Remembering Japanese cars from the past

Tag: advertisement (Page 10 of 17)

Commerical time: Toyota Tarago, a real winner!

Back in 1987 when I visited my uncle in Australia he moved us around the Brisbane area in his Toyota Tarago before my parents rented a Holden Commodore VK. I thought the Tarago was much cooler to drive around than the Commodore: it had more room, better view, turnaround seats and most importantly aircon!

So I kind of liked this Australian Tarago commercial:

Funny thing is that according to this ad the bumpers passed the US safety regulations. Apparently the Australians really liked that big fat lip under the face of the Tarago. Personally I preferred the JDM/EU face with Carina-like headlights and plastic bumpers:
EUDM Toyota Van (MasterAce/Tarago)
EUDM Toyota Van (MasterAce/Tarago)

When I spotted a Toyota Van for sale earlier this year I was very tempted. I could constrain myself and someone else walked away with it. I met the lucky owner on the Japan Classic Sunday this summer and he takes really good care of the van!

And here is another Australian ad:

Is it a bullet? Is it a train? No! It is Tarago!

Commerical time: 1977 Isuzu Gemini

We all know the first generation Isuzu Gemini was based upon the Opel Kadett C (third generation), but what I didn’t know was that Isuzu actually upgraded its specs to Japanese standard:

Yes, that’s a Kadett C with not only headlight washers but actually double headlight washers! Now that’s something you can misuse to squirt on girls! :D

Isuzu also prolonged the Gemini beyond the FWD Kadett D by giving it a mild facelift. To prove they did a great job on that they launched this comparison commercial:

Now if it also could also fly as good as the Space Shuttle it would be even better than the 1982 Pontiac Trans Am. :P

Commerical time: Mazda Chantez, Chantez, Lalalalalaaa

Back in 1961 everybody loved the good old Mazda Carol P360: it was small, lights and the first four passenger car made by Mazda! What better replacement could be expected than the 1972 Mazda Chantez?

Still powered by the 359 two cylinder two-stroke engine and its mighty 35hp this ultralight RWD rocket must have been a hoot to drive! ;)

Now if only that song could have been a different one!
Chantez, chantez, lalalalalaaa! Chantez, chantez, lalalalalaaa!
I think it is in my head now… :(

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