M2 Machines Auto Japan: 1969 Datsun Bluebird, 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R, and 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z

If you haven’t noticed JDM cars, short for Japan Domestic Market, are very popular now ever since a Bluebird wagon appeared in the Hot Wheels line in 2013 and since then the popularity has skyrocketed while at the same time the value of older JDM castings have increased. It didn’t take long for diecast manufacturers to cash in on the action even though so far it seems to be narrowed down to mostly Nissan and their Bluebird’s and GTR’s; one of those manufacturers to join the race is an unlikely one: M2 Machines, whose sole purpose for a while was American vehicles from the 1950’s and 1960’s, now enters the ring with these three castings in the new Auto-Japan series.

1969 Datsun Bluebird

The most simple and plain jane version of the group is the Bluebird sedan, and yes I said sedan as in four doors instead of the usual two-door model that other manufacturers are making. The Bluebird takes its recipe from the BMW 2002, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and even the Chevy Nova as a basic, compact car that can be used to transport to work on a daily basis, but also can be outfitted for the track with a few modifications. It has created a cult following after the racing success of the Bluebird and has become one of the most admired Japan cars out there outside of the typical sports cars like the Nissan Z and Toyota 2000GT. While M2 does offer a racing version, I went for this stock version in a mint green color featuring chrome wheel covers with whitewall and narrow rubber tires, fender mounted exterior mirrors that look like they need some chrome, and chrome trim around the windows with the black C-pillar vents. The front has a wide chrome grille with black grille center and quad round headlights and a lower chrome bumper with black bumper pads and Bluebird on license plate. The Bluebird badge is mounted on the front fenders as well as the rear trunklid where the black valence panel has rectangular taillights, a chrome bumper, and the exhaust muffler on the left-side. Unlike other diecast replicas of the Bluebird this one is nice and simple and gives this model a unique offering. The base underneath is metal and showcases the rear-wheel drive layout with the option of a larger rear tires for future use, while the hood opens up SOHC I-4 with open side carbs and the engine bay can accommodate larger engine’s as well, though the mysterious round holes seems to be an issue with all of these M2 Auto Japan models. Unfortunately there is no opening doors like other M2 models (these are really small cars compared to the larger American cars), but the interior offers great detail like the 5-passenger seating, front bucket seats, floor shifter for the 4-speed manual, and a right-hand drive steering wheel with a clean and simple dashboard layout. While obviously not as appealing as the race car deco versions this Bluebird looks very nice in a stock look and on the track it is a blast to drive around the corners!

Specifications:

Engine: 1.6L SOHC I-4 96 hp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual
0-60 mph: 12.0 sec. est.
Real vehicle price: $3,000 est. 1969

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Of course, the next most popular Nissan is the GT-R and this 1971 example sets the beginning for the legendary GT-R brand. The Skyline was Nissan’s largest car at the time and with help from the Prince stores the performance of the Skyline was set in motion in the early 1960’s, leading up to the first GT-R in 1969 based on a Skyline coupe. Lighter weight, DOHC I-6 power, and wider track made the Hakosuka the quickest car out there on Japan roads and would be a status symbol for Nissan fanatics. Like the Bluebird the M2 version of the GT-R goes for a more stock version rather than the customized versions often seen out there, and even the race car versions still retain that stock look. I appreciate the stock look in orange with the black exterior mirrors on the front fenders, the black steel wheels, and the black flared rear fenders. The front has a chrome grille with black split grille inserts and quad headlights on the ends, with signal lights just below them and above the chrome bumper. The sides shows a clean two-door look with Skyline badges on the front fenders and C-pillar and the fuel cap door is cleverly hidden on the corner of the trunk lid, while the rear has quad square taillights in red with chrome outer housing, black trunk lid trim, GTR badge, and even the dual tip exhaust sticking out. Clean, but very lethal! The base offers more detail than the Bluebird with the visible engine, drivetrain, rear trailing link suspension, and exhaust system on the metal base, while the forward opening hood shows off the DOHC I-6 motor with red intake cover, but again what is with the blank useless area in front of the engine with holes? Like the Bluebird there are no opening doors, but the interior still offers excellent details with seating for four, more supportive front bucket seats, and right-hand drive steering wheel with floor shifter, but the dashboard does not have as much detail as the Bluebird. Still, I like the clean look of this GT-R and it fits in very nicely with the new Auto-Japan line.

Specifications:

Engine: 2.0L DOHC I-6 160 hp.
Transmission: 4-speed manual
0-60 mph: 6.5 sec. est.
Real vehicle price: $5,000 est. 1971

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 stars

1970 Nissan Fairlady Z

Of course, the most popular Nissan is also well-known globally as the Nissan Z, or Fairlady Z in some markets. The Z was introduced as an affordable sports car with the style of the Jaguar E-type and Toyota 2000GT, but for much less money than them two. While not offering the power that the GT-R had the Z used its more nimble size and better weight distribution to make it a force on the track. Like the other two models in the M2 Auto Japan line the Fairlady Z has the option of a stock or racing car look, with the latter mostly removing the front and rear bumpers. I went for this black one with a red interior that really brings out the simple, clean look and racy attitude all at the same time. The car does seem to sit lower than the other two with the narrow steel wheels pushed more inwards than at the edge of the car, with a long hood and short fastback rear that is recognized as the Fairlady Z. The front has round headlights carved into the front fenders, a black grille just above the chrome bumper, signal lights below the bumper, and exterior mirrors on the front fenders. The hood has the billet center bulge with access panels on the fenders to access a few engine components, while the sides have the Z badge on the C-pillar and a red Nissan stripe at the bottom with Nissan Motors and the JNCC logo on the front fenders. The rear has detailed square split taillights, Fairlady Z license plate, chrome bumper, detailed vents and 240Z badge on the rear liftgate, and the left-side exhaust pipe. The metal base shows off the drivetrain and suspension details where the rear suspension is different than the Skyline GT-R and the exhaust system runs in the middle of the vehicle before exiting out back, while the forward hood opens up to show off the SOHC I-6 motor with more detail and red valve cover (I added red to the spark plug wires), but those holes are there and doubled in size next to the engine for no apparent reason. The doors do not open, but the interior with the red bucket seats is nicely done with right-hand drive 3-spoke steering wheel, dual large gauges with round auxiliary units just above the radio, shifter for the 4-speed on the center console, and a useable cargo area with detailed strut towers. This Fairlady Z has some nice points and level of details for its size, but the lower stance and mysterious holes in the engine bay makes it come up short compared to the Bluebird and Skyline GT-R.

Specifications: