These Are The Cars You Want To Import This Year

The Daihatsu Naked, although I would wear clothes while doing so.

First on sale November 1999, so it just squeaks in for this year, but look at it. It is soo cute.

Here at Jalopnik, we’re strongly pro-clothes. Clothes, at least when you’re in public (say, somewhere you’d need a car to access) are generally a good idea. Unless you’re dealing with some sort of Life Fiber situation, I guess. Daihatsu Naked: Official car of Nudist Beach.

Submitted by: skeffles

Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is the most obvious choice, hell some rich R34 fanbois already imported highest trim of R34 (Z-Tune) from Thailand to USA

but if money is not object and I’m able to dream nonsense then Nissan R390 GT1 roadcar from same era of R34 but never succeed at all.

Still it’s the fastest and most powerful roadcar Nissan ever made, even more than Skyline GT-R Z-Tune R34 until Nissan released GT-R50. (And no, I don’t believe the rumour of how stock Skyline GT-R Z-Tune R34 can run quarter mile in 10.06 seconds)

I love how Nissan followed the rules by making road-car version first, so it doesn’t feel like a thinly disguised race car. However just like R34, perhaps it was too expensive compare to its german competitor such as 911 GT1 which not only cheaper but also have better brand prestige and racing records

fortunately VRH35L in Nissan R390 GT1 found life albeit indirectly via McLaren later on

With entire population of R390 GT1 roadcar is even fewer Skyline GT-R Z-Tune R34 (which itself based on normal Skyline GT-R R34, which itself based on Skyline coupe R34) this is the ultimate Nissan I would have try to buy and imported if it’s money not object at all and yet it’s still a Nissan so your neighbour probably think it’s just fancy 2-door altima coupe

Sure, okay, the R390 might technically be faster on paper than my beloved R34. It may also be equally blue. But, dear readers, which looks better? This one, huh? Philistines, the lot of you.

Submitted by: hayase

1999 Land Crusier Troop Carrier.

The Troop Carrier isn’t a new-for-’99 option or anything, but why mess with success? Great trucks, great looks, great capability, great utility — what more could you want?

Submitted by: 4jim

An unmolested 1999 RX-7 Type RS. The Spirit R isn’t available for another couple years, unfortunately.

I know it’s basically unobtanium, but this is MY hypothetical situation. Go get your own!

Some day, Tacos, you’ll get that Spirit R. I have full faith in you. Once you’ve got it in hand, though, you’ve gotta let me drive it. That’s the trade offer, in exchange for all the faith.

Submitted by: Give Me Tacos or Give Me Death

OK, let’s go all the way—a ‘99 Pagani Zonda:

A mid-engine car with a Benz V12 that’s even more boy-toy silly with the styling than a C8 Vette? Sure, why not? (Except for not having the money.)

I’ve always felt that Pagani and Koenigsegg are two sides of the same coin — similar in aims and in methodology, but different in execution. Pagani is all points, while the Koenigseggs are rounder, softer.

Submitted by: the1969DodgeChargerFan

There are a couple kei cars that debuted in 1999 that I really like, the Daihatsu Naked and the Daihatsu Mira Gino. Let’s go with the Mira Gino here. I saw these all over the place when I lived in Japan, and smiled whenever I saw one. Here’s one of many that I photographed in Nagasaki:

The principal at one of the junior highs that I taught at drove one just like this green one, and I rode in it a few times. Pretty small for my frame, but a cute and fun little car.

You know your audience here, Evan. We’ve got a tiny ‘90s Daihatsu, we’ve got a green car with yellow fog lights, and we’ve even got original photography from a Jalop. That’s the QOTD version of three 7s coming up on the slots.

Submitted by: Evan Hayden

An MST MkII “Ford” Escort in “Fast Road and Touring” Spec!

Apparently MST still makes these, which makes me wonder exactly how you’d have to go about importing them. Do they come in as just a heavily modified old Escort, paperwork all saying Ford, or is this functionally a whole new vehicle that needs its own papers? The Escort of Theseus.

Submitted by: sounbwoy

First year for the Rover 25, if you like that sort of torture. I’m sure at least one of you does.

The rule is, if you bring up the Rover 25, you have to be the one to buy and own and daily drive one. That’s a longstanding Jalopnik law. I swear. I definitely did not make it up right now to force you to buy this weird little car.

Submitted by: plant_daily

996 GT3

James, you could get one of those right here (albeit only the facelifted version). No one, perhaps save the manager of your local bank branch, is stopping you. But, if this cost-free import method is the most realistic path towards attaining your dream 911, well, be my guest.

Submitted by: James II

‘96-’99 BMW (German Spec) E36 M3

Who doesn’t love an E36? I’ve long wanted a convertible of this era to just treat like absolute dirt. Let people climb over the quarter panels, stand on the seats, who cares? I, of course, say this with all the love in my heart for the E36. I want one so bad, and I want to treat it well mechanically, but without regard for its body panels.

Submitted by: Scott Sanford on Facebook

Im gonna need a stagea!

You and me both, Corey. The Stagea has been around to import for a few years now, but I still haven’t been able to bite the bullet. Probably something to do with that whole “cost” relative to “my salary” thing.

Submitted by: Corey Telford on Facebook

Mitsubishi Legnum VR-4

Speaking of fast wagons, we’ve got another fast wagon. Between the Legnum and the Stagea, which would you have? Which is better stock, and which would you rather modify? Tell me in the comments.

Submitted by: Jorge R R Gomez on Facebook

Just about time we finally get the S15.

Think about it, Joey. This could be you. The only thing standing between you and the exact behavior exhibited in this photo is ownership of an S15. That’s the only thing stopping you from living out that one recurring dream where you’re Keiichi Tsuchiya.

Submitted by: Joey Patel on Facebook

Stagea, toyota mark 2, a heard of mini trucks

I’m going to assume you mean the JZX100 here, Ray, and commend you on your choice of uncommon drift car. Sure, they’re popular enough in Japan, but how many are sliding around the U.S.? Not enough.

Submitted by: Ray Jaconski on Facebook

Another Miata because I already have 3 of them and I have no self-control.

I just feel like we had a whole drift thing going, these last few slides, and I didn’t want to break the streak with a random photo of an NB. So, Alan, I’m decreeing that the next Miata you buy has to be used for drift purposes. This I say unto you.

Submitted by: Alan Chiu on Facebook