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Forget the big-boosting Nissan Skyline GT-Rs and wide-bodied Lamborghini Miuras – what we really want is more bizarre kei cars.

There’s something irresistibly fun about tiny vehicles designed to look like supercars. They’re guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time.

Specifically, I’m talking about wild kei car 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 not sure why we don’t see more one-of-a-kind kei projects along these lines – perhaps something due to cost.

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Nevertheless, in Japan, you can still find some pretty cool little cars transformed into alter egos of themselves. Here are my top three kei builds from Tokyo Auto Salon 2025.

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First up are these two lifted micro machines, which I’m grouping together because I couldn’t decide which one I liked more.

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The first is a Mitsubishi EK Cross EV. While it’s still just a front-wheel-drive electric kei car, the high lift and the artwork depicting the Osaka Castle alongside the Tokyo Skytree more than offset any powertrain deficiencies.

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A few booths over I found another EK Cross, this time with an even more extreme lift kit. You have a commanding driving position in this thing, although I’m not sure how well it will tackle boulders with that low-slung electric motor between the axles. Still, it gets top marks for ambition.

Next, we have the ‘NS660,’ the most affordable NSX out there. As the name suggests, it’s based on the Honda 660.

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My neighbour has one and recently fitted it with an NC1 NSX-style front bumper, but seeing one dressed in a complete body kit that mirrors the original NA1/2 NSX takes it to another level.

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Lastly, the ‘Coperche’ 811 GT-K – and what a name! This Daihatsu Copen dressed up as a Porsche 911 GT3 by StanceMagic is a work of art. The Copen was only available as a soft top, so seeing it transformed into a beautifully crafted hardtop coupe is brilliant. The widened arches and genuine Porsche lights complete the look perfectly.

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The original 660cc engine has been swapped for a 1.3L NA unit from another Daihatsu, giving it some extra power to boot. The white licence plates signify its move out of the yellow plate kei class.

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As a bonus, and to come full circle from the 1988 RE Amemiya Honda Today, this Mazda Carol is still under construction. With its wide-body conversion and rotary swap, it’s looking incredibly promising.

Toby Thyer
Instagram _tobinsta_
tobythyer.co.uk

Tokyo Auto Salon 2025 on Speedhunters

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4 comments Sort: by Oldest by Best by Newest by Oldest 2 11:01 amJanuary 17, 2025 Jude white

i love the look and idea if kei cars. the smaller frame, lighter body weight and smaller engine makes the car feel like a 4 wheeled motor bike. that probably sounds a bit dumb but it makes sense if you think about it

+1Reply Share 4 4:54 amJanuary 18, 2025 StraightR

Awesomeness comes in Kei for real - why spend more, really?

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