Car Spot: Mid-’90s Daihatsu Atrai minivan

So darn cute, I almost took it home …

For any of you regulars who follow me, you know I like loud, fast muscle cars like the Dodge Hellcats. But every once in a while, I stumble across a vehicle that gets my attention, like this week’s spot, a mid-1990s Daihatsu Atrai minivan.

The Daihatsu Atrai (no it is not Atari, so I spelled it correctly) is probably one of the quirky Kei vans that you’ve never heard of until now. Kei is the smallest category of Japanese expressway-legal motor vehicles. With restricted dimensions and engine specifications, owners benefit from lower tax and insurance rates, resulting in lower ownership costs.

Even though it’s smaller, just 133 inches long by 74 inches by 58 inches, this tiny van seats four and delivers incredible economy and comfort. It is the definition of what a small, urban runabout should be. The cargo volume is good, it gets phenomenal gas mileage, and boasts quirky good looks, making it a blast to drive and own.

The usefulness of this little van is seemingly endless. A city hauler, marketing vehicle, or simply just a fun commuter, all rolled into one! The Atrai was marketed all over the globe under various titles. By far the coolest feature is its Cosmic Roof. It’s almost like riding in a convertible.

Typically powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder engine, producing around 64 horsepower. Some versions offer a 5-speed manual. Not built for speed, but while a direct 0-60 mph acceleration time isn’t readily available, Atrai V Facelift Mikrovena 0.7 AT, for example, has an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h in 16.7 seconds.

RELATED Kei Spot: https://savageonwheels.com/2022/12/23/car-spot-subaru-sambar/#more-21763

I spotted this vehicle at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour a couple of weeks back when it was in Milwaukee, and the Atrai seemed to fit right in. It almost always had a crowd around it. Tyler Barg, owner of Tiki Bunny Imports in Milwaukee, was more than happy to talk about it. I love the name, and they specialize in importing Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) and Australian vehicles that are 25 years or older, focusing on bringing unique, road-legal classics directly to enthusiasts across the U.S., each with its own story, style, and charm. Bingo on that!

So, how much does something this much fun cost? Most can be purchased for pocket change, and even in super good shape like this one in the mid-teens. You know, I’m tempted.

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my latest spot. I have tons of others, so feel free to poke around on our site. Have a great rest of your Sunday and a good week ahead.

Today starts the most fun week of the year for me as my daughter and I head to EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh and my other great love, airplanes. I volunteer giving kids the opportunity to fly a radio-controlled airplane, while Meg this year is a mentor in the EAA’s GirlVenture Camp. BTW, she just got a new gig as a safety officer at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, and we are so proud of her. So if you see a plane pass overhead, think of us, and if you’ve never been to EAA, why?