Tracing a J import's heritage

[backtothe80s]

Hi all

I have a Mk1 Eunos. The PO ( a genuine chap) was passed the car from his uncle who imported it from Japan when he lived there. Unfortunately the import papers and J history were lost.

Is there any way of finding out and tracing the cars J life? Total newbie to J. Always been a VW guy.

Once you go J, you never go back... So true.

Thanks in advance.

[zx]

I do Japanese imports. The short answer is no! A majority of imports from Japan have no paper history - it's not a big thing out there. Get the odd car that will but generally they rely on stickers in the window, under the bonnet, behind the petrol flap and/or the door shuts. They usually date when the next oil change/service/belt is due.

In regards to import documentation, the de-reg certificate would have gone to the DVLA for UK registration. This is in Japanese and says the date of original registration and who's exporting it. The way bill would tell you when it came over, where and the chassis number. If the original owner moved back with the car, there wouldn't be much Customs paperwork since no fees would be due. Import paperwork is pretty boring!

[backtothe80s]

Thanks for the response ZX.

There's a pressed plate on the cam cover in Japanese with 100k KM etched on it and that's about it. Its got all the original plates and stickers in the door shuts so I'll make do with that and dream of the Japanese mystery life it's had before.

Must say, I've fully caught the J bug.

Lovely having a (99%) rust free J car though. Dread to think what state the UK models must be in! I bet still better than the crusty German stuff I've been used to.

[swampy442]

Also an import man for many year, admittedly mostly on 90's Toyotas.
Some cars do come with history, my Supra has a Toyota service book, but as ZX said its not common to have it and its not really an issue. Also check inside the centre console lid, sun visors but door shuts are a favourite area

[ChasR]

Many J cars don't have history. Some argue this is one reason why a large number of them have low mileage as well...