Such a long name for such a small car, all 10′-8″ of it. This l’il pocket rocket is a 1992 Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ. I know, hey, at least the name is cool, no? This little buzzer can be found on Craigslist, or here on the CL Archive, and it’s located in Seattle, Washington. The seller is asking $3,500 for this little bullet.
The Mitsubishi Minica had almost a 50-year run which isn’t too shabby. They came in a three-door hatchback, five-door sedan, and also an asymmetrical version with two doors on the passenger side and one on the driver’s side called “Lettuce”. No, really, that’s the name. Another fun fact: Dangan means bullet, I’m assuming that it was supposed to refer to the way a driver could dart around in traffic with one of these cars. This one has “a few rust spots on the body and it could use new brake pads.”
Yes, these are small cars. No, they weren’t, aren’t, and never were supposed to be driven on American freeways. That always comes up when a tiny car like this is shown. That being said, most of us drive old cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, etc. that aren’t the safest thing to be on or in. If you’ve ever seen the famous YouTube video of a crash test of a 1959 Chevy against a 2009 Malibu than you know that just by having a bunch of sheet metal around you doesn’t ensure your safety. And then there’s the Smart Car crash test…
Safety schmafety, we’re in this hobby to have fun not to think about what might happen! Who’s with me?! Speaking of what might happen, I’m pretty sure that I’d happen to get into the left side door like I’ve done for the last 40 years, but this is a right-hand drive car. The seller says that this car “seats 4 comfortably. Has 13×6 4×100 Ronal wheels with new tires. 5-speed manual transmission, too.”
The seller talks about the engine as a “turbo 660cc 3-cup with 5 valves per cylinder.” That sure is a cramped little engine compartment, good thing there are only three cylinders. With 63 hp on tap it probably has more horsepower than your 1992 Harley but not by much. I think these are interesting cars, they sure know how to cram a lot of things together in such a small package and make them function and still fun to drive. Obviously most people here aren’t going to like this one, but hopefully a few of you enjoy seeing unusual vehicles once in a while.
Scotty, I once had the never-to-be-forgotten experience of driving a Dangan in Tokyo! Also got to try a Toppo van that day, but that’s another story….
They are actually a whole lot of fun. A 660cc turbo-motor redlined at 9K HAS to be entertaining, though I suspect the noise would get tiring on a long — or even medium-distance — trip. It didn’t strike me as being as tinny or unsafe as you might expect; I seem to recall “mine” having an airbag-equipped steering wheel, for all the peace-of-mind that provides. And they are not just slapped together; build and materials quality seemed above average.
Personally, I’d love to have it, and would cheerfully drive it, though not as a DD. It’s a bit cramped inside for a 6’2″ driver, though not awful in that regard. The major drawback would be parts: I’m not sure where you’d go for something as ordinary as brake pads, except maybe Japan.
If I could have my “dream” collection but couldn’t find an Autozam AZ-1, this would definitely make the list! And it’s not, if you’ll excuse me saying so, a whole lot of Lettuce for so many driving laughs.
RayT! You’ve instantly restored my faith in humanity! I assumed that there wouldn’t be any positive comments on this one.
I Think this car is very neat. I found it on craigslist and actually bought this very car. Its very cool and very JDM. Not something you see every day. Thank you for the article.
Interesting application of Ronal R8s. They always look good!
I like the “Felix The Cat ” sticker by the gas tank filler . ) Good old Felix
I thought that must have some meaning to it………nothing in description,lol
just get a classic mini.
2 way different type cars
Noticed quite of few of these in Hong Kong back in the day. A few manufactures were building these little ” high performance ” machines and importing them over there to Hong Kong. Really not a lot roadways on the island that you could exceed 60 mph , plus parking SUCKED
Cool ! I really love to see unusual cars that never made it to America, and the unique ones built here. Thanks Scotty !
Seems like you’ve gotten a lot of positive comments, Scotty, but, as you know I have a penchant for Kei cars, you know you’d get one from me. Thanks for the post.
I’d have a collection of ’em, if space permitted. The Japanese built some really whimsical cars, trucks and vans in the Kei Class. They’re be OK for around my wee berg, but I don’t think I’d risk using one on long trips, stateside.
Great little car and great story Scotty. It’s made me think about some of the great vehicle names that the Japanese car industry have given the world. Let’s start with the Daihatsu Naked.
We’ll add the following names to the list:
Nissan Homy Super Long,
Mazda Carol Me Lady.
Mazda Bongo Friendee,
Mitsubishi Mini Active Urban Sandal,
Suzuki Every Joypop Turbo,
Isuzu Mysterious Utility Wizard,
Honda Life Dunk,
Honda That’s,
and my personal favourite (drum-roll please!) the Isuzu GIGA 20 Light Dump.
All good for a laugh.
a 9K redline reminds me of a bike I got rid of. All the Japaneese made “triples” – 2 stroke 3 cyl frm 250 – 900cc. I had the Kaw H2 (a 500cc) for 5 yrs in the late 70s. I got rid of it due to the hi-rev & buzzyness. Can’t imagine a car as DD like that. The RHD would nix it totally as the traffic view in this country seems to B frm da odder side!
BTW: the 7
’78 KZ 750 I traded up for has 1 less cyl, 90 more CCs, 2 less wheels, no roof & less buzz than this car!
8^0
Is the coil spring on the dash supposed to be a stand-in for a cup holder? Kei cars must be a hoot to drive!
These little Japanese microcars are great for driving around town and would make terrific delivery vehicles for packages, newspapers, pizza, etc. Would not want to take on the highway or long trips. Pickup truck and minivan versions are also available. The key is to follow the Federal 25-year rule which means that it has to be a 1992 or older. The import fees and shipping costs from Japan can make these rather expensive but they would be a blast to drive while being extremely fuel efficient. You just need to get used to having the steering wheel on the right and shifting gears with your left hand. They are becoming increasingly easier to find by searching the internet and there are several dealers that specialize in this type of vehicle. Registration and road use regulations vary widely by individual state but I certainly would not mind having one of these “Kei” cars.
My 2 favorite words, turbo and ronal. Count me in!