5 of the most valuable Japanese cars sold to date

We have all seen prices meteorically rising across several segments of the collector car market, and there’s no better example of that than in the Japanese market. Want proof?

Here are 5 examples that sold for six-plus figures.

1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R

$805,000 (¥88,550,000), Bingo, 2020

A homologation-special variant of the Fairlady Z432, of which only 420 examples were built, had a small fraction of R variants like this one.

According to sources, around 30 and 50 Z432s were modified to create starting points for rally cars. The Z432R dropped considerable weight, nearly 220 pounds lighter than a base Fairlady Z, and became a member of an even more elite production run.

This specific Fairlady is in nearly perfect condition, a rare sight as many were used in rally and destroyed, leading to its particularly high price. 

2000 Subaru Impreza WRC

$865,000 (£610,000), Collecting Cars, 2021

This is the most valuable Subaru in existence. Driven by the late Richard Burns, this Impreza competed in the Tour de Corse, Rallye Sanremo and Network Q Rally of Great Britain during the 2000 WRC season and secured the Network Q Rally overall win.

Right after that win, the Impreza went into collection, preserving the car’s original race state rather than allowing it to be restored to factory condition, with a few areas of visible damage shining through.

All of which adds to the appeal.

1992 AAR/Toyota Eagle Mk III GTP

$1,045,000, Gooding and Company, 2014

Designed and built by the Legendary All-American Racers, the Eagle is not only one of the most dominant prototypes in U.S. racing history, but this particular one has a long win history under its tires. It entered 23 races and secured 14 wins.

The most prominent of them?

The 1992 and 1993 IMSA GTP championship with Juan Manuel Fangio II, along with its 1992 and 1993 12 Hours of Sebring overall wins.

1989 Mazda 767B

$1,750,000, Gooding & Company, 2017

Not only is this Mazda one of just three 767B endurance racers built, but it’s also a two-time factory entrant at Le Mans and a class winner in 1990.

After doing so well during its competitive career, it’s no surprise that this Mazda is eligible for multiple events worldwide, including Le Mans Classic, and has high potential for vintage racing competitions.

This historic example of Mazda’s Group C stands as a well-prepared masterpiece, so its high price is no surprise.

1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT

$2,535,000, Gooding & Company, 2022

While the 1967 Toyota-Shelby 2000 GT wasn’t known for insane power, only around 351 were produced for the Japanese market with right-hand drive. On top of that, due to the higher price in 1976– $7150, or around $67,152 in today’s value–only 62 were sold new in the U.S.

But what made this one worth over $2 million?

Well, this particular Toyota-Shelby was the first produced, chassis No. 10001, as well as one of only three prepared for SCCA C Production duties. This important piece of Toyota history had been used by the Toyota Motor Corporation for promotional duties before being displayed and raced at the 2004 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

It even won first in class at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

These five iconic Japanese cars showcase the incredible value and legacy of Japanese automotive engineering. As prices continue to soar, these vehicles remain a testament to the lasting appeal of classic Japanese models in the collector’s market.

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