Restoration + α restoration drives the old car boom
At Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, many old and famous domestic cars restored and customized by modern technology were lined up (photo by the author).
Domestic sports model vintage cars are popular. In particular, vehicles produced in the late 1960s and 1970s were quite expensive in the used car market for some time, but prices have risen further due to growing global demand. Recently, there are many fans of models from the 1980s to the first half of 2000, including old car enthusiasts from overseas, and the price is still rising. Some popular cars with a good degree cost more than 10 million yen, and some rare cars are sold at a price of over 100 million yen.
Such a trend has spread to the domestic after-parts market, and even at the large-scale exhibition “Tokyo Auto Salon 2022” (January 14-16, 2022, Makuhari Messe, Chiba Prefecture), domestic old cars Many products for the market were exhibited.
In particular, at this event, a large number of vehicles equipped with original parts were exhibited in models such as Nissan Skyline and Fairlady Z, Toyota 2000GT and Celica. is. In each case, not only restoration was done, but customization proposals were made to make the original form more individual.
Here, we will introduce the latest trends in the domestic after-parts market, focusing on products and new services that anticipate business opportunities in the recent domestic old car boom.
Exterior parts of old cars reborn with current technology
Hakosuka where Old Star Motors was open (photo by the author)
First, let’s start with the “Hakosuka” exhibited by Old Star Motors in Hiroshima Prefecture. Hakosuka is Nissan’s third generation “Skyline” released in 1968. Nicknamed for its box-shaped form, it is still synonymous with domestic vintage cars that are supported by many old car enthusiasts.
The body itself looks like it is being restored, and rust and holes can be seen in places (photo by the author).
The exhibited vehicle is a 1972 model, a 2-door hardtop model released at the end of the model. It gained popularity due to its sporty style and high power performance. The exterior is equipped with original carbon parts around the front such as bumpers and bonnets, and the roof, but there are no interiors or doors, and the iron plate of the car body is exposed. It can be said that the body of the so-called Dongara is being restored. Moreover, there is rust on the floor inside the car, and there are even holes in some places. It looks like a vehicle that wasn’t stored very well. It even feels like a waste because it’s a precious model.