Automotive Treasures From Japanese Microcars to Rotary RX-7s and Classic Ferraris
March 24, 2025
Exploring Japan’s WAZUKA Microcar Museum
In a quiet corner of Wakayama, Japan, Kaoru Hasegawa has turned his passion for microcars into the WAZUKA Microcar Museum. Sparked by social media inquiries and the lack of a dedicated microcar museum, Hasegawa-san scoured the country for the rarest, most original examples he could find.
Housed in a modest terraced house, the museum is a treasure trove of quirky vehicles, each with its own unique story. Hasegawa-san regularly hosts microcar gatherings, inviting fellow enthusiasts like Sinchirou Kubo with his Morgan-like BUBU 505C, Kai Kuramochi and his stretched Casalini Sulky, and Takayuki Teramura, whose slammed Casalini Sulky is a testament to low-riding dedication. Together, they bring intrigue and amusement wherever they go, proving that automotive excitement doesn’t always require high horsepower or exotic brands. Hasegawa-san’s goal is to share the history of the microcar with the world, continuing his search for hidden gems and preserving them for future generations.
10-Year Throwback: For The Love Of Rotary
Car Shop Glow’s FD3S Mazda RX-7 is a standout in Japan’s tuned car scene, a machine that has evolved over years of time attack competition. Originally a street car, this RX-7 has been transformed into a 56-second Tsukuba Circuit weapon by Car Shop Glow’s owner, Yukimitsu Hara.
Despite CSG’s primary focus on automotive LED solutions, Hara’s passion for time attack led to extensive modifications, including a widebody kit, aggressive aero, and a potent 530hp 13B rotary engine built by Zest Racing. The car boasts a meticulously crafted interior with a custom roll cage and carbon fiber panels, blending track-focused performance with remnants of its streetcar past.
Hara’s dedication to pushing the RX-7’s limits is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Wankel engine and the grassroots spirit of Japanese time attack. As long as enthusiasts like Hara continue to refine and develop these classic machines, the RX-7 will continue to shine as a symbol of performance and innovation.
Daytona Vice
The Ship of Theseus paradox asks if an object remains the same when all its parts are replaced. This question lingers, especially when applied to iconic cars like the Ferrari Daytona, a machine born from victory, rebellion, and an era of audacious flair. To erase imperfections, as is often done in over-restorations, is to erase the proof that the car had ever lived its own story.
Camillo Mekacher-Vogel faced this dilemma with his rare Fly Yellow Daytona Spyder. Instead of a flawless restoration, he embarked on a quest to preserve its originality, maintaining every possible component, factory flaws and all. This meant carefully cleaning the engine bay instead of refinishing it and keeping the original dashboard intact.
The result was a Daytona that didn’t just win at the prestigious Cavallino Classic, it dominated, earning Platinum, Best in Class, and Gentlemen’s Choice awards. This Daytona stood out among flawless restorations because it wore its history. Ultimately, the Daytona, like any great car, isn’t just valuable because of what it is, but because of what it represents: a defiance of time. Its true worth lies in the stories it collects, the people it carries, the roads it has seen, and the moments it endures, transforming it into a time machine.
You don‘t need to travel to Thailand for this White Lotus season
Lotus ignited the small-but-mighty motoring category in 1997 with the launch of the Elise. Staying true to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of “Simplify, then add lightness,” the Elise S1, weighing a mere 725 kilograms, emphasized agility and responsiveness.
Powered by a 1.8-litre K-Series engine, the Elise S1 revolutionized the sports car market with its lightness and innovative design. With only 8,613 examples produced, well-maintained models like this one are becoming certified future classics. This particular 27-year-old Elise, finished in a striking White over Black, stands out for its excellent mechanical and aesthetic condition, making it a sound investment for any classic car enthusiast.
This factory-mileage Porsche 964 Turbo WLS is a breath of minty-fresh air
The Porsche 964 Turbo WLS, draped in a vibrant Mint Green, is a bold statement from the 1990s, embodying the era’s daring color choices. This particular model is not just about looks; it’s a rare gem, boasting the coveted X33 “Werksleistungssteigerung” package that elevates its 3.3-liter turbocharged flat-six to a formidable 355 horsepower.
This upgrade turns an already potent machine into a beast, surpassing even the infamous 930 Turbo in power. The intimidation factor is real, further compounded by its showroom condition with just over 300 km on the clock, enhanced by a recent restoration. While the later 993 Turbo offered improved handling, this 964 Turbo WLS remains the last of the “widowmakers,” an ultimate prize for collectors who appreciate Porsche’s rawest, most challenging creations.
This June will see celebrations of motoring excellence return to Sweden
Following its successful debut, the Aurora Concours is set to return to Sweden’s Båstad region this June, promising an even grander celebration of automotive excellence. The event, held from June 27th to 29th at Norrviken Gardens, will showcase a curated selection of over 60 classic cars, future classics, and hypercars, all vying for top honors in a Concours judged by industry experts.
Building on last year’s highlights, which included world premieres and Scandinavian reveals from brands like Koenigsegg, BMW, and Rolls-Royce, the 2025 edition will feature a special display of BMW Art Cars, showcasing the marque’s commitment to art and design. Beyond the Concours competition, attendees can expect a blend of Swedish hospitality, including live music, gourmet cuisine, panel discussions, and a scenic Tour d’Elegance through the breathtaking Nordic landscape. For those seeking a unique automotive experience, the Aurora Concours offers a refined and unforgettable escape, but tickets are going fast.