Tokyo 2009: Where's the history?
by Jonathon Ramsey on Oct 23rd 2009 at 10:59AM 
Historic cars of Tokyo -- Click above for high-res image gallery
We were frankly astounded that the prospect of a gutted Tokyo Motor Show didn't get any maker, save one, to trot out some of their historical home runs. Even if they didn't want to go in for a nostalgia-fest, a few brands could have at least peppered the show with some of Japan's seminal machinery. After all, if you're not going to give us anything really new and exciting, you could at least let us have some fun with the past.
But no. The only historic machine at an automaker's booth was a vintage Suzuki Alto near the new Alto Concept. Otherwise, nada. The other vintage machinery – a 1917 Mitsubishi A, a Toyota GT HYBD (a Sports 800 gas-turbine hybrid), and a Honda Accord CVCC – were in the "motor lounge" seating area. A big, fat raspberry is all we have to say to that. So for your viewing pleasure, feast your eyes on the historic cars of the Tokyo Motor Show in the high-res gallery below. All four of them.
Gallery: Tokyo 2009: The Historics
Photos copyright ©2009 Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill 11:14AM (10/23/2009)
mmm, loves me some old-school Honda.
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Mayoman 11:19AM (10/23/2009)
Fender mounted mirrors just look so cool.
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JSams4131 11:26AM (10/23/2009)
Where's the history? Why, its right there...all four of em. what that all they had at the show?
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zamafir 11:29AM (10/23/2009)
lame, not even a 2000GT?
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Nateb123 12:46PM (10/23/2009)
Why was the RX-500 not mentioned? How does that not count?
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SNIFFDAR 1:12PM (10/23/2009)
I was thinking the same thing, since they ran an article on it. Must be Friday, with nothing really to write about...
Random Gearhead 1:02PM (10/23/2009)
Whether this was intentional or not, I like the message that the JDM OEMs are focused on the future. Their history inspires new concepts (Honda Cub, for example) but it doesn't mean that they have to dwell in it.
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nagmashot 4:45AM (10/24/2009)
funny that Japanese car history starts with a Fiat Tipo 3 :)
The Mitsubishi A was the first prodcution car in japan and was based on the italian Fiat Tipo 3
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