Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 22 July 2026
A handful of iconic Japanese cars are heading to an auction this weekend, and they are starting from just $1.
While they aren’t the headlining machines of Sunday Drive’s upcoming JDM Auction, that position is reserved for a million-dollar Skyline GT-R — these ones are far more attainable.
Our wish list starts with a 1992 Honda Civic that has to be one of the tidiest examples in the country.
Covering just 28,000km in its 34 years on earth, it looks like it rolled out of the factory yesterday with its factory fresh paint.
As well as featuring a $1 reserve, this Civic doesn’t even feature a price guide, meaning someone could pick up a bargain here.
Next up is a Subaru from a similar era, but this Impreza WRX is far more sought after in the usual JDM circles.
As a Type RA 55, it is one of just 1,000 units produced, and was imported to New Zealand in 2005.
With a five-speed manual transmission, a turbocharged boxer engine, and a solid all-wheel drive system, this one’s a winner in our eyes.
Of the same era, but predicted to sell for a cheaper price, there’s a 1998 Nissan Skyline R34 Coupe, and a Toyota Celsior with its iconic 1UZ V8 engine.
At the more modern end of this group is a 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. This one is predicted to sell between $35,000 and $40,000, for good reason.
According to the listing, this Impreza has had more than $100,000 spent to turn it into a road-going race car.
It features a roll cage, racing seats, and reportedly produces a healthy 265kW at the wheels.
Last but not least is a 2009 Honda Civic Type R. Though this one misses out on the red interior, it still gets a winning combo with a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and a six-speed manual transmission.
Sunday Drive’s JDM Auction is taking place on Sunday 26 July at 22 Stonedon Drive, Highbrook.
