Coverage: Mooneyes Street Car Nationals '08

I can't really describe the craziness that is the Mooneyes Street Car Nationals. While most car gatherings have some sort of "theme", it virtually impossible to put a label on the Street Car Nationals.  At the event you can see everything from '32 Fords and Escalades to kei cars and classic Toyota Crowns. I guess you could say the only common theme among the cars is that their style somehow has roots in America.

Mooneyes Japan holds a number of events every year and the Street Car Nationals is probably the biggest and most well attended of them. It is not a new event by any means. 2008 was the 22nd annual edition of the Street Car Nats in Japan. I had been anticipating this event for some time and on Sunday the big event was finally here.

I had seen a lot of pictures from the event in the past, but I was still overwhelmed by the size of the event. I can't think of any other event that such a variety of vehicles and automotive subcultures in one place.

Let's take a look at the show-

Early Crown pick-up with a chopper in the bed. It doesn't get any cooler than that.

Nissan hardbody with an SR20DET swap.

110 Sunny wagon.

Vans never went out of style in Japan.

Mazda Luce, probably the cleanest ever.

'61 Chevy wagon lowrider.

Kei hot rod style.

JDM Del Sol.

The infamous Carina fire wagon.

Beams 3SGE under the bonnet.

Mooneyes' radical Nova drag car.

This Accord wagon was so fresh.

Mopar or no car. '70 Dodge Coronet.

The VW guys were getting in on the fun too.

Dodge van front end conversions from Dream Factory Blow.

Suzuki Lapin's with the Chevy/GMC pickup front end conversion. These are also from Dream Factory Blow.

Beautiful Prince wagon.

Driving this thing on Japanese roads is like trying to drive an aircraft carrier in a swimming pool.

SR20-powered CSP311 Silvia.

I really liked this Chevy Astro. I'm not sure why, but the Astro/Safari is really popular in Japan.

Custom shop Skills had several demo cars on display, including this R34-faced S14 Silvia with crazy bodywork and paint. 

This turbocharged S2000 is Skills flagship democar. Check out the stereo work in the rear.

'32 Ford, the quintessential hot rod.

There were a lot of mini trucks sporting cool engine swaps at the show, like this Toyota...

...with 5 valve 4AGE power.

Mitsubishi Debonair.

Very early Prince/Nissan pick-ups.

The swap meet was a very popular spot for visitors.

Hippest Volvo ever.

It's still 1978.

Putting the plates back on for the drive home.

BRE 510 replica.

Long roof Crown.

What a mid '50s Ford truck should look like.

'Cuda SCCA Trans Am replica.

There were a large a number of late model Mustang's at the event.

Nissan Figaro.

This photo shows just the type of variety found at the Street Car Nats.

All in all it was a fantastic event.

Check out the full gallery with over 300 photos right here.

Comments

[salvation]

Ooo! That looks like a rather cool show, thanks for sharing these images.

[ozymandias]

It's incredible how people of such different tastes can get along in a car show in japan. it's rare to see such variety on overseas shows....

[HoTWire]

I love.

Thanks for going and photographerying and sharing :D

[Dang3R_z_0_n_3]

Fantastic! Thank you for all the time and effort you put into this website. There is no other way for me see coverage of this type--some of the most unique and interesting vehicles I have been exposed to. My deepest appreciation for sharing with others around the world who have similar aesthetics and interest in this car culture. Auto Otaku...best...site...EVAR!

[jae bueno]

Mike, I am sooo envious! Man, what a cool show! Awesome photos as always!

[EJ25RUN]

What is the orange van in the pic?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2172/2448550474_f63d969c85_o.jpg

[Bob]

That looks like a fantastic show. You certainly don't get that much variety stateside(at least from what I've seen). Nice photo's and thanks for sharing!

[WhipDaddy]

Great photo coverage!

[DHUSA Diecast Cars]

those are some nice cars in those pics.

[peliportti.com]

Custom street cars are really normal purchased cars, whatever the brand, which are then customized according to the ‘visions’ of their owners.