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The
11th Tokyo Motor Show (1964
. 9/26 - 10/9)
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The 11th Tokyo Motor Show Poster |
Prior to the expected liberalization of passenger car
imports in the following year, three foreign automakers
participated in the Show. Taking this opportunity to move
toward an international show, the name, Zen Nihon Jidosha
Show (All Japan Motor Show) was changed to "Tokyo Motor
Show." Also a "Press Room" was provided.
Every booth was full of international mood. Conspicuous
was an emphasis on the small cars (700-1500cc) expected
to compete against foreign cars. In this segment, the
Bluebird and the Corona had been strong rivals in the
socalled "BC War" and had played a leading role in Japan
s motorization in the early 60s. This Corona, the third
generation RT 40, made its debut to compete with the Bluebird.
Toyota equipped the Crown Eight with a V8 engine to contend
with foreign cars, while Isuzu Bellet 1300 and 1500 Coupe
& GT, and the 6cylinder Skyline GT long-nosed "sheep skinned
wolf" were attracting attention. Other models that made
their debut included Hino Contessa 1300, Bluebird 2-doorsedan,
Mazda Familia 800, Publica Sports, and Datsun Coupe (Silvia).
Most Japanese passenger cars had been 4 door sedans. However,
quite a few variations named Coupe or GT appeared as production
models beginning with this Show. They helped arouse public
interest in domestic vehicles, and may be called a characteristic
of this Show. Technological progress was great, as seen
by the number of clutchless transmissions; service-free
systems; and higher performance. As for styling, the fruits
of aerodynamic research became evident, and the cars were
equivalent to overseas counterparts.
In the foreign car division, displays included the Triumph
series (UK), Jeep Wagoneer (US) developed from the Jeep,
a masterpiece produced by WWII, and the 4 wheel-drive
Huflinger (Austria), creating a slightly international
mood.
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