This little two-stroke kei car is AMAZING! 1974 Daihatsu Fellow Max (with bonus George the cat)

[@nzsaltflatsracer8054]

The fact that it's still a reliable city car after all these years is testament to their design plus it has more seats than a Smart Car & doesn't look as dumb!

[@DoubleMonoLR]

Probably not quite so good at not killing you in a crash though.

[@robertmaitland09]

Why would anyone want a supercar when you could have one of those, little cars rule!

[@kevinkeeney6693]

Agreed. Having fun while observing the speed limit. Doesn't get better than that.

[@Teribus13]

On that road Ian was on, you can exploit ALL the power the engine has to offer, and still not be going fast enough to crash. Can't say that if you were driving a Ferrari. I'd far rather drive that road in something sub-1-litre with a tiny bhp figure, that's for sure

[@henryrolt3747]

This thread gave me hope that there are people who enjoy cars/driving in the same way that I do 😃.

[@yamahonkawazuki]

@@henryrolt3747 for the longest time i didnt like tiny cars. but theyve grown on me. theyre fun. smiles per gallon Eh?

[@NotSoCrazyNinja]

I love tiny cars, if they have decent power. A tiny little car can be very fun even with less than a hundred HP. My daily driver weighs a whopping 1984 pounds (about 900KG) dry and has around 80HP from the factory. With the mileage, it probably has closer to 50 or 60, but it's still fun to drive. You can drive it like you stole it and still not go very fast lol.

[@reddermot]

One of the first cars that I drove before getting my license was a Suzuki Fronte. I had never seen so many gauges in a car. It even had an overhead console with more gauges! Loving the Daihatsu. What an epic little thing. I didn't know they were ever sold new in NZ.

[@neilwalsh4058]

That's one of the most interesting cars you've ever tested. Super cool, super different, super sound and super rare. What a daily driver for the fella that owns it. Ace!

[@imnotamechanic3491]

So glad you have reviewed this - I only discovered this car this year, I saw one at a car show in Coatbridge, it had only a few thousand km's on it and an amazing story. It had been bought by a Dane in the 70's when he visited Japan, and wanted to import them into Denmark, so he drove it from from the port to his home! But, having got it to Denmark, he left it in his garage for 20 years without ever driving it (maybe he wasn't as enamoured with the driving experience as you). His neighbour then bought it off him in the 90's, you would think he might drive it, or restore it, but no, he put it in a box, and left it for nearly another 20 years before someone in the UK bought it. It still had original tyres on it and was basically mint apart from the odd spot of rust. So glad you have shown us some of the quirks, like the wheels! I had a Kelisa as my first car, so this is kind of its ancestor.

[@appledjerry]

Saw this video, loved the Kei Car concept, quickly came across the Daihatsu Copen roadster - a rare thing of small perfectly formed beauty and within a week I'd bought one with my modest inheritance. Just love these cars!

[@Ian-Steele]

The fact that you can hear the indicator click from the back of the car shows that this is a ‘real car’. Love it.

[@adamtoms2726]

Lovely little Daihatsu. Thanks for spotting this one, and doing a video on it. It's a shame we lost Daihatsu from the UK market in 2009. They did make some quirky but very well built cars. I blame the cross overs.

[@chepesantacruz777]

I would absolutely rock this as a daily all day everyday. This is what a car should be in essence, small, practical, simple and reliable.

[@Andrew.bergin]

Glorious 2 stroke soundtrack, I miss that, and the smell 😀

[@voornaam3191]

Buy a twostroke bike. Not that complicated. Get that license, get that bike. Duh. Or buy a vintage car.

[@Andrew.bergin]

@@voornaam3191 no need for the sarcasm, I would expect better from a hubnut follower. I have the licence thank you, but a good 2 stroke is now hard to find. I was referring to the fact that 2 strokes used to be everywhere, sadly now due to ' the environment' they are getting rarer and rarer.

[@voornaam3191]

@@Andrew.bergin Yep, harder to find.

[@jurivlk5433]

I also love these tiny cars a lot! The driving experience is simply great and the noise of this 2-stroke is superb. Don't forget that Suzuki had two very famous motorcycles in those days, the 350cc and the 750cc called "water buffalo" with powerful, squealing 2-Stroke engines that let all in fumes when you went off full throttle. You couldn't see anything for a while till the smoke disappeared in mother nature. Superb water-cooled engines and duplex drum brakes (I think) made these Suzuki among the fastest bikes around and drove British motorcycle industry to ruin.

