Record year for Japdays at Mantorp Park

1,223 Japanese vehicles gathered in the same place

The new record speaks volumes about the strength of Japanese car culture in Sweden. Over the course of two days, the venue was filled with everything from well-preserved original cars and meticulously built show vehicles to track cars, drift builds, off-roaders, and modern performance models. 

The organizers summed up the weekend by extending a big thank you to the visitors, exhibitors, drivers, clubs, partners, and companies who together made this year’s Japdays the largest in the event’s history.

Finally the debut of my Isuzu Piazza 

For me personally, this year’s Japdays was more than just another car event. After countless hours in the garage following an unfortunate accident two years ago, my own 1989 Isuzu Piazza Turbo was finally ready—or at least ready enough to be displayed at Mantorp Park. Anyone who has ever finished a car project in time for a specific deadline will likely recognize the scenario. The final weeks are rarely about calm, precise fine-tuning; instead, new problems crop up, and the list of minor tasks seems to grow longer with every item checked off. 

But the car made it to Japdays. Rolling into the venue in the Piazza and parking it among more than a thousand other Japanese enthusiast vehicles was a truly special feeling. The model is rare, even internationally, and often overshadowed by more famous Japanese sports cars from the same era. That made it all the more gratifying to see the interest the car generated over the weekend.

Much more than a car show 

Japdays is about more than just static show cars. The event’s strength lies in the mix of car meets, track driving, drifting, and various activities spread across Mantorp Park. 

On Saturday, Japanese cars took to the main race track in several different groups. Drivers could test their vehicles in a more controlled environment on the skid pad, while the drifting sessions delivered smoke, speed, and sideways action.

There was also an off-road course for Japanese all-wheel-drive models—a reminder that Japanese automotive culture encompasses far more than the Skyline, Supra, and other low-slung sports cars.

The program also featured the Engine Sound Contest, "Pop The Hood," and various show classes. On Friday evening, the traditional Japdays Cruise took place, with the Japanese cars rolling out onto the Mantorp track together. 

It is precisely this diversity that makes Japdays interesting. In the same area, a heavily modified drift car might sit alongside an unmodified family car from the 1980s, a modern Toyota GR model, or an off-road-prepped Suzuki.

Photo: Yan Edokov

A car culture that has matured 

For a long time, Japanese cars offered a relatively affordable entry point into the world of enthusiast cars. Many models boasted high performance, significant tuning potential, and advanced technology, yet were valued far lower than their European counterparts. 

That picture has changed rapidly. 

The generations that grew up with Gran Turismo, Need for Speed, Japanese car movies, and the early Fast & Furious films have now become established car buyers. At the same time, the number of pristine, well-preserved examples has dwindled sharply. 

Many cars were modified, raced, left to rust, or driven hard back when they were still considered relatively cheap. Consequently, collectors seeking original cars with documented histories now face a limited supply. 

The result is clearly visible at major car auctions around the world.

Five japanese models that have truly become collector's cars 

1. Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 

Few Japanese models have experienced a journey quite like the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. While technically advanced from the moment it was new, for a long time it was viewed outside Japan primarily as a niche import. Through motorsport, video games, and film, it has since evolved into one of the world’s most recognizable Japanese performance cars. 

In 2023, Bonhams sold the R34 GT-R driven by Paul Walker in *Fast & Furious 4* for $1,357,000. This result more than doubled the previous auction record for a Skyline GT-R, although the car's cinematic history naturally accounted for a significant portion of the price. 

Prices for standard, well-maintained R34 GT-Rs have also risen sharply. Original examples, V-Spec versions, and cars in rare factory colors are particularly sought-after. A model to keep an eye on is the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32; while R34 prices have already reached very high levels, a fine, relatively original R32 can still offer a more realistic entry point into the world of the GT-R. The model's racing pedigree and its significance to the GT-R legacy suggest that collector interest will remain strong.

2. Honda NSX 

When the Honda NSX launched in 1990, Japan demonstrated that a user-friendly, reliable, and advanced mid-engined car could challenge Europe’s established sports car manufacturers. 

For many years, early examples could be purchased for relatively reasonable sums. Today, well-preserved cars with manual transmissions are significantly more sought-after—and the rare NSX-R versions have moved into a league of their own.

At the 2025 Villa d’Este event, a 2003 Honda NSX-R sold for €934,375—equivalent to just over one million dollars. It marked the first time a Honda crossed the million-dollar threshold at a market auction. Reports noted that the previous record for an NSX-R was $632,000, set in 2023. 

Only 140 units of the later NSX-R version were built, explaining the extreme price point. However, this record also influences the perception of standard NSX models. 

The model to watch: an early Honda NSX with a manual transmission—ideally a car that is as original and well-documented as possible. It still offers much of the same fundamental engineering and heritage as the extreme R versions, but at a lower price.

