![]() ![]() Though questions remain over the engine's reliability - owners never want to hear the word "seals" - the RX-7 is undeniably a superb package of power, looks and handling. Mazda RX-7 By the 1980s, everyone else had given up on the rotary engine - even Mercedes stopped putting them in concept cars - but Mazda soldiered on and the result was one of the most breathtakingly pretty cars they ever made. Yes, the prices for these are ridiculous, but if you buy a Figaro you'll be joining an owners' circle that includes Vanessa Feltz - what further recommendation could you want? Based on the ancient 1st generation Micra, the Figaro was available originally only to Japanese buyers who won the lottery, but they've become increasingly popular in the UK. Nissan Figaro Just about the most niche car ever made, the "hateful" Figaro adds what was apparently a much needed coupe option to the Nissan Micra line up. If you buy one, just promise us you won't buy an "S200 O" registration plate for it. Earlier 2.0-litre models had a reputation for visiting hedges and ditches in the wet, but the later models were much improved. ![]() With up to 240hp from 2.0 and 2.2 engines strapped into the front of a striking convertible body, the S2000 was a sharp-looking MX-5 with teeth. Honda S2000 While hopped-up front wheel drive cars are all well and good ( click here for a great example), the S2000 showed the world what Honda could do with their VTEC engines in a car meant to go fast from the off. With a tiny, 660cc, three cylinder engine that buzzes to 8,000rpm mounted behind the driver, the featherweight Beat is one of the oddest car concepts ever put into production. The Beat was designed, by Pininfarina, as a two seat convertible to fit in with Japan's city car "keijidosha" (or "Kei car") laws. Honda Beat And then at the opposite end of the scale is the Honda Beat. ![]() Though make sure you buy one sooner rather than later as the supply seems to dwindle each winter, for some reason. ![]() With nearly 300hp on tap and all of it produced from the rear wheels, it was a performance benchmark for coupes worldwide throughout its life. It's a pumped-up, brutal piece of kit with a straight six and an optional pair of turbos - and that's before we get to the outrageous pantograph wing. Toyota Supra There's almost nothing subtle about the Supra. There's nothing more you could possibly need to know, except how to pronounce it - any guesses? That's worth repeating several times the same insane turbo engine, the same complex electronics underneath, the same Earth-shattering acceleration, only you can fit a wardrobe in the back. Nissan Stagea The Stagea is a Nissan Skyline with an estate body - you could even get Stageas that were essentially Skyline GT-Rs. With the Skyline's Super HICAS active rear wheel steering as standard, the 300ZX was brutal yet lithe and its unpopularity at the time makes it a good bargain buy now. But the 300ZX gave big power figures - equalling the GT-R on paper with the declared 276hp - and delivered it all to the rear wheels. Overshadowed in its day by the Skyline GT-R, it was remembered as the fat car that killed the Z badge until Nissan revived it with the 350Z. Nissan 300ZX The 300ZX is a little overlooked in the classic Nissan line-up. If you're planning on camping at JAE though, you might like to take a second car - the MR2 has no boot at all. Harking back to the original, Toyota went lightweight and gave it a peaky 1.8-litre VVTi, producing a car often compared favourably with the Mazda MX-5. This third gen model is an overlooked gem. The second-gen got fat and added big power, particularly the imported turbo models, making for a tricky car in the wet. The first-gen MR2 is one of the most iconic cars ever to come out of Japan, but good ones are rare and pricey. ![]()
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