"HWY Cruise"
I had one week off last week.
On last Sunday 28th May, I went to event in Kakegawa, Shizuoka, Japan which was hosted by the NHOA, the NAKAYOSHI HOT OLD'S MEET.
It was raining in morning and with hope as weather forecast called for recovery from west side, I have made big decision to drive to event on 1963 TOYOTA Crown RS46G "Teardrop Tail" Stationwagon and one more 1969 TOYOTA Crown RS56 Left driver Pick up and left Yokohama in rain. Going west on "TOUMEI" HIGH WAY, rain was not getting better but worse. It was pouring in Gotenba area. But gradually rain became weak after passing FUJI. In Fujikawa Service Area , 1964 TOYOTA Crown RS46V "Round Tail" and 1966 TOYOTA MS46 "Square Tail" Pick up joined us and 4 generation TOYOTA Crown were lined to cruise to the event. Even in the rain all four cars had windows open to clear up the windows from mist.
Weather turn to cloudy as we reached closer to the event and by the time we arrived the rain was cleared up and many cars were gathered at the show. Even the sun came out in afternoon and event turned out to be great with strong sunshine. It was relaxed event and I really recommend you to attend next year.
I had not taken my "Teardrop Tail" wagon out on long distance trip. And usually up to Tokyo from Yokohama, it's about 80km or less. This event was a long trip for first time and car broke as I expected. On the way to the event, leaving out from Ashigara Service Area and going back on the free way, Couldn't shift up to Overdrive shift and turn signal didn't turn on and when the light is on the shift went up to Overdrive. It was an electric problem. The motor screams without Overdrive shift in 80 km/hour, 100km cruise was possible if Overdrive was on.
Under the circumstances, on the way back I have drove car to car shop "Vannuys" and was towed from there. The Vannuys Mr.Tokita drives this Nissan Cedric Wagon. It has style. But its scarily to drive on highway with this Bias Tires. This Cedric is 1964 model but seems older than the 1963 Teardrop Toyota Crown. Mr.Tokita is famous for being authority for California style Custom in Japan but he is also big fun of Old Japanese Domestics.
The picture of my "Teardrop Tail" Crown cruising on highway was taken by the passenger(our Staff) on RS56 Crown Pick up But all other picture was taken while I was driving. It was possible because of the single lens reflex camera with wide lens and auto focus. Car looks cool when cruising. |