Relive mechanical nostalgia by renting a classic Toyota the next time you're in Japan

For everyone that laments about modern cars lacking that mechanical connection between man and machine, of course Japan has a solution to that by going full circle with the car subscription handbook, having classic Toyotas for rent.

While car subscriptions were once considered the future of mobility, it’s now gone around the neighbourhood and returned to its core; at least from Toyota’s perspective.

You see, we might have gotten it wrong in believing that vehicle subscriptions were a manner to settle our mobility and that it should only comprise EVs or EEVs, basically vehicles that would be good for the planet.

Toyota has now proven that it can even help us relive nostalgia with the classic Toyotas for rent that would allow us to drive the cars we probably grew up lusting after.

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Back in 2020, Toyota launched the Kinto car sharing service that rented cars by the hour, day or even month. The programme has made its way here as well but of course Japan’s programme encompasses a much wider array of vehicles and services.

Users will have access to cars most of Toyota and Lexus vehicles such as the GR86. Enthusiasts can even get in on the action with Kinto providing tuning services for the GR Yaris’ suspension and ECU based on the data collected to determine your driving style.

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Kinto has surpassed the basic intention of renting out cars with the plan for enthusiasts. It has expanded into Kinto Factory that lets private owners of certain Toyota models upgrade their cars with modern tech such as blind-spot monitors and rear cross-traffic alert.

Nonetheless, none of that comes close to the latest service offered; Kinto Vintage Club. First brought to our easily amused attention by Japanese Nostalgic Car, as the name suggests, the service places classic Toyota models up for rental. For now, the fleet comprises only four classics; a TE27 Corolla Levin, a Z10 Soarer, a Celica Liftback and an A70 Supra.

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Strap in, grab that simple steering wheel devoid of buttons, depress that clutch, guide that proper manual into first gear and ease on that cable-linked accelerator as you begin your journey into mechanical bliss.

Imagine rolling into your local breakfast spot in an immaculate TE27 Corolla Levin or emulating your Wangan Midnight fantasies in the A70 Supra. Hell, valet parking that Z10 Soarer at a swanky hotel would put all the Porsches and Ferraris to shame while Celica Liftback would send your peers into a frenzy as the wallpapers from their teens turns into reality.

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Playing into the likely customer demographic for this service, the cars are even fitted with popular aftermarket parts like RS Watanabe or Hayashi Street wheels and even a Nardi steering wheel for that perfect period correct feel.

By now you’re probably already planning your next trip to Japan too rent these beauties but you’re wondering how much it’ll cost.

Well, the TE27, Celica and Soarer start at ¥30,000 (~RM 970) for 8 hours while taking either of the trio for a full 24 hours will set you back for ¥35,000 (~RM 1,130). Every additional day following that will be ¥30,000 for up to five days. Surprisingly, the Supra costs a little lower at ¥5,000 (~RM 162) less from all the previously quoted rates.

Of course, Kinto even suggests scenic roads on which the cars will feel perfectly at home.

The fleet is currently based in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture until October 31. After that, they’ll make their way to a GR Garage in Mitaka, Tokyo. Best to plan your next trip to Japan to coincide with the availability of these beauties.