Kaido Cars: Japan’s Nostalgic Racing Culture
Kaido cars—a staple in Japanese racing culture—have a low-ride height, unique wheels, and a sharknose front.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Auto sports
are loved across the world, and every place has its own unique racing culture. In Japan, one defining aspect of racing culture is Kaido cars—a small, low, and extremely fast vehicle. Jerry
, the trustworthy insurance comparison app
, looks at these signature Japanese
vehicles, and the impression they’ve left on United States racing culture, too. What is a Kaido car?
A Kaido car is a defining feature in Japanese racing culture, with the vehicles being widespread throughout the country.
In an interview with
Sabukaru
, Mitch Meade, a car photographer in Japan, describes Kaido cars as having very low wheels, a chin spoiler on the front, and a slit spoiler on the rear, with some FET Kyokuto details. Kaido cars are vintage cars in Japanese racing culture, with most produced from the 1970s to the 1990s.Oftentimes, Kaido racers are called “Shakotan” in Japan. The word itself translates to “low car,” so it can be used to describe a Kaido car or just a modern-day low car. The minimal ground level clearance on Kaido race cars is one of their most defining features.
More details on the Kaido car
Kaido cars are still being produced today, although with a more modern twist. According to
Speed Hunters
, car owners in Japan today take a great deal of inspiration from the old silhouettes of Kaido cars from the late ’70s and early to mid-’80s and imitate the exaggerated details on their own rides. At their first conception, Kaido cars had roots in the Bosozoku, which were the speed tribes and motorcycle gangs that wreaked havoc on Japan. But, as the style became more popular, the link between the Bosozoku and Kaido cars faded.
Kaido cars’ impact on the United States
Although these vehicles are traditional to Japan, they’ve also made their way to the United States and influenced S racing culture, too. Many drivers have been inspired by the Kaido car, and some have even bought the vehicles directly from Japan.
Japanese Nostalgic Car
reported on Randy Beard buying a Kaido car directly from Japan to bring to the United States. The car had a GX71 Toyota Mark II base, a low-ride height, 14-inch SSR Star Sharks. The body was modified slightly by tapering with the sharknose front, trailing vents aft of the front wheel arches, and adding a double-bar half-cage, but the original Kaido design still shines through. Today, Kaido-inspired cars can be seen at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, California.
4.7
