KYUSHA CRUSH

Old cars (kyusha in Japanese) have carved out a rather special space within the automotive community. Despite being the earliest generation in a long list of rapid automotive development over the last few decades — which typically means that they’re slower, poorer handling, less reliable, and more dangerous — old cars not only continue to exist today but also to thrive. Why? Automakers don’t make’em like they used to. Back when most of those that can be considered kyusha were designed, it was an analogue world. A designer’s strongest tool was the pencil, and endless sheets of paper were sacrificed in the pursuit of perfection. That physical connection allowed them to craft elegant shapes, perfect flowing lines, and sharp panel terminations that are simply impossible to replicate behind a keyboard. Metal framework and wooden bucks directly influenced styling cues, and panels were stitched together by human hands, not robotic arms repeating precoded instructions.

DRIVELINE

GEARBOX: Five-speed manual

CLUTCH: Exedy

FLYWHEEL: Lightened L20B

DIFF: R160 limited-slip