US Small/Mini/Micro/Kei Cars of Yore

Looking at pint-sized project candidates that were available in the US, or at least have had enough imported over the years that a 300 mile radius Craig's List search will usually turn up a few hits. Not really concerned with any drive trains, just size/looks, I like the little wagons/hatches the best, 4 wheels (Isettas are out), and unique. Oh and a descent roller that can be had for challenge money would be the icing on the cake.

My top pick is the Mini and/or Elf, but even rusty shells seem to bring a premium. So here's my list I'm casually searching for, what cars am I missing/forgetting?

• Morris/Austin Mini/Clubman (Top pick)
• Riley Elf (Top pick)
• Honda N600
• Subaru R-2
• Subaru 360
• Subaru Justy
• Ford Anglia (Top pick)
• Fiat 850 Coupe/Special (Top pick)
• Fiat 500
• Renault Dauphine
• Renault LeCar
• Vespa 400
• Yugo
• Lloyd LP-600 Alexander
• Crosley Wagon
• Toyota Starlet KP61

• Suzuki/Geo Swift/Metro (not really interested)

• Lee

bigdaddylee82 wrote: - Suzuki/Geo Swift/Metro (not really interested)

Chevy Sprint

I saw a 360 in a jy, but they wanted like 2 grand for a rusty shell. I've always thought they'd make a great challenge car.

Doesn't a member here have a Yugo FS in TN? That's kinda close to OH. Search the classifieds

king midget janus fiat topolino (just cause there's a pair of shells a few miles from me)

there was a complete justy in the local pick n pull a few months back. Perfect body - probably melted down by now.

Nash metropolitans! Not cheap theses days but they did get high MPG and awsume looks for there day.

I was just drooling over this the other day: http://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/2550782557.html

(My daydreaming would be to put my zetec and pinto 4 speed into it.)

Omni/Horizon
Chevette
Fiesta
Golf
Cabriolet
MR2
Fiero
CRX
Insight

There used to be a nice 360 on the Nashville CL site. I think it was under 3k. It ran and man I was tempted.

nocones had a 360 shell. Him and I lifted it onto a HF trailer for his moved to IL.

lol, and SERIOUSLY?!?!?!? ...No one mentioned Miata yet?

austin american - he has 2, each under challenge $$$ http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/cto/2562120757.html

If you guys think that a Miata and a Cabriolet an insight compare at all in size then you've never seen something like a 360.

tuna55 wrote: If you guys think that a Miata and a Cabriolet an insight compare at all in size then you've never seen something like a 360.

Well, he did list "small" in addition to "Micro", "Kei", and "so-small-youll-die-if-you-fart-inside-this-thing", so Id say Me otter, Cabriolet, and Insight are applicable.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160640529009#ht_631wt_726

hillman minx wagon - he's in your neck of the woods - looks like he might have other interesting hardware in the background

I really like all the iterations of the Morris Minor 1000. Especially the pick up, panel van, and woodie wagon. With a 1275, CR trans., high rear gear ratio, and disc brake conversion they can become a realistic road car. While you're at it better lower it a couple of inches and put some minilite replicas on it.

Graefin10 wrote: I really like all the iterations of the Morris Minor 1000.

So do I. This is my version, circa 1967. 1275 motor, lowered 3 inches, etc.

If you want to try rear engine you could try to find one like my first car. Renault 4CV.

But a better choise, if you can find one is what I saw at a local car show last weekend.

I see FWD, RWD and rear engine cars in that list. Looks like you just want something small.

Fiat 600's tend to be more common than 850 coupes/sedans. Fiat 128's are just a bit larger than the 850's.

I have driven Subaru 360's. There is nothing redeeming about them at all.

In reply to ditchdigger:

Basically yes, original drive train is mostly irrelevant, just something small with 4 wheels.

That's my biggest thing, I don't know what for sure I can find in the US, and searching for 128s and 600s have been unfruitful, but I have found a few 850 coupes. There's a plethora of tiny cheap cars to pick from across the pond.

In reply to everyone else:

I listed the Metro and Swift mostly because I figured they'd be one of the first posted, I'm really not very interested in them or their counterparts. No convertibles, no Miatas, no MR2, only thing that kind of interests me in 4cylndrfury's list is the Fiesta, and it'd be a kind of last resort.

However that Renault 4CV is interesting, as is the Austin A40, I think I'll add them to my list. Also the Morris Minor, don't know how I forgot about them, I've found some "rusty runners" for around $1500 without looking too hard.

Oldtin, is the Topolino something that was sold in the US, or there just happens to be one near you?

Hal what is that "pie wagon" you have pictured? Edit- Nash Wagon?

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Keep it coming.

• Lee

Nash Metropolitan

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/off-topic-talk/23595-saw-honda-s2000-powered-nash-metropolitan-roadster-today.html

with S2000 power.

Imp!

What about a Vanguard electric that you could convert to gas power?

I do have a subaru 360

And no I'm not gigantic

these are silly tiny. Like 60ish inch wheelbase, 46" overall width, and about 9' long.. What I have is ROUGH but will be a fun challenger whith a 1.0L turbo geo motor (210lbs ready to run with trans/halfshafts). I have $450 of my budget used up and need roughly nothing to finish it (except time, and brand new sticky rubber! will I be the first challenger to put brand spankin new tires in my budget?)

bigdaddylee82 wrote: only thing that kind of interests me in 4cylndrfury's list is the Fiesta, and it'd be a kind of last resort.

WOW really? Im not offended, just surprised. I understand wanting to be unique and all, but theres a lot of potential in that list. Are you looking for something eclectic? If so thats understandable. I thought my list was pretty thorough from a performance-potential standpoint...

I guess