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Prestige Motorsport
Australia’s leading import specialists for used cars
sales@prestigemotorsport.com.au0418 944 253

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Buying Classic Japanese Cars

July 20, 2016Classic cars, General News, GTR, Japan car auctions

Classic Japanese cars have surged in popularity and consequently price in recent years, with a particular jump in prices over the last 12 to 18 months.

The condition of classic cars in Japan like anywhere else obviously varies widely from pristine museum condition to those requiring full restoration (or worse). And of course there are plenty of rusty wrecks popping up on Yahoo Japan and other online sources that are best not touched.

Whether you are after a 70’s Hakosuka Skyline GC10, 80’s Celica, BMW M3, RX-7, Skyline GT-R, Starion, TE27 or AE86 Sprinter, Rover Mini, NSX, Fairlady 240Z, Crown or many other collector models, we can source any Japanese classic you have in mind providing it is eligible for import.

View examples of classic Japanese cars inspected for clients

Restoration work done in Japan can be very good but in general terms is not to the same level of detail as would be expected in Australia, particularly in the areas of rust repair and painting. Some can be done as a home project over a number of years and others by professional restoration companies.

It’s always critical to have someone who knows about restoring old cars run a close eye over them and provide you with enough pictures and information prior to purchase so you can get a good idea of what you’re up for when your classic arrives.

The following 1971 Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT Coupe is a good example of a car that looked good in auction pictures but was quite a different story when we got up close.

1991 Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT Coupe Japanese classic cars

We also have many other examples of very clean and original classic Japanese cars inspected for clients.

We recommend sourcing cars which require minimal work, as donor panels and original replacement parts are now difficult (and expensive) to obtain.

Where to Source Classic Japanese Cars ?

We source classic cars from either Japanese Dealers or directly from auction. The prices for Dealer cars tend to be a lot higher than auction but generally more background information will be available and the cars are ready to buy at a set price. Auction can achieve much better prices but there is some time and effort required in waiting for the right vehicle.

There is still a good selection of Japanese classics coming through the large car auctions across Japan.  To see what has been available for any model over the last 3 months and typical prices you can use the Past auction date on our Japanese Car Auction page.

Simply change the auction date to Today or Tomorrow to view upcoming vehicles. To make it even easier, you can free trial our auction alert email system, this will send all matching cars of interest to you daily.

In addition to auction, due to the increased demand for Japanese classic cars we have started to focus more on selected dealers that specialise in the classics.

Listed below are links to sites for dealers that sell top-quality classic vehicles and some that specialise in GT-R’s. We consider the first one, Rocky Auto, as the best choice in the whole of Japan for classic Japanese cars.

Our contacts have bought from these dealers in the past and can vouch for the quality of vehicles, but in saying that we are not talking auction prices either, as these are generally only the very best examples.

If you find a vehicle of interest please email through the link, we can work out an approximate total price for you if the dealer sale price is displayed, or contact the dealer to find out the price for you.

Please note that communicating with Japanese dealers generally takes more time, effort, patience and cost than buying from auction.

Rocky Auto

Japan Vintage

Takeey’s

Global Auto Osaka

Best-R

Our Past Client Inspections page is filled with examples of vehicles we have inspected for clients. You can browse actual pictures taken at auction and see the service we provide.

We only source the best vehicles with genuine kms. Read about our Genuine Mileage Promise.

AE86BMW M3Celicaclassic carsGT-Rjapanese classic carsKGC10KPGC10porschestariontrueno
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Testimonial
More from other clients
  • 2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater front

    Just a follow up email about the black 2003 petrol Delica that I purchased at auction in late January with your service.

    View more details and pictures for this 2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater

    The car was complied and on the road by April and it is turning out to be a great car and in excellent condition for its age and kms. There are a few mechanical issues that I am in the process of having sorted out, nothing major and to be expected for a 13 year old car. I was also very happy with the compliance workshop and Customs agent you recommended.

    Thank you.

    2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater rear
    2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater interior
    2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater engine bay


    2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater front
    2003 Mitsubishi Delica PD6W Chamonix 7-seater ~ Jeff W, Melbourne
Prestige Motorsport
About Us
We source & ship cars to Australia, NZ, UK, Canada, USA, Europe, Asia & more.
Higher spec, better condition, lower km, classic, track, project or just cheaper.
As a licensed vehicle Import Agent we are on YOUR side at all times.
Contact Us
  • 0418 944 253
  • sales@prestigemotorsport.com.au
  • prestigemotorsport.com.au
Main Menu
  • Prestige Motorsport Japanese Car Imports
  • What We Do
  • Auctions
    • Japan Car Auction Search
    • Set Up FREE Auction Alerts
    • How to Check Auction Sale Prices
    • How to Buy from Auction
    • How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet
    • Prepare to Bid at Auction
  • Example Vehicles
    • Past Client Inspections
    • Past Auction Sales
    • About the Examples
  • Cost Calc
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ
    • Full FAQ or select below
    • How Direct Car Import Works
    • Aust Vehicle Import Rules
      • Current & New Regulations
      • New 25 Year Import Rule
      • Import R35 GTR to Aust
    • Popular Import Models
      • Mazda RX-7
      • Mitsubishi Delica D5
      • Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 8
      • Nissan Cube Z11
      • Nissan Cube Z12
      • Nissan Elgrand E52
      • Nissan Leaf
      • Nissan Skyline Crossover
      • Nissan Skyline R32 GTR
      • Nissan Skyline R34 GTR
      • Nissan V36 Skyline
      • Toyota Alphard Welcab 10 & 20 Series
      • Toyota Alphard Hybrid 20 Series
      • Toyota Alphard & Vellfire Hybrid 30 Series
      • Toyota Alphard & Vellfire Welcab 30 Series
      • Toyota Crown S20 & S21
      • Toyota Estima
      • Toyota Harrier Hybrid
      • Toyota Hiace
      • Toyota Mark X
      • Toyota Vellfire Hybrid 20 Series
    • Import Service Cost
    • Why Use a Car Import Agent ?
    • Genuine Mileage Promise
    • Japan Odometer Check
    • Car Valuations
    • Japanese Car Specifications
  • Blog
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