Tanaka C30X (1975-1980)
1980 Tanaka C30X Turbo shown
This is the Tanaka C30X, the successor to the C20X and the predecessor of the 1st generation X-Series. Tanaka wanted to create a replacement for the C20X. This was a good oportunity because the new S-Series engine was used in the new 1st gen Aventus. Origninally, the engineers wanted to use the same engine from the C20X, a carburreted 2.8 litre SOHC Inline 6. However, when Tanaka planned to release it in 1973, the oil crisis began. Tanaka C30X engineers went back to the drawing board. When the S-Series Inline 6 engine was in developent, the engineers saw that the engine has a potential. Not only does it have a better fuel economy, but it is also DOHC and uses a mechanical fuel injection. This means that the engine is more reliable and can potentially make more power than the C20X’s SOHC carburreted Inline 6. Unfortunately, it was actually less powerful. The oil crisis meant that Tanaka needed to sacrifice power for fuel economy.
Then, there was the design. Tanaka didn’t spend that much on aerodynamics R&D. Earlier concepts shows that the C30X has a fixed headlight. However, the front was quite blocky. So, they decided to scratch that and put pop-up headlights. The advantage of this is that the headlights allow for a low-slung design. This is what made the C30X so memorable. This also meant that the low-slung design allows the car to have a lower drag coeficient.
Tanaka C30X S shown
This is the S trim, the base model. It is equipped with the S30MFI-B1 unit producing only 154HP and 155 lb-ft of torque. It has 15-inch rims, a 5-speed manual, an open diff, solid disk brakes on the front and rear, a fully clad undertray, a premium leather interior with a premium 8-track player, hydraulic power steering, and advanced 70s safety features. It can do 0-60mph in 8.35 seconds and has a top speed of 119mph.
Tanaka C30X L shown
This is the L trim, the luxurious model. It has the same equipment on the S except for the 8-track player, which is replaced by a luxury 8-track. This is the only trim level where buyers can choose between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. However, not many people bought the C30X L, especially in automatics, because the C30X was meant to be a sports car, not a GT.
Tanaka C30X Turbo shown
This is the C30X Turbo. It was released in 1980, which is also the last year the C30X is in production. This was Tanaka’s first turbocharged car and first turbocharged Inline 6 car. The changes from the normal S includes a turbo (the engine inside is the S30MFI-B1 T, it now makes 245HP and 260lb-ft of torque with journal bearing turbos), a louder exhaust setup, vented disk brakes, 15-inch mesh magnesium rims, wider tires (now a staggered setup), lighter seats made from aluminium, lowered suspension and sportier setup. It is able to do 0-60mph in 6.78 seconds and has a top speed of 143mph. The Turbos are highly sought after as only 850 Turbo versions were ever made.
This is one of the Tanaka C30X that went through Tanabe Racing’s upgrade program (note that this is an EU spec, hence the rear fog lights.)
In 1990 (10 years after the production of the C30X has stopped), owners of the C30X Turbo (needs to be the original owner who still have the original car), were invited by Tanabe Racing for an upgrade program. This upgrade program was to switch the original journal bearing turbo to a ball bearing turbo (which made the car make 258HP and 273lb-ft of torque), a longer gearing, and a full engine restoration. Only 169 of the 850 C30X Turbos went through this upgrade program. These 169 C30X Turbos were also given a certificate of approval from the chief engineer of Tanabe Racing, Wataru Tanabe, brake calipers painted red, the rims are now sandy gray and a stamp of approval inside the glove box. The result is that 0-60mph still happens in 6.78 seconds, but now has a top speed of 144mph. The numbers may not be special, but the rarity is what made it special. These ugraded C30X Turbos are now very highly valuable and sought-after with high mileage examples selling for $90000. They are truly special.
Pop Up Up'n Down Headlights By James Pumphrey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dm1J42mnKho
POP UP HEADLIGHTS!