[@nickgerr3822]

Hey mate, I’m from Christchurch too & I just bought one of these today lol, but it’s got an 850cc from a Daihatsu Mira! Surprisingly quick lol

[@salipander6570]

This car is what this trip was planned for, isn't it? You didn't want to mention it, but now it is obvious. The joy is immense! Mission accomplished!

[@rustywreck6631]

Maybe if everyone drove these around instead of big bmw or Audi it would be a happier world

[@davidh4281]

If no one drove a BMW or an Audi, we wouldn't know who the stupid people were.....

[@Teribus13]

@@davidh4281 they'd still have the Kumquat, Squashedeye, Gashgay, whatever they're called

[@imnotamechanic3491]

@@Teribus13 Think the last one you meant kashkow

[@stephenscholes4758]

@@davidh4281 I guess the German marques have done their duty in "providing" each Japanese factory their intellectual property...

[@chucku00]

The Isetta and the BMW 700 were quite happiness-inducing cars too. BMW should dive in dire straits again in order to produce new cars like these ones...

[@timevans815]

As a microcar (and microlight) enthusiast and ex Bond, Powerdrive, Saab, Gogomobile and Trabbi driver, I just loved this car. Bring it back for me Ian!

[@Phiyedough]

Great to see some of that fantastic New Zealand scenery, my dream country!

[@RichieRouge206]

Massive Triangle of Doom! Still it can be forgiven as it’s so cute. Love the fact that you can hear the flasher relay from outside 😂

[@millomweb]

Could possibly be improved by longer blades.

[@dougvb9048]

Thanks for this. I had one of these in the 80s. 6000 rpm=60MPH! My wife drove it from Wellington to Dunedin and back. I had a lot of problems with spark plugs, so I built a kick arse CDI which was great but due to dwell angle problems it could start in reverse if it almost stalled. That caused a few dramas! The only thing missing in your video was the the two stroke smoke smell.I sold it to one of my workmates who eventually smashed Into his house while attempting to reverse out. -caught by the Random reverse engine rotation . That was the end of it.......

[@ericgeorge5483]

Supercars and high tech modern cars are all very well but there is a genuine charm about this car that no amount of money can buy.

[@damonearwaker8147]

More great memories of The 1970’s Christchurch car scenery- these were surprisingly popular in their time along with the Suzuki Fronte and Honda 360. These new modern Japanese models took over the Microcar market when the last Fiat 500’s were sold in NZ in 1973. It’s an interesting coincidence that this car was sold by the same dealership in Christchurch as the Renault Fuego you reviewed.

[@HubNut]

Good spot!

[@mauricevanmourik1982]

What a happy little car! (goes for most twostroke cars, lively and a nice soundtrack! )

[@martinnorth2680]

Sat in my cold UK house wearing my HubNut hat to keep warm and watching HubNut in the sun. Excellent

[@profrumpo]

Oh that was brilliant what a superb little car! Surely less terrifying than TWC though when you were on that challenging twisty section, and going up hill reminded me of TWC's struggles with inclines. Love the fact that it is daily use too, thanks to you and the generous owner for that treat :) Oh and yet more views what a fabulous country New Zealand is.

[@danielvergara2901]

Great report Ian ! For the non anglophone countries , this tiny econobox was called Daihatsu Cuore and Max Cuore . There are also 4 doors . But the common feat as every Daihatsu : these "fellows" are invincible , almost hard to die. These Japanese guys gave a big lesson of quality to their contemporaries Fiat 126 / 127 to the Mini and even to Renault 5 . Daihatsu was pioneer in showing a lot of respect to their customers

[@HubNut]

Cuore came later, and had a four-stroke engine. Very much an evolution of this model, but 550cc.

[@danielvergara2901]

@@HubNut Thanks for updating it ! Anyhow i have more confusion now . All in all i do trust in your words . But let me check it out . What i bet is that never was labeled as Fellow !!! I give you the five🖐️👌

[@rydermike33]

What a charming little buzz box. Love the sound of that tiny two-stoke. I would be very happy to have that as a daily driver. Wonderful. Thanks Ian, (and George.)

