Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan, Inc.

February 9, 2017 1:34 PM

The members of the Automotive Legacy and Collections Board studied a total of 2234 episodes in the history of Japanese automotive technology...
We are honoured to present the results here:
the 240 Landmarks of Japanese Automotive Technology
posted by timshel (8 comments total)

There aren't enough cars called Cedric these days. Also, squeeeeeeeeeeeeeSubaru 360 K111eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
posted by scruss at 2:26 PM on February 9, 2017

Now THIS is my jam - obscure but essential motoring trivia? And the timeline starts in 1907 for a domestic designed and manufactured automobile named for the rattling sound of it's 1900cc motor? Yessssss.
posted by Slap*Happy at 4:14 PM on February 9, 2017

Very nice.
posted by carping demon at 5:39 PM on February 9, 2017

Kinda surprised that the R series engines from Toyota (save one variant that had special lean burn technology) isn't part of the landmark list. Those things were the workhorses for much of Toyota's production in the 70s and 80s. I loved loved loved the 22R-E; smooth, reliable, great gas mileage. The R motors were probably the closest Japanese analogue for the Chevy small block V8, with how ubiquitous they were.
posted by azpenguin at 6:02 PM on February 9, 2017 [1 favorite]

Also, I really like the alternate-Japanese universe power ratings measured in PS, rather than HP or Watts, and Google will immediately translate PS to HP when asked in the search bar, and KGM rather than ft/lb or Nm. The pre-War world was so wonderfully weird.
posted by Slap*Happy at 8:23 PM on February 9, 2017

Ah the Honda Super Cub bike, AKA the Honda 50. The go-to mode of transport for elderly farmers in Ireland in the 1970s when they wanted to go into town to the pub. Utterly indestructible and extremely economic to run.
posted by GallonOfAlan at 3:49 AM on February 10, 2017

Very cool. Surprised not to see any mention of the Toyota Hilux.
posted by photoslob at 6:42 AM on February 10, 2017 [1 favorite]

It does seem surprising that the Hilux and the 22R aren't on the list in some way. That little Subaru 360 may be the first Subaru I've seen that I didn't think was ugly.
posted by -t at 12:04 PM on February 10, 2017 [1 favorite]