3. Toyota Supra Mk IV 

The Toyota Supra Mk IV has evolved from a tuning icon into an established collector's car. The model's 2JZ engine earned a massive reputation thanks to its durability and power potential. The downside for today's collectors is that a great many of these cars underwent extensive modifications. Consequently, original examples featuring the twin-turbo engine, a six-speed manual transmission, and low mileage have become rare. 

A well-preserved 1994 US-spec model—equipped with twin turbos and a manual transmission, and showing approximately 66,000 kilometers on the odometer—sold on Bring a Trailer for $140,000 in November 2024. By comparison, a previous owner noted in the auction listing that he had purchased a similar Supra for $18,000 and sold it for around $25,000 in the early 2000s. 

Cars featured in movies have commanded even higher prices, but even standard, unmodified examples clearly demonstrate how the market has shifted. The model to watch is the Toyota Supra Mk III Turbo with a manual transmission; while the Mk IV has already become expensive, its predecessor remains significantly more affordable—though pristine examples are becoming increasingly hard to find.

4. Mazda RX-7 FD 

The Mazda RX-7 FD has long been admired for its low weight, clean lines, and twin-turbo rotary engine. However, the model has also experienced the same trend as the Supra and Skyline: a vast number of cars have been modified, raced, or rebuilt. 

In 2025, an extraordinary record was set when the Veilside-built RX-7 featured in *The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift* was sold by Bonhams for £911,000. Although the car had been valued at between £250,000 and £350,000 prior to the auction, its connection to the film drove the final price well beyond the estimate. 

Naturally, a movie prop is not representative of a standard RX-7. However, the result demonstrates just how strong the model's cultural standing has become. 

The model to watch: An original or tastefully modified RX-7 FD with a documented engine history. Early RX-7 FC Turbo II models may also appeal to those seeking a more affordable option with a distinct 1980s character.

5. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was once a relatively raw and affordable way to get rally technology in a four-door car. Today, the most sought-after versions are considered collector's items. 

When Mitsubishi Motors UK sold part of its historic car collection in 2021, a Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition sold for £100,100—setting a new auction record for the model at the time. A low-mileage Evo IX MR FQ-360 sold for £68,900 at the same event. 

It is primarily the Evo VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition, along with well-preserved Evo VIII and IX models, that attract collectors. Many of these cars have been modified, making complete, original examples increasingly rare. 

The model to watch: the Lancer Evolution VIII or IX in original condition. They combine the classic 4G63 engine with more modern driving dynamics and have not yet reached the extreme price levels of the finest Tommi Mäkinen editions.

The most expensive Japanese collector cars 

Rising above the well-known icons of the 1990s is a small group of Japanese cars that have already achieved elite international status. 

Toyota 2000GT is the most significant of them all. Only 337 units were built, and the finest examples are valued at over ten million kronor. A Shelby-prepared race car sold for around 25 million kronor. 

Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R "Hakosuka" is the first true GT-R model and a cornerstone of Nissan's history. Authentic, correct coupes are extremely rare and are currently valued at several million kronor. 

Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R with only 44 units ever produced; it featured a specially developed 2.8-liter engine delivering 400 horsepower. One example sold in 2025 for nearly ten million kronor. 

Lexus LFA was produced in a run of 500 units and has rapidly evolved from a controversial supercar into a collector's icon. The finest low-mileage examples have sold for over 15 million kronor. 

Honda NSX-R combines low weight, a manual transmission, and very limited production. The best examples currently command prices in the ten-million-kronor range.

Five models to buy before the next potential price hike

Toyota Celica GT-Four
Rally heritage, a turbo engine, and all-wheel drive make the ST185 and ST205 particularly interesting. Well-preserved, original examples are still cheaper than their Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza counterparts.

Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
An advanced GT car that has long been overshadowed by the Supra and Skyline. Manual twin-turbo models in original condition are becoming increasingly hard to find and have good potential to appreciate in value.

Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Twin-turbocharging, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics made it one of the most technologically advanced Japanese cars of the 1990s. Good examples are still relatively low in value. 

Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II
The predecessor to the FD generation offers classic 1980s styling, rear-wheel drive, and a turbocharged rotary engine. Unmodified cars are rapidly becoming rarer.

Honda Integra Type R
One of the most highly regarded front-wheel-drive driver's cars of all time. Prices for low-mileage, original examples have already started to rise, yet they remain below those of the most hyped Japanese sports cars.

A market to reckon with

When 1,223 Japanese vehicles gather at Mantorp Park, it is no longer a matter of a niche subculture. Japdays demonstrates that Japanese car culture has become an integral part of the enthusiast car world—ranging from personal garage builds to international collector cars. 

I highly recommend a visit to Japdays for anyone who loves JDM cars but is also passionate about track driving, drifting, and unique modified builds of all kinds! 

See you on the road!

Tomas Jönsson, Marketing manager

Were you at Japdays? What did you think of this year's event? Leave a comment below!