Japan’s automotive scene is known for precision engineering, motorsport lineage, and a relentless pursuit of performance innovation. Yet, beyond icons like the Skyline GT-R or the Supra, there exist ultra-rare variants or limited-production models that capture the pinnacle of Japanese design. Below, we explore 15 of the Rarest Japanese Cars, examining how they were crafted, their history, specifications, production runs, rarity, and what happened—including where to see them today. From 1960s race-homologations to modern hypercars, these vehicles underscore Japan’s capacity for producing collectible masterworks cherished by enthusiasts worldwide.

 

1. 1964 Prince Skyline GT S54 (Racing Version)

Crafting and Making

• Related Keyword: Pre-Nissan Prince lineage

• Microsemantic Keyword: Inline-six motorsport heritage

• History: Prince Motor Company raced the S54 Skyline against Porsche at the 1964 Japan GP, marking Japan’s rising motorsport ambitions.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L G7 inline-six, ~125 hp in factory tune, higher in race trim.

• Production: Prince produced a small run of S54-based race models, overshadowed once Nissan absorbed Prince in 1966.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Early Japanese GT racing

Conclusion

• What Happened: Survivors are seldom seen, often in private collections or Nissan’s heritage fleet.

• Where to Show: Occasionally displayed at Nissan Heritage events or specialized Japanese car festivals.

 

2. 1967 Toyota 2000GT

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: Toyota’s first supercar

• History: Jointly developed by Toyota and Yamaha, the 2000GT dazzled the global automotive scene with refined styling and advanced engineering.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L DOHC inline-six (~150 hp).

• Production: Only 351 built, with many variations in color and trim.

• Jargon Keyword: DOHC sports coupe

Conclusion

• What Happened: Known for cameo in a Bond film (“You Only Live Twice” convertible). Values have soared over the years.

• Where to Show: High-end auctions, Toyota Museum, or exclusive Japanese classic car meets.

 

3. 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z 432R (PS30)

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: S20 engine from the Skyline GT-R

• History: Nissan fitted the race-bred S20 inline-six into the Fairlady Z, creating the track-focused 432R (“4 valves, 3 carburetors, 2 cams”).

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L S20, ~160–170 hp.

• Production: Fewer than 50 built, primarily sold in Japan for private racing or hardcore enthusiasts.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Lightweight homologation

Conclusion

• What Happened: Extremely sought after, with original 432R fetching large sums at specialized JDM auctions.

• Where to Show: Occasionally surfaces at Z-focused car shows or Nissan’s heritage exhibits.

 

4. 1972 Mazda Cosmo Sport L10B (Series II)

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: Early Wankel rotary pioneer

• History: The Cosmo Sport was Mazda’s pioneering rotary sports car, evolving into the L10B with improved output and reliability.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 10A twin-rotor (~130 hp in the L10B).

• Production: Under 1,200 total Cosmo Sports; the Series II portion was even smaller.

• Jargon Keyword: Wankel rotary engine

Conclusion

• What Happened: Rotary enthusiasts revere these for their historical significance.

• Where to Show: Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, specialized rotary gatherings, or classic Japanese auctions.

 

5. 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R “Kenmeri” (KPGC110)

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: The second-generation GT-R

• History: Nicknamed “Kenmeri” after a popular TV ad featuring a couple named Ken and Mary, only a few KPGC110 GT-Rs were built before Nissan ended GT-R production due to emissions regulations.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L S20 inline-six (~160 hp).

• Production: Officially ~197 units, though numbers vary.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Emissions-choked demise

Conclusion

• What Happened: Quickly discontinued, the Kenmeri GT-R is among the hardest vintage Skylines to find.

• Where to Show: Rare appearances at top-tier Skyline events or Nissan’s Zama storage facility.

 

6. 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R (HR31)

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: R31 Skyline homologation

• History: Before the iconic R32 GT-R, Nissan homologated the HR31 GTS-R for Group A racing, featuring the RB20DET-R engine.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L turbocharged RB20DET-R (~210 hp).

• Production: ~800 units, strictly for Group A homologation.

• Jargon Keyword: Group A spec turbo

Conclusion

• What Happened: Overshadowed by the R32 GT-R’s success, GTS-Rs remain a connoisseur’s choice for R31 fans.

• Where to Show: Skyline gatherings in Japan or specialized JDM expos.

 

7. 1994 Toyota Supra TRD 3000GT

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: Factory widebody kit

• History: TRD created the 3000GT package as a widebody homologation special for JGTC racing, offering aerodynamic enhancements over the standard Supra.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2JZ-GTE 3.0L twin-turbo (~320+ hp).

• Production: The official TRD 3000GT body kit was limited; only a small run of completed cars exist.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: JGTC aerodynamic

Conclusion

• What Happened: Surviving official TRD builds fetch high prices among Supra collectors.

• Where to Show: Supra specialist meets, Toyota-oriented festivals, or top-tier JDM auctions.

 

8. 1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R (R33)

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: NISMO-developed super Skyline

• History: The 400R was NISMO’s ultimate R33 GT-R, boasting extensive engine mods derived from Nissan’s Le Mans program.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: “RBX-GT2” 2.8L twin-turbo (~400 hp).

• Production: ~44 units built, each wearing unique 400R aero and chassis parts.

• Jargon Keyword: RBX 2.8 stroker kit

Conclusion

• What Happened: Highly collectible, recognized as one of the rarest official Skyline GT-R variants.

• Where to Show: Nissan Skyline events or JDM car gatherings in Japan.

 

9. 1998 Nissan R390 GT1 Road Car

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: Le Mans homologation special

• History: Nissan built the R390 GT1 race car for Le Mans, needing at least one road-legal example. Some sources suggest two road chassis exist.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo V8 (~550 hp), mid-mounted.

