Japanese Tuning Atelier Presents Retro Kits for Honda Minivans
The Japanese company DAMD, known for its unusual tuning projects, has introduced two new kits for the Honda Freed and Stepwgn minivans. These kits radically change the appearance of modern cars, giving them the look of classic American vans from the 1980s. This direction, which can be called “reverse restomod,” is gaining popularity in the Japanese tuning scene.
Isolator Kit for Honda Freed
The first kit, named Isolator, is designed for the Honda Freed model. It completely reworks the front end of the car, making it almost unrecognizable. The design is inspired by models such as the 1985 Chevrolet Astro. The kit includes new block headlights, which can be equipped with optional LED lamps, a massive radiator grille, and a retro-style bumper.
The local company DAMD has just applied “reverse restomod” to the Honda Freed and Stepwgn, giving them boxy outlines inspired by the massive American minivans of the 1980s.
Interestingly, installing the new cladding does not require changing the fenders or reworking the body. The old headlight openings are masked with inserts painted in the body color, as well as optional wood-grain decals to enhance the retro effect. The rear remains unchanged.
Technical Details and Compatibility
The Isolator kit is suitable for both the standard Freed Air and the off-road version Freed Crosstar. For the latter, additional accessories are offered, such as a roof rack. New 15-inch steel wheels were also developed to complete the look. It is important to note that the technical components remain untouched: the minivan retains its e:HEV hybrid powertrain. However, the kit is not compatible with the exclusively gasoline-powered version of the Freed.
Price and Availability
The Isolator kit is already available for order in Japan. The basic version of the cladding without painting costs from 327,800 yen (approximately $2,100). Among the options:
The 15-inch wheels and tires will be introduced in 2026.
Resonator Kit for the Larger Honda Stepwgn
For those customers who need a larger family car, DAMD has developed the Resonator kit based on the Honda Stepwgn. It is also inspired by American vans of the past. The front end received four round halogen headlights, a massive grille, a flat hood, and a protruding unpainted plastic bumper.
As with the Isolator, the design is inspired by classic American vans. The updated front end features four halogen headlights, separate turn signals, a much larger grille, a flat hood lid, and a protruding bumper.
The rest of the body remains unchanged, and the vertical Cadillac-style taillights pair well with the new retro image. For full immersion in the era, wood-grain decals and black stickers imitating side moldings are offered. As an option, chrome wheels and amber roof marker lights are available.
Installation and Technical Features of Resonator
The kit is installed without cutting or modifying the body and retains the original Honda emblem along with the ADAS system sensors. The technical specifications remain the same: buyers can choose the minivan with either a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine or a 2.0-liter e:HEV hybrid setup. The Resonator kit is expected to go on sale in spring 2026, and its price will be announced later.
Both projects demonstrate the creative approach of Japanese tuners, which goes beyond the usual power increase. Instead, they aim to give mass-produced modern models unique character and emotional appeal, appealing to nostalgia for cars of a past era. Such transformations may resonate with owners looking for ways to make their car stand out from the general flow without resorting to radical technical changes. Demand for such kits may also indicate a growing interest in the individualization of family cars, which are traditionally viewed as purely utilitarian transport.