Terry Ito Column Vol. 87: Ken Takakura's Porsche Carrera Arrives

My love for cars has led me to own over a dozen, so I decided to set up a secret base in Yokosuka, where parking is cheap. I open my garage to the public once a month, on the last Saturday of the month. Many people come to visit each time, but at the March gathering, an incredible car showed up. A friend of mine, who was a professor at the University of Tokyo until recently, arrived in a Porsche Carrera that was once owned by Ken Takakura!

Because I work in the automotive industry, I'm not usually surprised by even the most luxurious cars, but it's a different story when it comes to Ken Takakura's car. I was left breathless. When I asked how he acquired the car, he said that a car dealer he knew contacted him and he bought it without hesitation. Ken Takakura, known for his love of cars, owned nearly 10 cars at any given time, and it was secretly known in the industry that he kept them in the underground parking lot of the Pacific Hotel in Shinagawa. However, the cars registered in his own name were three: a Mercedes-Benz G-Class (Germany), a Daimler-Jaguar Double Six (UK), and a Porsche Carrera (Germany). Truly national treasure-class cars. And now, they are right in front of me.

The left fender of the body has "KEN TAKAKURA" subtly inscribed on it. The manual shift knob has the initials "K.T." Apparently, Ken Takakura fell in love with this Porsche Carrera at first sight during a trip to France and bought it. He had the dashboard area re-covered with wood panels at a Porsche dealership in Paris. It is truly a one-of-a-kind special edition car. The red leather keychain with the Porsche emblem that Ken Takakura used is still there. I wouldn't dare use it. Because it would be a parallel import if brought back to Japan, the official dealer at the time, Sanwa Motors, wouldn't accept it for service, but our Ken Takakura apparently made a special payment for it.

I was allowed to sit in the driver's seat. Looking out the windshield, I could see Ken-san smiling... Was it an illusion? The image of him driving alone on the Metropolitan Expressway late at night also came to mind. It was such a happy time that I never feel this way no matter what car I'm in. I've never envied my friend as much as I did today. I was too scared to ask how much it cost, though.

When the whole story was posted on Instagram, it received a huge response! Many people commented, "I wanted to see it!" and "I want to take pictures!" So, it's been decided that he'll make another appearance on the garage open day in April. You might even hear some behind-the-scenes stories from Ken-san. And a Porsche enthusiast who knows everything about Porsches is also scheduled to attend.
I'm so happy to see Ken Takakura's Porsche again!

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry