There’s an intrinsic simplicity to JapShow that we just admire. With just two words, it lays out pretty much all you need to know about the event: if it’s Japanese and has wheels, then it is more than welcome at JapShow. Be it a rusty old Micra, an immaculate MR2, or a saucy Suzuki GSX-R, JapShow’s organisers make it very clear that there’s a place for it here.
Not to be confused with Japfest, JapShow pulled together some of the most impressive cars ever to emerge from the Land of the Rising Sun when it rolled into Santa Pod Raceway on Sunday 10th July.
The event prides itself on having something for everyone, from families to horsepower hungry hardcore fans.
There’s a hushed and easygoing side to the show where visitors can casually browse the paddock, club displays and trade area. But those who live on the louder side are more than catered for with the country’s quickest Japanese cars competing in the Jap and FWD drag series, a public ‘run what ya brung’ open to motorbikes as well as cars, a handling track, and wowsome displays taking in drifting, jet cars and stunts.
No true car show is complete without a ‘show and shine’ and JapShow was no different with a radiant Toyota Supra winning ‘best of show’, due to its high quality workmanship topped off with ‘deep dish’ wheels.
The show and shine top five was completed by a pristine Honda Civic, a carbon-heavy Mitsubishi Evo9, a seemingly box-fresh FTO and a modded Nissan Skyline that had been transformed into a pickup.
Derrick Burgess came away with yet another award, claiming ‘best retro’ for his fully restored Datsun 280ZX, while Brad Rees’ camo green Evo9 Wide Body was the judges’ choice.
Switching our attention to two-wheels for a second, James Phelps’ Kawasaki Z1000 was named ‘best bike’ for its apparently endless touches that rewarded close inspection.
Toyota’s GT86 may not have lived up to sales expectations but this eye-catching example – with bolted panels – is further evidence that the coupe is a future classic.
Wherever there’s a Japanese event, there are bound to be Mazda MX-5s and this gleaming black second-gen model caught our attention. Check out those wheels!
There was this Harley Quinn-inspired original too, just hanging out with a classy-looking Toyota Celica and a lemon-tinged MR2.
Subarus tend to be equally as ubiquitous at Japanese car shows and this line-up of WRX ST is was simply sublime.
It takes all sorts and this hot pink Suzuki Jimny is certainly, erm, different…
With the soft-top peeled back revealing some open-top action, this mini-monster truck features a raised ride and those huge wheels look like they’d crush anything in its path. Whatever you do, don’t call it a Barbiemobile.
If you missed out on July’s JapShow, there will be one last chance to get your fill of Japanese cars before the end of the year with JapShow Finale at the start of October.
Here are few of our favourites from the show:
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