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Organizers of the inaugural All Japanese Classic show expected fewer than 100 vehicles, but more than double that were featured at inaugural event in North Vancouver, B.C. They ended up with a few hundred including first generation Civics, Datsons, kei cars, a rare 1962 Datsun Fairlady 1300 and the 2000 Toyota Century I brought.

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A couple of tiny kei trucks stand ready to haul a little cargo.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A Toyota Century, Japan's only V-12 powered car, on the lawn at the All Japanese Classic meet.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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In Japan, the Century is used to ferry around the Imperial family. Its design has only changed once since 1967.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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The Datsun club is here in force with their 510s and Zs.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A young exhibitor and her Hot Wheels Datsun 510.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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The classic cockpit of the Datsun Z is focused and uncluttered. No infotainment required.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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An early rotary-powered Mazda, complete with rotor-shaped grille badge.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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The first generation Honda Civic is still beloved by many.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Even though these early Civics are tiny, they're surprisingly roomy inside.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A 1965 Nissan Cedric qualifies as a “Never Seen One Before” moment.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Incredibly rare, this 1962 Datsun Fairlady 1300 is one of just 217 models produced. One of the first Datsuns to be exported, it won best in show.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Badges and stickers for various clubs cover the back of this little Datsun hatchback.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Trophies stand ready to go to class winners. There's a couple of unique awards as well, including a Hard Luck trophy and furthest distance travelled.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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This Nissan NX2000 has been turned into a fire-breathing front-wheel-drive dragster.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A Nissan Stagea wagon and an R34 Skyline GT-R. Both have huge cult followings, and both can be imported to Canada – but not the U.S.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Shannon Hummel shows off the model she built to match her 1996 Mitsubishi Legnum wagon. She's driven it all the way from Grande Prairie, Alberta.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A group of Datsun Fairladys yearn for some sunshine beneath the trees.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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This surf-style Corolla station wagon features pinstriped details.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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“Mom's First Car.” A car doesn't need to be expensive to be special.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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Aside from a set of aftermarket alloys, this humble little Toyota Tercel is entirely original.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A row of brightly coloured Datsuns with their engines on display.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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A Suzuki Samurai and a Toyota Land Cruiser stand ready to take on any kind of off-road challenge.Brendan McAleer/The Globe and Mail

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