Build Your Own Car (If You’re Living In Japan)
- March 26th, 2007
- 11 Comments
Now we know why cars in Japan are cheaper; people build cars as a hobby! Or at least that’s what Mitsuoka Motor is betting on. The auto company has released the K-4 micro car kit. This is a real, working mini-car that is about eight-feet long and comes in an old-school sports car design. You assemble everything on your own (to an extent) and after about 40 hours of work, you’ll be driving around in a new car that’s capable of doing 31-mph (race around the park, anyone?).
I suppose that’s all a 50cc-engine can handle, but I bet it’s still a blast to scoot around in. Anyone ever seen anything like this in the states? Have you made your own car?
Japanese do-it-yourself cars [Make]
fewquid (Who am I?)
1 year ago
“Kit Cars” as they’re (suprisingly) called used to be popular in the UK too. Although most of the ones over there were built around existing cars. You buy a beaten up old mini and rebuild it into something new, re-using the engine, wheels and various other key components. As I recall, the original VW beetle was good for this and the Citroen 2CV (yeah, I can hear you saying “the what???”)…
This thing reminds me a bit of the vintage-looking Morgan kits — a 2+2 old school roadster kit…
Paul G (Who am I?)
1 year ago
Here in the states people would rebuild Fieros into mini Ferraris.
I think there was also a Bettle to Porsche kit.
Mark (Who am I?)
1 year ago
Yeah, I’ve seen the Fier-aris (Ferrari kit cars).
I’d be afraid to drive one of those K-4 ’s in the states, with the tons of SUVs and people talking on cell phones and all. You’d get run over after 5 min of joy riding.
Tony (Who am I?)
1 year ago
If i bought one of those K-4s, the first thing i would do is throw out that little engine. I would modify the engine bay and maybe fit it to hold either an old inline 6 or maybe something like an ecotech. Of course, that would require getting more regular sized tires and stuff, and I am sure there would be all sorts of regulations on safety and stuff here in the States, so i woulnd’t even bother getting one unless i was living in Japan or something.
gabriel mendoza (Who am I?)
1 year ago
if i bought one of those k-4s, id be really happy building it.i also can show it to my neighbors.50kmph is kinda fast for a 50cc engine.for the verdict i really like it especially driving around in the phillipines.it would be also a model to the citizens of the phillipines.
gabriel mendoza (Who am I?)
1 year ago
if i bought one of those k-4s, id be really happy building it.i also can show it to my neighbors.50kmph is kinda fast for a 50cc engine.for the verdict i really like it especially driving around in the phillipines. its really economical and practical 30km to a liter it would laugh at those v8 cherokees and other american cars.JAPAN RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous
1 year ago
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popli (Who am I?)
1 year ago
who are u
Anonymous
1 year ago
u smell
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Anonymous
1 year ago
u suck
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Dr.MAQ (Who am I?)
1 year ago
Hi,
Well, that’s not bad for those who don’t want to use 2-wheeler. and want to drive it instead of buying grousory within city limits.
But i think different engine versions (upto 500cc), tyre sizes, must be provided as an option, so that their utility can be increased.
Regards,
Dr.MAQ