2021 PanAmerican Races- Racing during COVID

The Panamerican Races held every summer at Atco New Jersey has been one of the biggest events that happens in  the northeast. The thrill of seeing the best import cars from Puerto Rico racing against our team USA bringing all enthusiasts together.

This year it was moved to new location Maple Grove Raceway in Pennsylvania.  Atco will not be hosting the event anymore because they sold the racetrack similar to what happen to Englishtown. 

I was really surprised and happy that they had it here. In speaking with a couple of my friends who normally race all say they loved it.  For anyone who has been to Atco will undoubtedly tell you it’s like a freaking desert!  Atco has no trees no shade and don’t get me started about a breeze.  Maple grove raceway had it all, a lot of vendors, bathrooms everywhere and an area for camping with trees. This was a big upgrade for this event. 

It  was a great turnout, I wish more people would have come out but it was a good crowd and  because of the "ronna" its understandable. I was just happy to see people enjoying themselves vendors selling food and friends selling matchbox cars. 

This event to me is about our passion for the culture. Where else can you ask somebody about the car they have and they give you the time to explain and give you advise on a setup they running?  That's what you get at events like these, talking to people that share a passion.

Enjoying Old school imports that are running 6,7,8 seconds is something to see. 

This  event has been my yearly pilgrimage for the last  28 years. I hope our next generation of racers continues to keep this sport alive.  You never know, we might see a future where a Toyota Corolla or a Datsun run 5 seconds with a little help of electrification. 

The skies the limit when it comes to breaking records. That’s the beauty of our sport.  

Classic Import Nation

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240z: The affordable sports car that changed the world.

Sitting at the top of my bucket list is a Datsun 240z, the poor mans jaguar. 

Its design is and always will be timeless, proven by the modern day Z's resemblance. 

The 240 gave exotic looks with a down to earth price in the 1970’s,

listed at a whopping $3,601. In 2021, you need a least 5 grand just to get a rusted out shell. 

The S30 was the first generation Z which became the halo car of Datsun.

The 240 changed the perception of the Japanese econobox to sport car in America.

The 240Z came to our shores with a 2.4L inline six with twin Hitachi Carburetors making 151 

horses. 

The Z from 1970 till 1973 laid the foundation for Datsun/Nissan to be a real contender to the 

likes of 

Alfa Romeo and Porsche. 

Today’s popularity has brought out some dramatic price increases but it’s a good bet that you 

won’t lose any 

money if you happen to own or plan on owning this jewel from the Far East. 

This makes it a true Classic Import for the books. 

The pinnacle of the all 240s is the FugaZ, wielding

an RB-26 powered motor and a touch of today's technology while still maintaining its original 

charm.

1967 Mazda Cosmo

Let's take a closer look at this timeless classic!

1967 Mazda Cosmo

In the world of car guys the Rotary engine lovers aka Rotor Heads think the 1967 Mazda Cosmo is the holy grail of all Mazda’s.  It’s was the first production Mazda with the Rotary engine. The car was named Cosmo during the 60’s race to the moon because Mazda wanted to show the world they weren't a typical car company.

The Cosmo was produced from 1967 to 1972. What is even crazier than it being the first full production rotary car, it was handmade not mass produced and they made only one per day. They only made 1176 Cosmos. Those number make this car  not only a collectible but very rare.

Dimensions:

Wheelbase

2,200 mm (86.6 in)

Length

4,140 mm (163.0 in)

Width

1,595 mm (62.8 in)

Height

1,165 mm (45.9 in)

Curb weight

940 kg (2,072.3 lb)

The curb weight being almost 2100 pounds make this car light compared to what we drive today, also keep in mind that they didn’t have the regulations we have today with all the safety equipment. The 10a was a very capable engine, so this makes this car very capable even with the 110 Hp first generation or 130 hp second generation engine. This car single handedly    started what would be the love of the rotary engine to the masses.

It's finally a classic!

Every year many more vehicles have crossed over to become classics officially qualifying as a classic car.  It is an exciting feeling to finally qualify for classic car insurance and registration plate. To those with a lifelong appreciation and passion for these vehicles means a great deal. 

From the West Coast to the East Coast, Japan to Australia vintage Japanese imports are in a class of their own. It is a culture. Some are thinking how can an "Old Japanese Import" be interesting or a collectible? There answer! VERY SIMPLE to modify and tune. Many companies import Jdm (Japanese Domestic Market) parts which allows for tasteful modifications. Many performance parts as well as engine swaps make these cars appeal to a generation that also enjoys restoring them in their own style. They are also more affordable than a classic american car which can take thousands of dollars to really stand out in the crowd. Taking on a project and making time to restore a Japanese Import makes it a bargain to the regular enthusiast who also ends up turning heads at their local car shows or cruise nights, just like a Camaro or a Lamborghini would. 

Lets not forget! In the Japanese import world, there are also some diamonds in the rough with prices well into the six figures like the timeless Japanese import 1967 Cosmo 110s which stands its ground just like any other exotic car on the scene. Its beauty and performance speaks for itself. Did you know the 1967 Mazda Cosmo was the first production rotary engine car? That year they only made 343. The low numbers for the year make it one of the most desirable cars in the world to collect. Would love to hear what Japanese Import you think is the best investment, please feel free to contact us with your thoughts along with photos of your Japanese Import for a chance to have it featured in one of our upcoming posts! 

 Classic Import Nation
 www.classicimportnation.com