𝑱𝑫𝑴 🇯🇵 𝑷𝒂𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏

Mazda RX-7 FC3S : The Underrated Rotary Legend of the Late ‘80s When you think of iconic JDM sports cars, the Mazda RX-7 often stands tall among giants like the Nissan Skyline GT-R and the Toyota Supra. But nestled between the raw, analog feel of the first-generation RX-7 (SA22C) and the more refined, exotic FD3S, lies a true gem: the Mazda RX-7 FC3S. Produced from 1985 to 1992, the FC3S offered the perfect blend of 1980s turbocharged power, lightweight chassis design, and the unmistakable whine of Mazda’s signature 13B rotary engine. Design and Styling: Inspired by Europe, Built for Japan The second-generation RX-7 marked a departure from the more angular lines of the FB. Mazda took design cues from the Porsche 944, evident in the long hood, pop-up headlights, and flared rear fenders. But the FC3S wasn’t just a copycat — it embodied that unmistakable JDM flair, with aerodynamic enhancements, aggressive stance, and an interior focused on the driver. Pop-up headlights, minimalist cockpi...

Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S: The Rotary Pioneer That Started It All When enthusiasts talk about rotary legends, names like the RX-7 often dominate the conversation. But before those icons roamed the streets and circuits, there was the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S — the car that dared to be different and put Mazda on the map as an engineering innovator. The Birth of a Rotary Dream Unveiled as a prototype at the 1964 Tokyo Motor Show and officially launched in 1967, the Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S holds the distinction of being the world’s first mass-produced car powered by a twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine. While NSU in Germany developed the single-rotor Spider earlier, it was Mazda that took the plunge into twin-rotor tech, a bold move that would define the brand’s identity for decades. Mazda’s engineers spent years refining the rotary engine to address reliability and durability issues that plagued earlier designs. The result? A lightweight, compact powerplant with smooth, high-revving performance — ...

The 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Collector’s Edition marks the final production year of the Lincoln Mark series, which had a long and storied lineage going back to the original 1940 Lincoln Continental. The 1998 Collector’s Edition was a limited and symbolic farewell to this personal luxury coupe that had been a hallmark of Lincoln’s style, innovation, and performance for decades. Historical Context The Lincoln Mark VIII was introduced in 1993 as the successor to the Mark VII. Built on Ford’s FN10 platform, it was part of the Ford Motor Company’s push to offer a more refined, technologically advanced personal luxury coupe. Designed to compete with vehicles like the Cadillac Eldorado and European grand touring coupes, the Mark VIII stood out with its sleek, aerodynamic design, powerful V8 engine, and advanced features. By the late 1990s, however, the market for large two-door personal luxury coupes was waning. SUVs and four-door sedans were dominating, and Ford made the decision to retire the...

1992 Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo Le Mans – A Rare French Icon When you think of early 1990s European sports cars, names like Porsche, Ferrari, and BMW often dominate the conversation. But tucked away in the annals of French automotive history lies a hidden gem that deserves far more attention than it typically gets: the 1992 Renault Alpine GTA V6 Turbo Le Mans. This limited-production model was a swan song for the GTA series and a tribute to Alpine’s proud racing heritage, particularly its legacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A Celebration of Racing Heritage To understand the significance of the Le Mans edition, one must first understand the Alpine brand. Founded in 1955 by Jean Rédélé, Alpine gained fame for lightweight, nimble sports cars and its success in rally and endurance racing. Renault acquired the company in the 1970s, and the Alpine name continued to live on through a series of innovative performance cars. By the 1980s, the GTA (Grand Tourisme Alpine) had become the brand’s ha...

Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (C110) – The Rare “Kenmeri” Legend When it comes to rare JDM legends, few hold the mythical status of the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R C110, lovingly nicknamed the Kenmeri GT-R. Produced for just one year from 1973 to 1974, this coupe wasn’t just a successor—it was a symbol of a bygone era and a pinnacle of Nissan’s motorsport engineering before emissions and fuel crises changed the game. A Brief History of the Kenmeri GT-R The C110 Skyline followed the celebrated “Hakosuka” (C10) generation and was named after a clever marketing campaign in Japan that featured a young couple named Ken and Mary—thus earning the “Kenmeri” moniker. Debuting at the 1972 Tokyo Motor Show, the GT-R version of the C110 was aimed at continuing the racing dominance of its predecessor. However, stricter emission regulations and rising fuel prices cut its production short. Only 197 units of the C110 GT-R were ever made, making it one of the rarest GT-Rs in existence. Sadly, the Kenmeri GT-R ...