Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Films:
The Toyota Sports 800 Is A Forefather Of Fun
Thank you for all those positive comments over the past few years. To answer dgmccowen’s question. The video was taken in the Jamul, California area in the canyons east of San Diego, out Lyons Valley Road and Japatul Valley road. lots of great roads out here.
Like so many other people, I am interested in knowing where this video was shot.
Another great video guys. Keep up the good work! Scott’s Toyota is a magnificent example of a real Japanese classic. Nice automobilia too.
When a I see a video like this one, I am always jealous, about those roads. It looks so much better then our boring dutch roads.
So cool!
Seems like a great guy.
Wonderful Toyota heritage.
Thanks for sharing.
Now [i][u]that[/u] [/i]is a car guy!
Tremendous vid, and a glorious example too. Having run with more than a few Yotahachi, I can attest to their roominess too – easily larger inside over the Honda S800. What doesn’t come across from the video though – and I suspect because the owner was keeping the rpm down – is the glorious Porsche-like thrum from the flat twin as they wind out… Understandable I suppose as they essentially carry half a 356 up front. Neko.
I was lucky to finally acquire a Sports 800 earlier this year. The video sums up the ownership experience perfectly; it’s a very special car with absolutely no pretense. It looks cool and drives effortlessly. At 6’1″ I fit very comfortably, even with the top on. People absolutely love it, especially those driving giant size (relatively speaking) Camrys, and are generally shocked when they find out it’s a Toyota.
Love the video, especially the overhead (drone?) shot at the start. Like most of the other commentators here, I’m pretty sure I’ve never seen one live. Thanks for the insight into such an unusual car.
The fact that I get to see this kind of rarities “in the flesh” is one of the main reasons why I love this site. Vintage Japanese cars is probably the field I discovered latest of all. Quite possibly because the interesting ones are almost impossible to get a hold of and many of the really exciting cars never officially left Japan. Correct me if I’m wrong, but there hasn’t been an actual video of the S500/S600/S800 yet? Other than that, we’ve been blessed with Toyota’s and Datsun’s offerings. If you could make a video of either of the Hondas,… Read more »
I had to Google the Daihatsu, but came across this story from my own ‘hood:
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/my-1969-daihatsu-compagno-spider-27108
Maybe if Petrolicious ever ventures to Australia you could look this guy up…
Wow, nice find. I suppose Australia’s a bit better off when it comes to obscure japanes cars because of the proximity and the fact that you drive on the same side of the road.
Great video. Much love for this car. I’m amazed that Toyota has had such close brushes with sports car brilliance.
This is why i keep coming back again and again. Thanks Petrolicious!
Considering myself a car-guy, I find it astonishing that there are still cars I have never ever seen before. What a beauty!
I think of myself as a car person. Been to Monterey Historics many years and seen what seems to be almost every car there is to have ever been. Then I come to Petrolicious and realize I have so very much to still learn about the car hobby. I have never seen or heard of this car before. Thank you Scott for sharing this unique car and to Petrolicious for making this film about it. Anyone that suggests that the weekly videos here at Petrolicious take on a kind of same old same old week after week are (in my… Read more »
Wonderful car. Thanks for featuring the “forefather” of my MR2
What a cute little car and impeccably clean too. I noticed how Mr. Sylvester was wearing latex gloves in order to not leave fingerprint on the car’s body. Hat’s off.