[@thedoubs2383]

Great to recognise my home town of Christchurch! Thank you.

[@ChrisG3253032]

I've always loved these. Last time I saw one (a yellowish colour) down in Dunedin was around 2001. Aside from that, I worked at a motorbike & engineering shop in '97 and a guy bought in a go-kart that had a daihatsu 360 engine and trans in it. Even had the instrument cluster mounted to the right of the driver. Never seen anything like it since.

[@rogersjhonatanmoreiraceden1533]

Muy buenas noches amigo m gustaría saber si este motor 356cc tiene fuerza o es para carga gracias

[@PaulinesPastimes]

Wonderful memories and sounds. I had the 1973 model with square headlights but I don't remember not being able to turn off the heater. There must be a flap valve somewhere. I went everywhere in it, loved it to bits, it got repossessed cause I was young and irresponsible. Thank you for the test. Cheers.

[@thepofmeister]

Pauline Hunter that reminded me of me: Things were great; Shortly to to turn to ****; because: My life. 😂👍🏻

[@jarthurs]

So much innovation comes from the development of small cars, with engineers having to come up with solutions rather than repackage off the shelf elements the mantra less-is-more certainly rings true! What a delightful little example.

[@Velocipedium]

Just Wow!!! When your hand is pointing at the car, it looks like you are pointing at a scale model, or a child’s car. Fantastic!

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly Mr HubNut, it reminded me of driving my 1.0 AX in Wales and Scotland back in the 90's.

[@allanwilliams2299]

Awesome video! I got one of these (in NZ) when I was 14. Fixed it up and painted it for when I got my license at 15. I've owned another one more recently, bad sadly no longer have one. One of the most fun cars I've owned, along with my Suzuki Cappuccino and Suzuki Wagon+ 1.0 Turbo.

[@rexdrabble4988]

I drove one from christchurch to greymouth,Nz. Via Arthers pass. What an awesome car on winding roads,it could handle very well. like a motor bike with two extra wheels.

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

Dear Ian, A little bird told me that you’ve been seeing someone else behind my back. We’ll be having words when you get home. Love TWC

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

CRS1964 Dear Ian, Don’t come to me with your excuses. I suppose she’s younger than me, got four wheels and perky headlights. Well don’t think you’re sleeping in my garage when you get back. Regards, TWC

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

CRS1964 Dear Ian Liar! I know you went for a ride in her, someone saw you. You’ve really hurt me, you said you loved ME! My radiator has been leaking all night. You’re going to have to choose, is it me or her? Broken hearted TWC

[@audreyfforbes-hamilton]

CRS1964 Dear Ian Aww, you always did know my body better than I do myself! I’ve been thinking about all the good times we’ve had, like the time we went for a drive in the snow, the shows and events you took me to, and especially that time you took me to the top of Shelsley Walsh 😜! Hurry home my darling and keep away from those Kiwi hussies. X

[@julianlangdon3456]

literally crying with laughter at this clever little exchange

[@tuomashelin555]

The expansion chamber in a two-stroke was developed in the 1930's in Germany and re-developed at MZ motorbike factory, in East Germany. The engineer at MZ was Walter Kaaden. Suzuki acquired Kaadens work by bribing a MZ race driver to defect to the West after a race, with the blue prints of the technology stuffed inside his shirt :) It works by increasing the speed of exhaust gases at first by increasing the diameter of the exhaust tube rapidly and at the end of the chamber there's a rapid decrease of the diameter of the chamber, which pushes unburnt fuel-air mixture back into the cylinder. The same chamber was built-in in a Wartburg engine, with three cylinders and 0,993 l capacity, pushing the output from 38 hp to 50, in rally versions even about 100 hp. I've driven many years a Wartburg and could astonish people with its hill climbing capability. The trick was "pedal to the metal" and the expansion chamber took care of the rest. Did Daihatsu put a freewheel clutch in those two-stroke kei-cars? It's very useful in a two-stroke smoker.

[@HubNut]

No freewheel, as it has full pressure lubrication.

