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The same weekend that JCCS took place in Long Beach (USA) another well known and equally impressive show was unfolding on the other side of the globe in the UK. Known to the locals as JAE, the Japanese Auto Extravaganza the type of show that many from across Europe to both display their cars and take in the sites some of the best examples that are in attendance. I have known about this event for several years now and it was indeed an opportunity to have Mark van der Velden cover this event for us.

JAE is one of those things I look forward to every year.

First off, the significance of JAE should be explained. It is the biggest annual European Japanese static car show. A static car show means that there is no racing and people attend to just watching cars and have a great time. In fact, it is one of the most relaxed car events I have ever attended.

There is a big variety of cars, many of which are rare cars, we almost never see in the Netherlands in mass as they are lined up in large numbers. It is a family event so you see a real genuine mixture of car fanatics. There are little children walking around with their parents, all enjoying the cars. This was strange to me at first but in the Netherlands the car scene is also changing from the Tupperware cars to a mixture of truly good show cars and race minded track cars. Despite JAE is mostly a car show, those track cars in attendance tend to be stripped out hard core race cars, which always get my full attention.

JAE is a 3-day event meaning the car owners are camping near their cars and at night, the stories come. This year some of us decided to go a day earlier than we normally do. Because of this, we had some extra time to meet some other car fanatics in a bar nearby the hotel. That was a great night of beers, relaxing atmosphere, and just a great beginning of this weekend.

This year JAE was held in Kettering ( United Kingdom) for the third time. I have gone the past two years with my Sunny, which has been parted out by now, and wanted to take the S12 Grand Prix to the car show but due to engine problems, I couldn’t make it with her. Lucky for me, there were two other S12’s at the event. One of them is of my buddy Sjef (Sjevvspeed on youtube). He owns the Luftwaffe grey-blue S12. He is a great guy to drink some beer with and very knowledgeable about cars in general, specifically the S12 Silvia. We also met another S12 owner from the UK. This was his fourth S12 and he still loves them. Both he and his girlfriend were great people.

I had a great time at JAE Kettering 2011 and next year there should be one more S12 at the Dutch Nissanclub’s stand. I am also trying to get some more UK S12 members to go the event. If a Dutch S12 survives the trip, UK S12’s should have no problem to get there… and back. Here’s to 2012 JAE and to all the crazy fun there will be. – Mark
For more pictures and information, check out the following links:

For more pictures from the meet, check out the thread in our Community thread…

Nissan Guys at JAE – Facebook group

JAE: Japanese Auto Extravaganza – Official Facebook group

For this portion of our JCCS coverage, Jason Arroyo of Club-S12.org collaborated with S12Silvia.com’s Colin Masterson to share their thoughts and the progression of this iconic car show and of the S12’s featured in it.

Colin: This year was a pretty good year. The turnout in general was quite impressive. What did you think of it?

Jason: I was glad to see some of my favorites return, but I see that some really amazing cars were brought to the show for the first time too. How many was it this year?

Colin: From what I recall, the number of cars registered was just shy of 400, which is a bit amazing considering where they were all parked. The park seems small on the onset but can hold quite a bit. And out of those 400 registered, ten S12s were present. Not a bad number considering. It was more than the AE86 interestingly enough, which only had eight present.

Jason: Now that you mention it, I also noticed that the 510′s were in short supply this year. Last year they were out in force. That’s too bad because usually the 510 owners have lots of interesting swaps in their cars, and they put a lot of effort into detail work.

Colin: I wasn’t aware that the 510s dropped in numbers so much. What I did notice was that the classic Z’s were everywhere. I do know that the Nissan/Datsun brand most definitely dominated the show this year.

Jason: Yep. We were large and in charge.

Colin: As for dominating, being last year’s placements as well, the S12s and the lone S110 that dominated the podium for the 80′s Datsun category were again placed this year. Unfortunate as it is, I do not recall hearing any Z31s taking the podium either. Do you think this could be a sign?

Jason: I do, actually. Two years ago, it was ONE car. Last year had a nice turnout of S12′s, prompting them to create an actual “200SX” section and win us a much better spot along the waterfront. I think we gave them what they were hoping for, which was a great lineup of 200SX’s. Sure, all but one were S12′s, but I tend to think the S12 has fleshed out a better niche than S110′s have on the whole. And we had great neighbors next to us, because the Datsun roadsters were ranked to our side. Lots of beautiful cars there.

