One weekend morning, driving from Takebashi Interchange onto the Metropolitan Expressway and then the Joban Expressway, I encountered a handsome convoy of classic cars — around 7:30 a.m., just after entering Ibaraki from Chiba. Thirty to forty cars, perhaps more, headed north.
I am no classic-car expert, but I could make out GM Chevrolet and Cadillac badges — mostly American cars from the 1950s–60s ＝photos upper and upper left.
That era was the time of President J.F. Kennedy, assassinated more than 50 years ago — the “Golden ’50s” and “Golden ’60s,” literally America’s golden age.
American cars remind me of the TV drama “Crime Story.” Produced 1986–88, aired in Japan slightly later — 44 episodes over two seasons. Set in 1960s Chicago and Las Vegas, it follows Detective Torello (Dennis Farina), a bit like Super Mario, and mob boss Luca (Anthony Denison) ＝same right — cars of the period roar through ＝photo lower right, detectives leap from vehicles to the upbeat theme — I was thrilled. I remember the pointed tail lights on Torello’s car ＝photo lower left; not GM — one blog said Chrysler 300C.
(Note: Jackie Chan’s film “Crime Story” in English is titled “Police Story 3” in Japan — do not confuse them.)
After the golden age came the Nixon shock (1971), Nixon’s resignation (1974), defeat in Vietnam (1975) — fall from the peak; emissions rules helped usher in the era of environmentally superior Japanese cars, then America’s “revival,” Japan’s “stagnation,” China’s rise — you know the rest.
Times look different to everyone. I personally dislike America throwing its weight around — yet these classic cars are cool, plain and simple.
