The largest classic car event in Japan, "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL 2021," will be held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture from Friday, April 9th.
"There are many races and rallies where classic cars are driven on public roads, but there is no other show where you can see, touch, sit in the driver's seat of, and buy historical classic cars in person," says Masafumi Seki, representative of the Automobile Council Executive Committee, as we spoke with him about the endless allure of classic cars.

What is "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL," an event that explores the appeal of automotive culture and car life?

Now in its sixth year, "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL" is an unmissable event for car enthusiasts, offering a rich experience of life with automobiles. It features themed exhibitions and special displays of historically significant cars selected by the organizers, displays and sales of heritage cars, sales of automotive-related goods to enrich your car life, introductions to some of Japan's leading owner clubs and event organizers, and displays of products from suppliers and sponsors. ISETAN MEN'S will also have a booth in the premium lifestyle zone of the venue.

This year, in particular, a paid online exhibition, "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL 2021 Virtual Mall," will be held in parallel with the actual event. This will allow people who cannot attend in person or who live far away to enjoy the event.
As a special offering this year, we will be releasing a "Keynote" in the form of a dialogue between Kundo Koyama, the creator of Kumamon, a broadcast writer, screenwriter, radio personality, Vice President of Kyoto University of the Arts, and President and CEO of Shimogamo Saryo Co., Ltd., and Shiro Nakamura, former Senior Managing Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer (CCO) of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and currently President and CEO of SN DESIGN PLATFORM Co., Ltd.
We will also be releasing a conversation between Yojiro Terada, who has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans for many years, and Tetsuya Kato, co-representative of AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL.

Why do old cars continue to soothe and fascinate people?

The heritage cars exhibited at "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL" are primarily Japanese and foreign cars that are 25 years old or older, and we strive to keep them in as close to their original condition as possible. While there are car enthusiasts who want to see vintage Ferraris and Porsches up close, all the exhibited cars have their prices clearly stated, so even younger generations are drawn to the beauty of their design and purchase affordable vehicles.

The reason people are drawn to old cars is that, as the phrase "beloved car" suggests, cars are linked to memories. Whether it's chasing after a car you dreamed of driving in your youth, wanting to acquire the car your father used to drive, or unexpectedly encountering a car you've always admired, automobiles have a mysterious power to share memories.

It's often thought that older cars are difficult and expensive to maintain, but cars from the pre-computer era have a simple mechanical structure, making repairs easy. One of the great things about classic cars is that you can experience the true essence of automobiles by driving something from "the era when cars were truly automobiles."
Furthermore, the type of car that evokes nostalgia varies depending on the generation, so we've made efforts to ensure that this event can be enjoyed by people of all generations.

What is the value and appeal of owning a classic car?

Despite the current COVID-19 pandemic, car sales are actually thriving. The value of cars is being re-evaluated because they allow for travel without contact with others and can even serve as a private space. The buying and selling of classic cars, including garage businesses, is also booming. While classic car prices have stabilized compared to their peak, the inability to travel due to the pandemic seems to have shifted the interest of the wealthy towards classic cars and yachts.

People who own classic cars have different circumstances, but generally, the first car is used for everyday transportation, the second is a car for a partner, and the third is often either a sports car or a classic car. Classic cars are primarily hobby cars, so in fashion terms, they're like a leather jacket after you've acquired a suit and coat.

Also, in the past, there was a correlation between cars and alcohol. Italian and French cars were like wine that changes in taste if you don't take good care of them, while robust British cars were like Scotch whisky that gets better with age. American cars were like beer that is best when it's in season. Since there was no such thing as a global standard like there is today, cars from the past reflected the culture of each country (or region), which is quite interesting.

You can see "Julia Spider" next to the main entrance on the first floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building !

At this year's "AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL 2021," the organizer's themed exhibit will feature four cars in total: three Lancias and one Fiat, which were active in the world's leading "WRC World Rally Championship (WRC)" from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Visitors can see championship cars that defined their era, such as the "Fulvia 1600HF," "Stratos HF," "Fiat Abarth 131 Rally," and "Lancia 037," up close.

Furthermore, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Mazda's Le Mans victory, which saw the first-ever performance of the Japanese national anthem at Le Mans, a special exhibition titled "Mazda's Le Mans Victory Journey" will be held. The exhibition will feature the winning car, the 787B, along with the 1985 737C and the 1982 Savanna RX-7. This will be the first time these three cars have been brought together, making it an unmissable exhibition.

Additionally, from April 2nd (Friday) to 4th (Sunday), prior to the exhibition, an Alfa Romeo "Giulia Spider (1962)" will be on display next to the main entrance on the 1st floor of Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building . This beautiful pale blue "Giulia Spider" was discovered by a member of the AUTOMOBILE COUNCIL club who fell in love at first sight with the Giulietta Spider featured in Federico Fellini's musical film "NINE," a spin-off of "8 1/2," and then went searching for the Giulia, an additional model in the series. Please be sure to check it out.