Honda Vamos

The Honda Vamos, produced from 1970 to 1973, is one of Honda's most unusual kei-class vehicles. Based on the TN360 truck chassis, it featured a mid-mounted, air-cooled 354cc 2-cylinder engine and a completely open cabin with a simple canvas top and no doors. With only around 2,500 units built, its extreme rarity and quirky, function-first design make it a standout collectible.

The Vamos's appeal lies in its unique character and scarcity. It's a fun, low-speed vehicle that draws attention everywhere it goes, making it a favorite at Japanese classic car shows. Its minimalist construction means there's not much to it, but finding one in good condition is a serious challenge.

The market for the original Vamos is small and specialized. It's important not to confuse it with the much more common Vamos kei van produced from 1999 onwards. While still affordable compared to other rare 1970s vehicles, prices for excellent examples have climbed, reflecting growing interest in microcars and the model's inherent rarity.

Prices range from approximately $3,500 for projects to as much as $19,000 for top-condition examples.