MARA NYINGI MASHABIKI HUZUNGUKA MWISHONI MWA WIKI KUONYESHA CADILLACS ZAO

Fast and furious they are not, but for a group of Japanese retro car enthusiasts, the sleek lines and high shine of their old-school models hold a very special charm. A loose club of fans rolls up most weekends in central Tokyo to show off their Cadillacs, Chevrolets and other modern classic vehicles from the mid to late 20th century.⁠⁠

“Each time I drive it, I still get a thrill. There aren’t many vehicles that give you that feeling,” Masamune Isogai told the AFP news agency of his Knight Rider replica, a Pontiac Trans Am, the car made famous by the hit 80s TV drama.⁠⁠

These days, Japan is known for its practical cars that economise on fuel and space, and rarely break down, a world away from the group’s maintained wheels. The casual society has about 10 members and the oldest cars they own are a 1941 Cadillac and a restored 1929 Ford Model-A.⁠⁠

People cheer and take pictures as the cars go by, from the 1956 Ford F100 Pumpkin to the 1961 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. “The shape of old cars is very charming, impossible with today’s mass production,” said Hiroyuki Wada, 49, next to his red 1959 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.⁠⁠
.⁠⁠