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Tokyo Motor Show History
Previous Page The 11th Tokyo Motor Show (1964 . 9/26 - 10/9)
Poster
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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