• Production: Possibly just 1–2 road cars, making it the rarest Nissan supercar.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: GT1-era homologation

Conclusion

• What Happened: One example believed to reside in Nissan’s Zama facility; rarely displayed.

• Where to Show: Special manufacturer exhibitions or invitation-only Nissan heritage tours.

 

10. 2002 Honda NSX-R GT (NA2)

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: Ultimate NSX variant

• History: Honda produced five NSX-R GT units to meet Super GT homologation rules, featuring a long-tail style scoop and other radical aero improvements.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 3.2L V6 VTEC (~280 hp) in official specs, with considerable weight reduction.

• Production: Limited to 5 units, each rumored sold to select VIP owners.

• Jargon Keyword: Super GT aero package

Conclusion

• What Happened: Rarely seen in public, with limited info on each.

• Where to Show: Occasionally rumored at exclusive Honda gatherings or secret track events.

 

11. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX MR FQ-400 (UK Spec)

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: Factory tuner special

• History: Mitsubishi UK partnered with tuners to create the FQ series, culminating in the FQ-400 Evo IX. With ~400 hp, it dominated 0-60 mph sprints.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L 4G63 inline-four, ~405 hp in FQ-400 trim.

• Production: Double-digit production primarily for the UK market.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Factory tuner collaboration

Conclusion

• What Happened: Sought after by Evo enthusiasts; rarely exported outside the UK.

• Where to Show: British or Japanese performance car meets.

 

12. 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C Type RA-R

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: Hardcore STi variant

• History: Subaru’s RA-R was a domestic Japan exclusive, shaving weight and adding tighter suspension for rally-inspired performance.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: EJ20 turbo (~320 hp), top-tier STi spec.

• Production: ~300 units, focusing on track or rally usage.

• Jargon Keyword: EJ-series boxer engine

Conclusion

• What Happened: Highly prized by Subaru rally fans, seldom found outside Japan.

• Where to Show: JDM-specific gatherings, Subaru fan festivals, or private STi clubs.

 

13. 2012 Lexus LFA Nürburgring Package

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: Carbon-fiber monocoque supercar

• History: The standard LFA was already a sensation. Lexus built 50 Nürburgring Package cars with added aero and an output bump.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 4.8L V10 (~562 hp), F1-like exhaust note.

• Production: Total 500 LFAs; 50 with Nürburgring Package.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Advanced composite construction

Conclusion

• What Happened: Known for exquisite craftsmanship and unique sound; revered among modern supercars.

• Where to Show: High-profile supercar meets or Lexus brand showcases.

 

14. 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign

Crafting and Making

• Lexical Keyword: 50th-anniversary GT-R collaboration

• History: Nissan teamed with Italdesign to celebrate 50 years of GT-R, unveiling a bespoke body, advanced aero, and 720 hp under the hood.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 3.8L twin-turbo VR38DETT (~720 hp).

• Production: 50 units, each built to individual customer specs.

• Jargon Keyword: Italdesign bodywork

Conclusion

• What Happened: Sold to select buyers at ~$1 million each.

• Where to Show: Rare supercar events, Nissan GT-R anniversary gatherings.

 

15. 2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition

Crafting and Making

• Microsemantic Keyword: End of Evo era

• History: As Mitsubishi phased out the Lancer Evolution line, a Final Edition was released with performance tweaks and unique numbering.

Specifications, Production, and Rarity

• Engine: 2.0L 4B11T turbo inline-four (~300 hp).

• Production: ~1,000 units in certain markets, capping the Evo’s iconic run.

• Macrosemantic Keyword: Swan song sports sedan

Conclusion

• What Happened: Final Editions sold out quickly, marking the end of Mitsubishi’s famed rally lineage.

• Where to Show: Enthusiast clubs, tuner events, or modern JDM exhibitions.

 

Crafting, Making, and Japan’s Rare Car Legacy

From Prince’s pioneering Skyline to modern Nissan-Italdesign collabs, these 15 rarities exemplify Japan’s boundless approach to performance engineering, racing pedigree, and collector appeal. Limited runs, advanced technology, and a passion for pushing boundaries define why these cars remain highly sought-after in the global collector car scene.

 

Rarity: The Unifying Factors

1. Homologation Specials: Many models, such as the Fairlady Z 432R or Skyline GTS-R, served race or rally needs.

2. Luxury Performance: The LFA Nürburgring or GT-R50 represent cutting-edge craftsmanship and exclusivity.

3. Limited-Volume Strategy: Emissions, cost, or brand strategy often restricted production, driving scarcity and fueling collector demand.

 

Conclusion: Where Can Enthusiasts See These Gems?

• Concours and JDM Festivals: Iconic gatherings like Tokyo Auto Salon, Osaka Auto Messe, or specialized JDM meets frequently feature these rarities.

• Manufacturer Museums: Nissan’s Zama facility, Toyota’s Mega Web, Mazda’s Hiroshima Museum, Honda Collection Hall—each displays select heritage models.

• Private Auctions and Collectors: High-profile auction houses in Japan or global sites occasionally list these iconic Japanese cars.

• Motorsport Events: Some owners take them to track days or demonstration laps, celebrating the speed and sound of these unique machines.

Whether it’s the vintage Prince Skyline that challenged European rivals, the Toyota 2000GT that introduced Japanese exotics to the West, or the modern GT-R50 that redefines an icon, each of these 15 Rare Japanese Cars underscores the nation’s relentless pursuit of innovation, passion, and engineering excellence—all within the realm of limited production.