Forget the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we actually need is more odd kei cars.
There’s something irresistibly fun about tiny vehicles designed to appear like supercars. They’re guaranteed to place a smile in your face each time.
Specifically, I’m talking about wild kei automobile creations like this Honda Today from 1988, which has gull-wing doors and a 12A rotary engine swap, built by RE Amemiya and Bomex. I’m unsure why we don’t see more one-of-a-kind kei projects along these lines – perhaps something as a consequence of cost.
Nevertheless, in Japan, you may still find some pretty cool little cars transformed into alter egos of themselves. Listed here are my top three kei builds from Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.
First up are these two lifted micro machines, which I’m grouping together because I couldn’t resolve which one I liked more.
The primary is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. While it’s still only a front-wheel-drive electric kei automobile, the high lift and the artwork depicting the Osaka Castle alongside the Tokyo Skytree greater than offset any powertrain deficiencies.
Just a few booths over I discovered one other EK Cross, this time with a good more extreme lift kit. You might have a commanding driving position on this thing, although I’m unsure how well it can tackle boulders with that low-slung electric motor between the axles. Still, it gets top marks for ambition.
Next, we’ve the ‘NS660,’ probably the most inexpensive NSX on the market. Because the name suggests, it’s based on the Honda 660.
My neighbour has one and recently fitted it with an NC1 NSX-style front bumper, but seeing one wearing an entire body kit that mirrors the unique NA1/2 NSX takes it to a different level.
Lastly, the ‘Coperche’ 811 GT-K – and what a reputation! This Daihatsu Copen dressed up as a Porsche 911 GT3 by StanceMagic is a murals. The Copen was only available as a soft top, so seeing it transformed right into a beautifully crafted hardtop coupe is sensible. The widened arches and real Porsche lights complete the look perfectly.
The unique 660cc engine has been swapped for a 1.3L NA unit from one other Daihatsu, giving it some extra power in addition. The white licence plates signify its move out of the yellow plate kei class.
As a bonus, and to come back full circle from the 1988 RE Amemiya Honda Today, this Mazda Carol continues to be under construction. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s looking incredibly promising.
Toby Thyer
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This Article First Appeared At www.speedhunters.com
