HOW MANY INTERCEPTORS WERE EXPORTED - NEW - TO JAPAN?

[Nicholas Lightbown]

Hello chaps/chapesses

I just wondered - as I now spend about 1/12 of my life living in Japan these days (Mrs Lightbown is Japanese) - how many Interceptors were exported new to Japan? What was/is their fate?

With thanks ahead of responses

N

[ajm541s]

Without checking for exact figures I think about 15 cars were exported to Japan up to the end of 1974. I am not sure if any were sent over in 1975/6.
The importers were Cornes & Co, whose name I am sure you will know. a very old established British trading concern.

As to their fate, I have no idea, but I have not heard of any being repatriated to the UK, but I think one or two have gone to Australia. Richard Calver is the man to ask, and in all probability he will pick up this thread.

[Julian]

Hi one at least is in NZ. Imported about 6 years ago a yellow mk111 saloon. 2240 9542 from memory. Aug 74 date NZ imports lots of second hand jappers and a guy noticed it and bought it in. I bought it off him and then sold it back to him about two years later.
Very unmolested and unfeasibly clean without even surface rust underneath. I had all the usual stuff done but then bought the convertible. He has repainted it yellow and added a bonnet scoop (not seen it in the flesh recently).
May still be some pics of it on my post in members cars.

Must have terrified the rice burners back in the day.

[Julian]

Actually there it is my signature thing duh. Must change it!

[Denis]

Looking sometimes for the LHD Mercedeses W126, R127 etc coming back from Japan, it looks like they have very special approach to the LHD luxobarges and classic cars. Not either any form of respect as collection item, or casuality. Looks like they treat it like luxury item - buy it, sporadically use it over some years, and after some time, lost interest and sell at what ever money in very umolested condition. Like Birkin bag, Vertu phone or Rolex watch.

At least its looks like this.

[Nicholas Lightbown]

except, Dennis, the Japanese market prefer RHD as they drive on left side of road - like UL.

Sincerely

N

[Richard Calver]

Have a look at the stats on my web site:

http://www.richardcalver.com/article_intser4.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.richardcalver.com/article_int3ghj.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.richardcalver.com/article_int2.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Total - 38 Interceptors to Japan. I have fates for 5 of them including 3 in New Zealand and 1 in Australia. If you see one in Japan, it's likely to be a car I have not yet traced.

[colin7673]

Dennis, the Japanese market prefer RHD as they drive on left side of road - like UL.

The correct side of the road.... to drive on...

[Denis]

In the Japan european luxobarges often being bought with LHD, for unknown reasons...

[RAP72]

In the Japan european luxobarges often being bought with LHD, for unknown reasons...

I seem to recall someone explaining it was so the chauffeur could get out and open the door for the owner.

[Denis]

Just because RHD cars used for the postal service in LHD countries.

But it doesnt explain why coupes and convertibles also being bought in LHD form.

[mustbemad]

I was told when I lived there that LHD luxury cars were specifically bought over RHD as they had even more cachet, and seen as even more desirable.

Even more to show off!

Gerard

[Nicholas Lightbown]

Thanks for contributions. Very interesting!

Richard: Below is a RHD six-pack for sale in Japan. Is it 'known' to you?

http://www.garage-nichiei.jp/stockcars108.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I'm beginning to acquire a thirst for knowledge of the 35 Interceptors originally exported to Japan. If I can persuade Mrs L to email potential 'leads' in Japan, would anyone be interested in sharing our findings?

Richard: I'd love to learn the history of the five cars you refer to.

Sincerely

[felixkk]

looks like the same car:


then what else I've found from japan:



best regards, felix

[Steve Payne]

Those mirrors look terrible.

Steve