Saw this yesterday in my local Tesco

[Richard Hurst]

Had to look twice yesterday as I pulled into my local Tesco, never seen one before. Its a Sabaru Sambar that can be imported from Japan.

 

[EddieEagle]

A vehicle that actually fits in your average parking bay!
Cool!

 

[Velma's Dad]

And it's a Splittie!

 

[Velma's Dad]

Just googled the Sambar, I hadn't heard of it. Turns out it is a 'Kei van' - that is one of many designs unique to Japan's special 'Kei' tax class for micro-vehicles.

The Kei car genre has produced some amazing concepts over the years, very few of which ever got imported to the UK. My son had a 1990s Honda Beat, a tiny 2-seater 650cc mid engined sports car that didn't go very fast but revved to about 9000rpm and was an absolute joy to drive. A lot of them were ingeniously engineered, and in most cases 'kawaii' (=cute/adorable).

 

[Ting Tong]

Seemingly, they start out life as standard looking box-shaped Subaru Sambar (kei) microvans but they get converted by enthusiasts in Japan into VW replicas by fitting new front end panels/lights etc.. There is a Suzuki Domingo version too.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

...... it makes my eyes bleed.
Just sayin'

 

[Trebor]

Had to look twice yesterday as I pulled into my local Tesco, never seen one before. Its a Sabaru Sambar that can be imported from Japan.

View attachment 41282

Offered to get one for my eldest son when he passed his test 17 years ago . He refused point blank !?!?!?!? Said he wouldn’t be seen dead in one ! Got him a Series one instead ( cheap insurance). He lives In Greenwich now and just rents a car when he needs one .
Kids eh !

 

[MattBW]

When we did Scotland in our van we saw one of these with full camper setup, must be cosy as a camper.

 

[sidepod]

Bit “special needs” for my taste.

 

[Zebedee]

I’m aware of 2 locally both are used as party vehicles!

 

[gt_63]

Share that picture with Crimewatch....

There’s a shifty looking Ninja in the background!!

 

[gt_63]

.... or he Moon Walking?

 

[Oldesmokie]

Hmmm I don't like it's like an Alien imposter.

 

[DrJuanKerr]

Bit “special needs” for my taste.

I agree. It needs the words "Sunshine Bus" written along the side