Vans are generally not considered cool. They evoke a beige waiting room – perhaps the most boring body type. But if you want to drive a van and still look stylish, no country does it as well as Japan.
Japanese kei van Honda Vamos 1999
Many Japanese vans, such as the Toyota Alphard and Nissan Elgrand, are large and expensive. However, the country has a thriving kei van industry that has existed for decades, and this 1999 Honda Vamos is one of its finest representatives. It is now listed for auction in Monticello, Mississippi. It is an unusually low-mileage example that arrived in the US only last year, making it a true rarity from across the Pacific.
The current owner purchased the car in Vogue Silver Metallic, soon applied a ceramic coating, and repainted the emblems in an orange hue. Then, retro Momo sunset graphics were applied to the sides and rear, making this van far more attractive than any modern counterpart from a dealership.
Updates and specifications
Instead of the 12-inch wheels the owner acquired the car with, a new set of 14-inch wheels with Lanvigator Fastone tires was installed. Interestingly, the seller bought the Vamos less than a year ago on Bring a Trailer for $7,600. Let’s see how much it fetches this time.
Since this is a kei car, albeit a van, it is quite small by Western standards – not the best option for a family. However, it has sliding side doors, comfortably seats four passengers, and retains a surprisingly spacious trunk.
Under the second row of seats lies the engine – a tiny 656cc naturally aspirated three-cylinder, paired with a five-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel drive. Despite its age, the Honda has covered only about 23,000 km (14,000 miles), so it still has plenty of life left.
It is strange, tiny, and exactly the kind of thing you buy just because the neighbors won’t understand. You can check it out on Bring a Trailer.
Such a car is a real gift for enthusiasts of Japanese kei culture. Thanks to its low mileage, original condition, and striking visual tuning, the 1999 Vamos has become not just a vehicle but a collectible artifact. Its arrival in the US opens a new chapter for American enthusiasts seeking something unique and compact – and capable of delighting its owner on the roads for many years to come.