New import cars suck-old ones were great/I'm right you are wrong/whatever else.

[Danglybanger]

This paragraph moved from its original thread. Comments relating to the original thread have been pruned here. -- Arne

As a Japanese car distinctly designed to appeal to the American market, it seems that the modding world is most often stuck somewhere between the muscle and JDM spheres (aka old white men, young Asian kids). I've noticed that for many Z owners, the Z is considered an exception to the "Jap is crap" notion... A sentiment alienating them from both camps.

Edited August 30, 2008 by Arne
Thread pruned after move.

[TomoHawk]

I've noticed that for many Z owners, the Z is considered an exception to the "Jap is crap" notion...

That's because it's a DATSUN, and was imported way before Asian imports were considered cheap and rediculous, like they are now.

[Danglybanger]

I wasn't alive anywhere near the era, but I got the impression that the Z (and 510) were the first cars to break that stereotype of Jap crap (not that it's now completely broken or anything)... As earlier Japanese offerings weren't even competitive in the US market, and the Z then proceeded to equal and beat the competition.

Since then, Japanese cars that performance oriented types would scoff at have been sold... But the point is, they've actually sold, and in large numbers

Edited August 27, 2008 by Danglybanger

[rdefabri]

That's because it's a DATSUN, and was imported way before Asian imports were considered cheap and rediculous, like they are now.

Negative - I am old enough to remember. Japanese cars WERE considered cheap and ridiculous then, which is why the 510 and the 240Z were ground breaking. Although I believe it was just a matter of time before Japanese cars became mainstream, the 510 and 240Z accelerated that.

It was until at LEAST 1979 before that image of "cheap and ridiculous" started to fade - my father bought a 1980 Corolla SR5 and people were laughing at him. My dad was a drag racer, built many a hot rod and owned some classic cars (1966 Austin Healey, 1961 Corvette, etc.), so he was not the demographic Japan, Inc. was shooting for. However, my father is also smart - he recognized good value and quality.

So you statement is untrue - Japanese cars THEN were considered cheap and not desirable. Thank, in part, the 240Z for helping to shatter that image.

[BRE-240Z]

Negative - I am old enough to remember. Japanese cars WERE considered cheap and ridiculous then, which is why the 510 and the 240Z were ground breaking. Although I believe it was just a matter of time before Japanese cars became mainstream, the 510 and 240Z accelerated that.

It was until at LEAST 1979 before that image of "cheap and ridiculous" started to fade - my father bought a 1980 Corolla SR5 and people were laughing at him. My dad was a drag racer, built many a hot rod and owned some classic cars (1966 Austin Healey, 1961 Corvette, etc.), so he was not the demographic Japan, Inc. was shooting for. However, my father is also smart - he recognized good value and quality.

So you statement is untrue - Japanese cars THEN were considered cheap and not desirable. Thank, in part, the 240Z for helping to shatter that image.

Yes, exactly. Tomo has it completely backwards, becuase if you follow his logic, a Toyota is considered to be junk today. I don't think so.....

Following WWII, anything with the 'MADE IN THE USA' label on it was considered a quality item, while 'MADE IN JAPAN' meant you were looking at a cheap knockoff. Even the cars were considered throwaways (ever seen the '69 Subaru video that's up on Jalopnik.com?).

The 240Z and the 510 broke the mold, and showed that Japan could compete with Detroit.

With regard to the car in the post above, I say to each his own. I definitely look forward to seeing some photos of the car.

[Mike]

Frankly, I think the Z made huge leaps to gain the respect of the hot rodding community. The notion of Asian imports being cheap and ridiculous isn't shared by everyone on this site. In fact, the sheer number of Asian import purchases over the latest decade would suggest otherwise. Why is it that Ford can't figure out how to export their production without showing a huge profit LOSS while a company like Toyota can have their cars built in American and show record profits ?

Anyway, off my soap box... I LOVE to see that a hot rodding company like this is able to take on a Z project and advertise it right along with the other rods. It makes me proud.

A restoration project is the same no matter which way you look at it. All cars require the same attention and love to bring out their glory.

[rdefabri]

Frankly, I think the Z made huge leaps to gain the respect of the hot rodding community.

I posted in a different thread that I took my Z to a classic car show this past weekend. This show is dominated by American cars, but allows entry to all comers.

Many of the people parked by me noted the positive response my Z received. It was the only Z in the show, and even though it's not show quality, plenty of people commented on how nice it was. I even had a few offers to sell, which I turned down.

That was all the proof I needed to show that the Z does have the respect of the hot rodding and classic car community.

[doradox]

Frankly, I think the Z made huge leaps to gain the respect of the hot rodding community. The notion of Asian imports being cheap and ridiculous isn't shared by everyone on this site. In fact, the sheer number of Asian import purchases over the latest decade would suggest otherwise. Why is it that Ford can't figure out how to export their production without showing a huge profit LOSS while a company like Toyota can have their cars built in American and show record profits ?

Anyway, off my soap box... I LOVE to see that a hot rodding company like this is able to take on a Z project and advertise it right along with the other rods. It makes me proud.

A restoration project is the same no matter which way you look at it. All cars require the same attention and love to bring out their glory.

Ford, and the rest of the big three, are saddled with huge labor costs associated with the UAW. Their retirees pensions and health benefits are a huge drain. That's part of the problem. They have several thousand dollars per car they sell going to fulfill those obligations. The UAW is draining the US auto companies dry. That wasn't so bad when we didn't have to compete on a global scale. I know, unions help provide good jobs blah, blah, blah. You can have all the best benefits and pay but if the company you work for can't make a profit because of that "your" job won't last long. Toyota is a non union shop. Union workers are supposed to be the best (that's why they "deserve" such high pay) but if you look at the quality of what comes out of Ford vs.Toyota you sure wouldn't know it.

Steve

[Danglybanger]

Simply, I don't think the US is a manufacturing economy at all, and large scale production of automobiles should be left to foreigners

Of course, then the US auto industry could then use its talent (there is much to be had) to produce specialty cars, which would be worth the price, instead of trying to compete head on with Japan and Europe...

[TomoHawk]

Nope.

You guy are all wrong, IMO. Japanese cars were cheap back then and still ARE. Every one of them. That's why I buy a domestic car. If I didn't get a really good deal on a 280Z and have a new (even more) classic body already for it, I would be driving a Mustang of some era.

Support the economy of your OWN country; if you want a new Japanese car, first move to Japan.

If

[Mike B]

Support the economy of your OWN country; if you want a new Japanese car, first move to Japan.

Are you not aware that a significant number of the Japanese cars and trucks sold in the US are made here by US workers?

-Mike

[Zak's Z]

Support the economy of your OWN country; if you want a new Japanese car, first move to Japan.

If

Hondas are built here in Canada (so are American cars)...so what do I do?? And my (sold it) German BMW was built in the US.

Edited August 27, 2008 by Zak's Z