Colin: I know! We were across from some Gonzo VIP styled cars, which always get people, and the Roadsters, but there was a lot of attention drawn to the S12 lineup. I would say four S12s in particular caught the public’s eye… but would you attribute the attention to the natural movement of the crowd or because the S12 section actually drew interest in a similar fashion that the other traditionally popular chassis usually do?

Jason: I think there is actually a new interest in the S12. In the oldschool Japanese car world it’s becoming something of a novelty, but in addition, it seems that people like it for its fresh approach. The AE86 is old news as the years pass, and our cars aren’t. We’re a new opportunity for people who want to try something different but still maintain a certain 80′s Japanese sports look and feel. And we’d seen most of that day’s AE86 offerings before in previous shows and magazine fanfare, whereas we brought new cars this year to our section at JCCS. Definitely a fresh view for people at the show.

Colin: Yes, we did have new cars, and I read elsewhere that people commented on how “cherry” the lineup was overall. I’m sure that seeing nine S12s in fine form and well presented is something different. Despite half the cars being new and half being the same as last year, I don’t recall hearing anyone saying anything on the level like, “Oh same as last year.” They seemed genuinely impressed. It was either that or maybe because we had such a good spot. I know one of the models wanted us to leave so she could park her RX-8 where we were for some pictures of her own.

Jason: I think it was a bit of both, and I thank the JCCS committee for giving us a great spot this year. I was told that they try to mix it up a bit each year, but here’s to hoping we get back to the water’s edge again next year. So what did you think of the vintage motorcycles?

Colin: I am not much of a bike person to be honest but there was one that really struck me. The one on the wood pallet, low slung, and was very angular… I appreciated that one a bit.

Jason: Ahhh yes, the steampunk styled bike, with the headlight set underneath the frame. That was pretty bad-ass. I got a kick out of the “Motocompo” mini bike from the 80′s…. something probably sold in Japan but not here. Looked like it folded up neatly into a little box.

Colin: Oh that bike. Yeah, that was a kick. I wouldn’t mind playing with that as a pit bike for sure. Would make life easier getting around. But yeah, the “steampunk” styled bike, not surprising that I was drawn to that. To be honest, although I had more time to walk around this year than last, I still didn’t walk around enough. I am usually stuck talking to people.

Jason: I had the same problem, actually. I went to get food and one of our guys was sitting with my car. I get back, and he said people were asking him a bunch of questions about my car. That’s the drawback to bringing a car people are interested in. People like you and I are torn between wanting to go look at all the other rides and answering questions. What did you think of the Honda turnout? I was actually impressed. Especially with one black Integra, very clean… all the body lines miraculously lined up flawlessly.

Colin: Funny you mentioned the first gen Integras. A friend of mine back in middle school “found” me by my car after all these years and we got to talking. I ended up going to check out the first gen Integras since he has one. He showed me the line of them and I have to say, that black one was quite impressive.

Jason: It was, wasn’t it!

Colin: It has quite a bit of rare imported stuff. My buddy gave me the run down and apparently it has been featured in magazines in the past. There weren’t many Hondas at the show. Besides being dominated by the Nissan/Datsun brand, the second largest at the show was Toyota. Another thing I noticed is that the RWD chassis dominated. In the current automotive environment that favours FWD and automatic, it seems that events such as these RWD and manuals dominate.

Jason: And to reiterate what you said earlier, the Nissans did indeed dominate. Everywhere you turned, there was a Z, or one of our S12′s, or a Datsun roadster. But there were still the favorites like the oldschool Celicas, and some of the older VIP cars. And of course, Mazda once again brought us their wonderful 80′s GT car lineup, which is always great to see. On another note, for the vintage wheel fans out there, we saw some amazing examples of vintage wheels. I spotted a pristine set of Techno Phantoms on a Celica.

Colin: I saw a set of old school Mugen CF-48 wheels on one of the first gen Integras. I wasn’t even aware that Mugen made wheels. That’s one thing I love – looking at the coverage of JCCS after the event. Seeing the collection of wheels people took photos of. I would say that for vintage or old school rims, this is the event to see the largest selection. I see lots of rims but they are all of a modern style, and to see so many people keeping it time-period correct is nice. Something that I don’t adhere to apparently with my Intelesse II’s.

