21. Mitsuoka Himiko
Year Made: 2018
Estimated Cost: $32,000*
At first glance, the Mitsuoka Himiko looks like a classic car you may have spotted in a Humphrey Bogart movie. However, that’s not the case at all. This design was actually launched in 2018, combining some classic design features with a definite modern twist.
Mitsuoka Himiko @OreBobby / Twitter.com
The two-seater sports car is a hodgepodge of wonderful parts, allegedly starting its life as a third-gen Mazda MX-5 Miata. At $32,000 per unit, this car isn’t cheap – but it’s worth every dime. It’s only available in certain countries, so it may be awhile before you spot one on the freeway.
22. Honda Vamos
Year Made: 1970-1973
Estimated Cost: $45,000*
The Honda Vamos is aptly named after the Portuguese expression, meaning “Let’s go.” The swift buggy-style car is designed for ease of travel, with open sides and a soft fabric roof. The original car has buckets and buckets of character, which might be why enthusiasts are willing to spend upward of $45,000 on one.
Honda Vamos @goudyhondaca / Twitter.com
The Vamos is never going to win any prizes for speed or agility, but it’s a unique getaround that is very reminiscent of the era. For collectors of Japanese cars, it could make a welcome addition to the fleet, if only for a few giggles.
23. Nissan Cube
Cost: $9,000-$20,000*
Year Made: 1998-2019
The Nissan Cube was an example of Japan’s innovative spirit in the world of car manufacturing. Its distinct box-like design, coupled with a peculiar asymmetric rear window, gave it an iconic look that piqued the curiosity of car enthusiasts globally. Its spacious and flexible interior design, emphasizing comfort and utility, reflected Nissan’s forward-thinking approach. With its individualistic design, the Cube established itself as a vehicle that wasn’t afraid to challenge conventional aesthetics.
Nissan Cube @caranddrivermag/Pinterest
The Nissan Cube struggled to gain a foothold in some international markets, particularly in the United States. While it was met with initial excitement, consumers seemed to shy away from its unorthodox design over time, reflecting a preference for more traditional vehicle shapes.
24. Suzuki Cappuccino
Cost: $8,000-$20,000*
Year Made: 1991 – 1997
The Suzuki Cappuccino is a pint-sized gem that hails from the era of Japanese kei sports cars. Born in 1991, it was constructed as an ultra-lightweight roadster that would fit within the kei car regulations, allowing for lower tax and insurance costs. As a result, the Cappuccino weighed in at a feather-light 725 kg. It boasted a turbocharged, three-cylinder, 657cc engine that produced 63 horsepower, managing to deliver a remarkable driving experience.
Suzuki Cappuccino @hagertymedia/Pinterest
The aesthetics of the Suzuki Cappuccino were just as intriguing as its performance. It featured a distinctive, compact design that showcased classic roadster elements, complete with a long hood, short rear end, and a surprisingly spacious two-seat cabin. Perhaps one of the most unique aspects of the Cappuccino was its roof design, offering three configurations: topless, T-top, or a full roof, courtesy of its detachable panels.
25. Yamaha MOTIV.e
Cost: Not commercially available*
Year Made: 2013 (Concept)
The Yamaha MOTIV.e, introduced as a concept vehicle in 2013, was a surprising leap for Yamaha, a brand primarily known for its motorcycles and marine products. Designed in collaboration with Gordon Murray Design, the MOTIV.e showcased Yamaha’s aspiration to venture into the realm of city cars. The vehicle’s compact size, agile handling, and distinctive styling — featuring a highly modern, almost futuristic appearance — signified Yamaha’s intention to bring the thrill of motorcycling to a four-wheeled city car.
Yamaha MOTIV.e @topgear/Pinterest
However, despite the buzz it created, the Yamaha MOTIV.e never transitioned from a concept car to a production model. The reasons are speculative, though some attribute it to the high costs and regulatory hurdles involved in entering the competitive automotive market.
26. Nissan Pao
Cost: Various
Year Made: 1989 – 1991
The Nissan Pao was one of the company’s iconic retro-styled models, representing a unique blend of past and future in its design. Known for its utilitarian and minimalist appeal, the Pao stood out in the compact car segment. This model was part of Nissan’s Pike series, which aimed to create limited-production, uniquely designed small cars.
Nissan Pao ©DaddySharkDownUnder/Reddit
Powered by a 1.0L inline-four engine paired with either a 3-speed automatic or 5-speed manual transmission, the Pao wasn’t built for speed but rather for efficiency and easy maneuverability, especially in urban settings. Inside, the Pao boasts a simple yet purposeful design that feels both nostalgic and modern. Despite its production ending in 1991, the Nissan Pao remains a desirable classic among car enthusiasts, especially those with a soft spot for distinctively styled retro vehicles.
27. Mitsubishi Minica Toppo
Cost: $5,000-$10,000*
Year Made: 1990-2004
Bursting onto the scene in 1990, the Mitsubishi Minica Toppo turned heads with its distinctive tall wagon design in the heart of Japan’s “kei” car segment. With its boxy rear end and high roofline, the Toppo was designed with the primary goal of maximizing interior space within the constraints of the kei car dimensions. This clever use of space made it an appealing choice for those requiring practicality in tight urban environments.
Mitsubishi Minica Toppo ©Tennen-Gas/Wikimedia
The Minica Toppo, despite its unconventional appearance, carried Mitsubishi’s reliable engineering under its bonnet. Over its lifespan, the car was offered with various engine and drivetrain configurations, always staying within the kei car regulations.
28. Suzuki Mighty Boy
Cost: $4,000-$8,000*
Year Made: 1983-1988
The Suzuki Mighty Boy broke conventions and carved its own niche in the world of automobiles. It was classified as a “bonnet-type” kei car, essentially a tiny coupe-utility vehicle, a mix of passenger car comfort and small-scale utility that made it one of a kind.
Suzuki Mighty Boy ©r/regularcarreviews/Reddit
The Mighty Boy, while not mighty in terms of power, offered the practicality of a small pickup without compromising on the comforts of a passenger car. With its modest performance and low running costs, the Mighty Boy was an ideal city car with the added advantage of a load-carrying deck. Its quirky, boxy design gave it a distinctive appeal and has made it a sought-after classic in the present day.
29. Neon Car
Year Made: Circa 2015
Estimated Cost: $200,000+*
As every avid car fan knows, it’s not just big companies that make the best whips. In fact, owners love to customize their cars in all sorts of wild and interesting ways. In 2015, American enthusiast Steve Feldman took a trip to Japan to take a look at the incredible custom car scene.
Neon Car @r/TopGear / Reddit.com
One particular group specializes in tweaking their Lamborghinis, decking them out with neon body paint and lighting. Some people might see this as sacrilege considering that most of these models cost upwards of $200,000, but others find it incredibly interesting. The sheer amount of attention these vehicles get on sites like YouTube proves that.
30. Elevator Car
Year Made: Unknown
Estimated Cost: Unknown*
Have you ever been stuck in traffic and wished you knew just how far the tailback went on for? This handy custom car could handle that problem in just the push of a button. Not for the faint of heart or for those scared of heights, this station wagon could put you head and shoulders above the rest.
Elevator Car @kimtruongchuyen / Pinterest
One happy owner has clearly put a lot of effort into this customization, so don’t expect to find it on eBay any time soon. It might be a while before this craze catches on, but realistically, there could be a market for a vehicle like this – even if it hasn’t been found yet.