[@benjaminmarriott6742]

Not biased by daihatsu ownership in any way, but this looks like an absolute hoot, a mind blowing little kei road test! I was grinning with you as you were driving this, all of the excitement indeed! As you say, an astonishing vehicle, I truly want one now, what a find, could you get more hubnut than this? Fantastic stuff! ❤️

[@alexthomsonuk]

Met a guy with an imported Suzuki Wagon R R. Now that is cool. Tiny little engine with a tiny turbo! Awesome little thing.

[@kenhanson4015]

With each episode, I await with great anticipation the report on the wipers, along with great trepidation the dreaded triangle of doom. The operation of the squirter is always an exciting bonus, nicely done. The view of the blinkers at the end was appreciated as well. By the way, your cat looks just like mine.

[@graemew7001]

I seriously want one of these for local driving, it looks an absolute hoot to drive. I could never get bored of that engine noise.

[@sg8539]

What a fantastic little car, perfect for congested towns and cities with slow moving traffic as the K cars were designed for. Well done for showing us this little gem. Thanks Ian.

[@Teribus13]

My 2 year old (3 in February) daughter saw George and thought he was our black cat, Neo. I told her no, that he was George, and she announced "awww, he's SO CUTE!!!". I don't think I can disagree with her on that one 😻

[@RichieRouge206]

I was absolutely enthralled by this little car! The way it buzzes along - it has so much character and amazing fun! I’ve always loved Kei cars. What a great video - made my day!

[@dunc1958]

That is the cutest little car ever, a brilliant little machine. For all its appeal it is upstaged by George the cat in the last seconds.

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

I remember these Daihatsu chummy cars back in the 70's. Since Daihatsu is a Toyota division, it would be hilarious to put a bumper sticker saying..."When I grow up I would like to be a Toyota Crown".

[@keithfletcher6123]

One word to describe the drive ... “Frantic ...” How gorgeous ...

[@willswheels283]

I don’t know how I missed this video, what a fun looking little car, with that buzzing 2 stroke engine, and only 360cc, it’s amazing what the Japanese could do with such small engines. It’s great that the owner has had it for that length of time and still uses it as his daily driver, fantastic! Thanks for this Ian.

[@Stevieweevietv]

Now I love TWC.. but don't tell her....this little car is my favourite one I've seen you drive. What a little beauty. I would so love to be pootling around in that with a big smile on my face!

[@toastie1979]

I never knew 2-stroke cars existed! Have seen motorbikes of that ilk of course, and they're a completely different animal to their 4-stroke counterparts. That looked like so much fun to drive. ❤

[@gaznicol5020]

Fantastic little K car. Your excitement when it arrived at the show was addictive and I throughly enjoyed this test drive with you, Ian.

[@timhancock6626]

In 1978 I had a Honda 360 Actyvan pickup as my company daily hack (motorcycle dealership and used for collecting breakdowns). I absolutely loved it. It was a bit dodgy on corners and roundabouts where it cocked a rear wheel at the drop of a hat when unloaded.

[@jo05dk]

Many moons ago i owned a Suzuki T350, a 315cc two stroke bike. Mine was born in 72, i think, and the 315cc engine delivered 38 or 39HP, don't remember exactly. It had a mighty bark, and got quite a decent move on if motivated. Man that bike was fun. ..anyways.. What a cute little car. Guess you'd have to be a bit of a nutter to have that as your daily, but such nutters are my kind of people. All the kudos in the world to the owner :)

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I remember lots of these 2 stroke kei (not that we knew that word at the time) cars in New Zealand in the 70s. My favorite was the Susuki Fonte with its rear engine. I used to sometimes get a ride home from school in one from a Neighbour. The back seat was a challenge but the sound of the rear engine inches away while making the 1000 foot climb home was fantastic.

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

I have to add in the sexist days a typical Kei car would be purchased as something small and cheap for the wife. So it was common to see them on the school run. The man would usually drive a base or near base large Australian car (to tow the boat or caravan) with no power steering....that the wife would hate driving or parking.

[@flightis3dollars]

One awesome video after another and what a cool car. HubNut upside down has turned out to be the plan of the century. Cars, experiences, presentation, it's all ace to the power of [insert highest number here].

[@Rjhs001]

Your enthusiasm for these little tiny cars Ian is infectious and hilarious. Thanks for another entertaining vid.

