Dozens of automotive masterpieces are about to go on show in a bid to make Japan Asia's social hub for classic-car buffs.

Classic cars grab our imagination, taking us back to a time when the car was less about the practicality of how to get from A to B and more about getting there in style.

Today, good mileage, low emissions and high safety levels are probably more important factors in choosing a car than sexy looks and a wood-grain dash.