Isuzu Geek: Isuzus in Japan - Part 2: Isuzu Sports Eagle

Saturday was a special day, because I had planned a day trip out of Tokyo proper, to a little place called Isuzu Sports Eagle. Isuzu Sports Eagle is a specialty shop dedicated to restoring and selling vintage Isuzu cars, and I would imagine it is probably the only shop in the world like it.

Isuzu Sport Eagle is located just over an hour outside of Tokyo proper, via a short walk from Hamura Station, near Fujimidaira. So we got up, and set out on our journey. I was worried too, because the skys were an ugly grey and rain was in the forecast for the afternoon. Nothing can ruin a good photo session like rain, but if it stayed overcast, I would get nice, even light for my pictures. After a little mix up on the train, we finally made it to Hamura Station.


Hamura Station, at 11:30 am Japan time.
An Isuzu Elf is the first Isuzu to greet us, as we wait to cross the street towards Isuzu Sports Eagle.

Getting closer!

Creme, just like the 117 at the museum, only this was a 2nd gen.

1st gen 117.

Holy burnt Piazza!!

This thing was toast.

I guess Piazzas are as rare in Japan as Impulses are in the States. If there are parts to be saved...

Much better!

Rusty 117 just waiting.

I love that back window.

All I can say, is the 1990s were a sad set of years for auto designs.

And it started to go bad in the late 1980s. No matter how much I try, I just cannot like the late 80s Geminis/I-marks.

Now this I wantted to bring home!

What's that Datsun doing there?!?!

Cool emblem.

Nice ass!!

Some fine retro wheels.

A wide shot of the shop from the corner.

I think dark green and classic orange are the best colors for the Belletts.

Check out this early Piazza. It has solid front head lights. I don't think any of our early Impulses came this way.

Another creme colored 117 and a rare 4dr Bellett sedan.

Cars, cars, cars!

As we were walking around, this freshly restored Bellett rolled onto the lot. It was then that I said some hellos and made my introductions to the guys hanging around. One of them turned out to be the shop owner, Okane Koji. He graciously opened up the Bellett for a nice set of photos.

This freshly restored Bellett still had the film over the re-chromed bumpers.

Spotless engine bay.

And another perfect boot!

Clean original interior.

I dunno, these cars just look right in orange.

The old school Isuzu logo.


Two-toned, that's how they should be.

After taking a ton of photos, Okane-san beckoned us to come into his shop. He sat us down and served us some coffee, and we then traded information and talked for a bit about Isuzus. It was a little difficult, because his English is about as good as my Japanese, but we muddled through it just fine.