Jason: That’s okay, because you find a merge of modern and vintage, and my car is 100% vintage, all the way down to the 80’s Volk GR-C’s. Different strokes for different folks. The variety is important here. Not every vintage car has to be so strict. We love the crazy modifications and updated rides as much as the traditional ones.

Colin: What did you think of all the vintage Japanese automotive extras that were on the cars? For example, the “air conditioning” unit that connected to the window of a 510. It was on Garage Autohero‘s 510 known as The Heap.

Jason: Loved that! It’s like when you go to an American old car show and see similar American versions. Definitely brings additional authenticity to the show.

Colin: Did you think the show ended abruptly? I was surprised by how soon they were able to get things going. That was actually nice. What did you think? And the judging. It seemed really fast this year, and I didn’t see any of the judges spending as much time as last year by the cars. Not to mention I was a little surprised the winners were mostly the same this year. What are your thoughts?

Jason: Well, most of the best examples are the same people. Including us. That means we’re the foundation for the whole thing. I would actually like to see new people win awards more often, but that means that people need to bring new cars we haven’t seen before. Of course I’m all for that! And yes, they seem to have the closing motions down pat now, in their second year at the Queen Mary venue. Another thing I wanted to mention is that the Queen Mary itself lends to some amazing photo shots as she sits in the background… quite picturesque really. I think that it’s one of many elements that brings it all together. A great show, with great cars, and great turnout once again. But I still want to know – where was the Toypet?

Colin: Did you mean the Toyopet?

Jason: Ahh yes, that’s the one… the 1950′s hand crank started wonder that was there the previous two years. I didn’t see it on my brief run-through, did you?

Colin: Not a clue to be honest… I didn’t see it. I wanted to see the Mazda 787B but unfortunately I don’t think it ever showed up. And speaking of the older small cars, what did you think of those Honda 600s? Something like 300 of them are known to be left, and I believe there were 10 present.

Jason: That’s the great thing about this kind of a vintage auto show. Some of the gems that show up are actually some of the rarest cars on this side of the world. Apparently I’m not outside of that because someone told me my car “wasn’t supposed to be on this side of the world”. I guess the right hand drive gives it away. I wasn’t actually planning to bring it, but I’m glad I did show up with the rest of you all, because we’re altogether what makes up our great section in the show.



Colin: Well, you are aware that among the ten S12s that showed, we sported six different engine options. I would say that is pretty impressive.

Jason: Now that you mention it, that makes us nearly as versatile as the swapped 510 fans. I’m glad we’re able to give people a comprehensive sampling of what an S12 is, and what it can be depending on the imagination and gumption of the owner.

Colin: So, with two great turn outs and indeed proving that the S12 chassis is as capable as so many others, what do you think or hope for next year’s event and the future of S12s in JCCS?

Jason: I’m looking forward to next year for sure, so much so that I’m going to get off my arse and (finances permitting) do something new to the RS-X. I’ll definitely be there with it next year if at all possible, and I might even bring my other S12 as well.

Colin: I would like to have one or two other guys from the Pacific Northwest come down but most cannot deal with the traveling and required time off. Not to mention, with how clean the showing was this year, I do know that the guys from where I live will have a challenge on their hands with the SoCal guys. Hopefully next year we’ll see an increase in numbers. I’ve heard of a lot of talk of people getting excited after seeing both our presence and how well we were received. I am looking forward to showing up next year and hanging out. I just need to spend more time than I did this year. A great group the S12s guys in SoCal are. If I come down next year, I haven’t decided yet if I will be showing my car. I’m looking at a very booked year with Formula D. However, if I do show next year, I’m possibly taking a break after that. I’m a little surprised I have done this well so far.

Jason: I hope you do bring your car back next year… RB26 swaps into ANY sort of car are rare as it is, but to see it in an S12 and executed so cleanly is a prize that should be at the show every year as far as I’m concerned. Regardless, I’m glad that we were both there, and that we were joined by such a great variety of S12′s alongside of us. It was a good turnout, for S12′s, for Nissans, and for pretty much ALL oldschool Japanese classic cars. The Queen Mary is a gorgeous vintage cruise ship, and the waterfront sets the perfect tone for the event.

