There are few cars that represent the Japanese rodding and custom car scene better than the '60s and early '70s Toyota Crown. These cars were available in a number of different body styles including sedan, wagon, and even the ultra cool pick up style pictured the above. It is basically a Japanese version of the Chevy El Camino or Ford Ranchero. The styling could also easily be mistaken for any number of American cars of the same era. This particular car has the nostalgic look captured perfectly with its slotted mag wheels and Firestone Wide Oval tires in the rear. Just another example of the on the way automotive styles are shared around the world. I took this photo at the 2008 Mooneyes Street Car Nationals in Tokyo.

Crown Classics

-Mike Garrett