haha yes, the novelty of all the gizmos won't wear off for a while!
