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Daihatsu Naked Kei Car Turned into Baby Hummer by Crazy Customizers

Here’s one that was recently spotted at the 2015 Custom Bike, Motorcycle and Auto Show in Japan. It’s an old kei car that’s been dressed to look like a Hummer H2 or H3.
Daihatsu Naked Kei Car Turned into Baby Hummer by Crazy Customizers 1 photo
Photo: screenshot from Youtube
Usually, we like to know who the firm responsible for the project is, but it’s not relevant this time around because the Daihatsu Named is too rare.

In any case, the Hummer transformation starts at the front with a new grille painted in black and flanked by round headlights. The hood has been changed to resemble that of the military vehicle by adding a large vent. Unless we’re mistaken, the real hummer has hooks on the hood mounted to the chassis that are used during airlifts.

Other changes include silver roof rails, fender flares and a new set of alloys. The door handles have been changed extra trim was added to the tailgate. Nobody is ever going to believe this is an actual Hummer, but the custom work does draw attention.

The Daihatsu Naked was built between 2000 and 2004. The styling included features such as ridges in the doors and exposed hinges and bolts, designed to make the car appear like a rugged Land Rover.

Of course, this is a kei car, so it’s tiny in every way. For example, the engine has only 660cc, about the same as a maxi scooter. That means it’s about a tenth the size of a real Hummer’s diesel lump.

The Naked is only 1,475mm (58 inches) in width because that’s what the kei car class dictates. By comparison, the H1 was 2,2 meters wide (86.5 inches) and could carry all sorts of equipment.

The Naked is an early example of styling features from off-roaders being used on road cars. The ruggedness can also be seen on the inside. All-wheel drive was available as an optional extra, but we suspect this car isn’t designed to win the war in Iraq.

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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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