Check out this HA23V Alto. This Kei car is peak Japanese "Galapagos" spec-people used to call 'em matchbox cars about 20 years ago. Back in the day, you'd see them at literally every auto auction. Honestly, I used to win bids on them just for the hell of it!

As a daily fleet car, it was exactly what you needed. I actually owned a bunch of both the HA23V (van) and the HA23S (passenger) models. Stick shifts were super common back then, which totally made up for the lack of power because that little engine loves to rev. The automatic was fine, but the MT gave you absolutely killer fuel economy.

This chassis was a staple in the Kei car endurance racing scene. The naturally aspirated (NA) K6A engine is bulletproof and super easy to light-tune. Sure, the turbocharged Alto Works gets all the clout, but ripping an NA has its own special kind of fun.

The Zenki (early) models? Zero safety nannies-no airbags, no ABS, and you're rolling the windows down with a hand crank. It did have electric power steering and A/C, though, thank god! The 23S is the 4-door, 5-number passenger trim, so it came with way better bells and whistles.

The Alto in the pic just got a fresh respray, but as you can see, it's bone stock. Drop it shakotan style, slap on a custom pipe, and it'll look sick. I used a Mazda metallic green for the paint, and since the car is so tiny, I didn't even need half a kilo!

Japanese roads are super narrow, so this size might actually be the ultimate weapon for the Touge (mountain passes). Depending on the spot... like, say, the downhills! (lol)

The Classic Matchbox: HA23V Suzuki Alto

2001 SUZUKI ALTO Vs HA23V 8

2001 SUZUKI ALTO Vs HA23V 9