Thats a Minivan!

[SAmadei]

This has been around a while, so it may have been posted before... but I think they've added to their work, and some of it is pretty interesting. Its not my thing, as I'm sure I could not actually drive these little things, but at least they are good for a laugh. I can't help but wonder if GM could do something like this for a retro Microvan... or Micro-SUV...

Clever how the bowtie is reversed...

I can't believe they copied the '68-'72 Chevy trucks...

And some Dodge lovin'...

website: www.blow-net.co.jp

[ocnblu]

The size is playing with my mind, but those are wicked cool!

[daves87rs]

Very cool! I'd buy one!

[CSpec]

Could these things meet US crash regulations?

[Drew Dowdell]

What are these based on....

and more importantly, can they make me a Roadmaster version?

[balthazar]

Liking the A-100 version (actually, they all are a bit of a blast), but this is still akin to 'lipstick on a pig'.

I echo Olds' question and add- how small ARE these?

[regfootball]

OMG, so cool!

[SAmadei]

Liking the A-100 version (actually, they all are a bit of a blast), but this is still akin to 'lipstick on a pig'.

Certainly akin to lipstick on a pig... but its an example that something could still be small, new, and still be 'American' in style.

I echo Olds' question and add- how small ARE these?

Its tough to say for sure. The site seems to be totally in Japanese. Most photos I've seen of the originals near them have some forced perspective.

Apparently, the A100 is based on a Toyota Hiace. ~66" wide, 75" high, 184" long. Small by our standards, not Kei sized, though. I think those '68-'72 Chevy influenced ones are smaller, though.

Edit: Actually, I think the "A100" is the largest one by a decent factor... I'm judging the sizes here on the headlights, which look to me to be the same... which means the non-"A100" Dodges vans are a decent step smaller than the "A100" ones. It also looks to me that the "Chevy" vans use the same base as the non-"A100" Dodges.

Edited October 19, 2010 by SAmadei

[cavalier36]

I love the retro Full size vans from the 70's and 80's. I always did like those model vans even though I never did own one. My dad used to build them in the 70's when they were built in Lordstown.

[cavalier36]

I dont know how well they would sell, but since GM is considering producing a new minivan why not do a retro van? base it off the the 70's and 80's vans. but make it smaller. Retro has worked for other cars and crossovers.. Camaro, Mustang, HHR, Pt Cruiser, etc. wouldnt hurt to show a "concept" version at an auto show or two. I just dont know how you would fit a FWD drivetrain under the hood though. maybe make it RWD and base it on a modified Alpha.

[Z-06]

Most of these are based off on Suzuki Wagon R or similar Daihatsu. Japanese Kei cars. Yes these mini-minivans are a rage there.

The specifications for Wagon R:

Wheelbase 2,360 mm (92.9 in)

Length 3,520 mm (138.6 in)

Width 1,475 mm (58.1 in)

Height 1,660 mm (65.4 in)

Kerb weight 825 kg (1,819 lb)

[balthazar]

Overall length 138" ?!?!?!?!?!

Holey crapoli !

I like the idea but those who kno me kno I have no problem with 'retro'- good iconic design lasts and the modern stuff is so boring.

[A Horse With No Name]

wicked and wiled