Colin: Indeed. I would like to thank those who hosted me in Cali, Andrew and Justin. I do have to say, cars are not supposed to come back after road trips looking better than they started. I want to thank those of JCCS who organized it and put so much effort into a fine show. I hope all goes well and look forward to much success next year!

Jason: And thanks to Greg Smith for helping me with the details to get the RS-X there at the very last moment. And I do mean at the very last moment. Here’s to JCCS 7, and see you all next year at JCCS 8!

With this being the last part of our JCCS 2011 coverage, we want to leave on a good note. On the 23rd of Sept., those in charge of JCCS posted up a blog entitled Editors’ Picks over at Japanese Nostalgic Car. Starting out the blog they opened with their favourite 80′s car, which happened to be a fine example of a 1987 Nissan SE (VG30E) owned by Gustavo Sanchez (Colonel Gustard). We are all thrilled that an S12 was picked among the various other chassis that were present and to have it go to such a deserving and unexpected individual/car makes it that much more so. Many congratulations to Gustavo and I have to say, well deserved! – Colin

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For links to other galleries and blogs the covered JCCS 2011, visit our thread over in our Community to view more pictures and share your thoughts, insights, and opinions: Japanese Classic Car Show 2011.

Credit for pictures goes to Cameron Jurgensen with much thanks for all his efforts.

Colin Masterson is a senior contributor for S12Silvia.com and has been involved in S12’s for over six years. He has covered numerous shows in western North America, and helps to promote/organize car shows in Washington state. He is also involved in promoting professional drifting through a competitive drift team.

Jason Arroyo is the Site Administrator and co-founder for Club-S12.org, and has helped to develop the S12 community at large for nearly ten years. He has prior involvements in DSM, Honda, and Shelby Dodge automotive communities, as well as the Nissan Z car communities.

Rapidly becoming a staple in the S12 community in the States, JCCS is considered by many as a must and well worth attending. JCCS is a national car show that takes place annually in Southern California and has attracted individuals from all corners of the States and even from Canada. In the past, even the likes of Jay Leno has attended the show. In many of the previous years, JCCS was graced by one or two S12s; mainly that of Henry’s.

However, last year was different… quite different. Colin Masterson took the trip of 1,800 km (1130 miles) driving his RB26DETT powered S12 to attend JCCS. Colin was joined by a larger number of S12s than was expected and by an eager crowd excited to see so many S12s. Ten in total, the S12 chassis made a definitive statement and even took both First and Third place in the Best of ’80s Datsun Category.

This year proved to be no different. Colin traveled to Long Beach at the Queen Mary to join with many other S12 owners attending JCCS. As a collaborative effort, Colin of S12Silvia.com joined up with Jason Arroyo of Club-S12.org in an effort to bring a blog not just about JCCS and all that it means, but the changes both have seen in the automotive community regarding the S12 in the States. But for this first portion of our JCCS coverage, it is more about the trip and overall experience that one can have at such an event and of the warm reception S12 owners give to other fellow fans.

For one who has been to many car shows and now hosted one, JCCS is by far one of the best-organized and reputable shows I have been to. Organizing a show is no easy feat and to attract as much support and rare cars is not an act one can take lightly. But JCCS was but a portion of the reason I went to SoCal. Another reason, and a primary one, was to meet up with many of the local S12 owners and Andrew and Justin of Low.XII.Position. In the past year, the S12 contingent has grown in number and in solidarity.

This solidarity was quite obvious both the day before JCCS and directly after JCCS. Since I was down in the Long Beach area, the opportunity for a photo shoot was undeniable and I ended up hooking up with both Andrew and Justin of Low.XII.Position. We spent much of the afternoon driving along the coast down and stayed mainly in Newport taking pictures of the S12s with the coastline in the background. The combination of three pristine S12s and the SoCal beaches made for shots that would undeniably be epic and after we pulled over and looked at the digital cameras, it left no room for doubt.

Taking a break from the driving and enjoying the sun and the lingering ocean mist in the air, I talked with Andrew about the road “damage” from the trip down and he was more than happy to have me drop by so I could clean my car at his place. With only hours left of sunlight left, we left the beach cities and headed inland to Andrew’s place and began cleaning. Justin had some details he had been wanting to work on so it worked out. Andrew’s car being recently washed and in exceptional condition as it always seems to be when I see it did not need the extra attention. For once I wished I had a white S12. We were later joined by Sterling who had requested that  Andrew help him with some bits on his car, which Andrew was more than happy to assist with as well. It soon became an S12 mini-meet as four were parked with all of us relaxing and doing random stuff. It was funny to note that a specific AE-86 drove by four times slowly getting a good eyeful of our cars and what we were doing, obviously curious as to what was going on. We were all wondering as to why they didn’t just park and walk up but I guess it would have been a bit much for a couple of teenagers rocking their AE. Funny note though, they did end up seeing us at JCCS and were a bit surprised to see that our numbers had grown.

The following day we all met up at my hotel in Long Beach and after we were all set, we proceeded to hit JCCS. But as things do, especially on city streets, the nine of us quickly got split but it wasn’t that much of a loss for it was a matter of minutes when we all arrived converged back in line as we entered the line into the event. From then on it was a matter of last minute detailing, wiping down the cars from the slight rain that came down, and then the usual waiting until the end of the show. While wandering and talking, one of the S12 owners found a vendor selling both ads, press releases, and toy cars. Browsing through to see if anything was of note, he found a pair of 1988 RVS12 Safari Rally Tomica cars and immediately came and told us about it. Justin grabbed the two Tomica cars and an ad while a couple of us grabbed some of the last ads the vendor had to offer.

There was more waiting, talking, and relaxing by the water until the award ceremony was at hand. There was a lack of a 1980′s Datsun category this year but the 200SX category was awarded. The placement of the winners were: 1st Place – Colin Masterson (RB26DETT S12), 2nd Place – Jason Arroyo (Carbureted FJ20 RS-X S12), and 3rd Place – Mike Sameshima (Z22E S110).

After the show the majority of us headed back to my hotel where we met to take a group picture and figure out what was up. Beating the S12 gathering up at my own car show in Olympia the month before, the SoCal contingent showed their colours and strong as we lined up and grabbed a couple of pictures. I have to say, this group is one of the most laid-back and fun loving groups. Shamelessly, I am hoping that one day that those in my home state of Washington will be able to do up the SoCal group soon. Either way, it seems that in the past year there has been a renewed love and solidarity among the S12 owners.

With pictures taken it was time for food and then to the places we came from. It was a great weekend and one I wish I had more time to relax and enjoy. Even if the weekend was not centered around the S12, the group in SoCal are well worth the visit if one has the chance. – Colin

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our JCCS coverage as both Colin and Jason discuss the event and their thoughts throughout the day.

Credit for photos goes to Cameron Jurgensen with the exception of William Curry’s of ShiftR.com

The inaugural car show was the success that many had hoped for. With a bit over 90 cars showing, it was indeed worth the effort. With some of the best that the Pacific Northwest of the States had to offer by way of Nissans and Mitsubishis, it now known as a hot spot and a date to set on one’s list. Included with the Nisssans and Mitsubishis category was an Old School Category that encompassed chassis of both makes stemming from ’85 or before. Although an S12 was unable to place, many S12 owners took note of just what was expected for the following year and are looking to be competitive to bring home a trophy. In addition, the show displayed the largest gathering of S12s in the area. With a total of nine S12s present, it caught the eye of many as it was an impressive sight as it was unusual for the area.


For more pictures be sure to check out NWMotiv’s coverage of the event:

Nissanparts.cc/Mitsubishiparts.net and S12Silvia.com’s Car Show

For a a second year, S12Silvia.com is proud to be a sponsor of Nissanparts.cc meet. However, more than just a sponsor, S12Silvia is collaborating this year to produce and co-host the car show that is in tandem with the meet. Last year’s event turned out to be much larger than expected and with the amount of interest invested in this year’s event from both sponsors and attendants, it won’t disappoint.  Be sure to drop by if you are local.  Colin Masterson will be in attendance showcasing Project S12/26 and willing to lend his knowledge and time to any fellow S12 owners who show up.  For those who are unable to make it, be sure to check back for a post about the event.


For more information about the event, be sure to check out the thread in our Community.