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Great report Hubnut. Thank you from a Suzuki Cappuccino owner.

[@nikonordman7624]

I think this might be the best road test you have done!

[@jmurray01]

What a charming little car - I think it has more character than a V8 Range Rover!

[@bonesdt4]

Love seeing George at the end there! :D

[@TheFlyingBusman]

Hubnut at his finest. One of the best road tests we’ve had in a while. The hazards were hilarious. I can almost picture some little Japanese guy hid behind the dashboard moving two switch contacts by hand.

[@jgvgjv2980]

Terrific car, looks really very enjoyable to drive, brings a grin to all who see and drive it

[@admiralalcatraz6080]

Love the styling. A lot of subtle touches you don't notice straight away, like how flat the bumpers are and how little they stick out to keep it within regulations.

[@golfman9290]

The car has a very cute face on it, and sounds like the whole body of the car resonates with the flasher unit! I think George wants to be famous.

[@paulanderson79]

In the early 1980's we had a senior school teacher who drove one of these things. The chap concerned was a Mr E. Watts (BA), who taught Latin, Geography and 'classics'. Avid pipe smoker and was often to be found in the local pub at lunchtime. The car was a dark forest green colour and we were all fascinated by it. What was notable is that it never seemed to go wrong. Couldn't say the same of the Talbot Solaras, Austin Maxis and Vauxhall Cavaliers that seemed to dominate the staff car park.

[@craiglessels5384]

That's just an awesome wee car, probably one of my favourite cars on your channel

[@charris939]

I had a 1987 1 litre charade, bought for $1500, with 250,000kms I added another 100,000ks in 5 years, spent $1500 on maintenance costs (including tyres). And traded it in for $1000 . Great fun little car.

[@benday1218]

Still one of my faves, glad to see its hit 100k views.

[@AMCCUBMAN]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Oh so many memories for this ex-pat kiwi, back in the mid 80s I had a Suzuki Fonte 500 it was very similar to this and we toured all over the Wanganui and Taranaki districts in it - one time we got stuck between 2 Army Unimog trucks all we could see was the rear different of the one in front and the front diff of the one behind!

[@Tartanwallet]

Magnificently barking mad bonkers - and the epitome of the HubNut ethos! Your enthusiasm couldn't be disguised Ian!

[@zugbug1986]

I can just sense TWC The Invacar back home getting very jealous with all the love and praise you're giving to the little Daihatsu. Purrrrrrfect ending.

[@jrbaeronz9840]

I had one of these, as well as a Max Cuore, which is a later version with a 550cc OHC 2cyl engine, which is the same as the earlier 3 cyl Charade, but minus 1 cyl Both great little cars for round town, but the Cuore was not as fast as the 360, and was only happy at around 80kph on the motorway. The 360 is very outboard motorish, with an oil injection pump and reed valve induction. They were originally imported by Campbell Motors in Auckland, who I worked for at the time (around 1974) and I was there when the first batch of 5 cars (from memory) all came buzzing up from the wharves together. One of the cars was a 4 door, which was specially order for a night time radio talkback host Bunny Rigold (who later died on air) and was the only 4 door imported. Surprisingly, you can get an 8ft fence post inside and shut everything. The rear seat can be unclipped and laid down, and the rear parcel shelf has a large removable lid for tall items (under that sign). Daihatsu have always been clever at getting maximum use from tiny spaces. Seats even have micro adjustment ratchets on the seat angles. Everything on a big car, compressed into a tiny car. Worst place for rust is the big fresh air boxes under the front guards which form part of the structure (come all the way from the front). Can't be seen unless you remove the guards. Collectible in Japan.

[@amosburton5227]

What a fantastic little car thanks Ian, on a side note I've taken a leaf from the hubnut book and recently downsized to a 3 cylinder 1.0l corsa with an astonishing 59bhp!

[@martinneumann7783]

Adorable indeed! Sweet, lovely, nice, crazy little kei car. Thank you (and the owner) for showing!!!

[@b.2221]

That little beauty is the equivalent of a Hubnut Tardis time capsule 👍 Tam.

[@michaeld7409]

This car is a true gem. Sadly these never made their way to Austria where i grew up. My dad, however, had a Mazda 616 rx2 rotary. What great fun it was for me seeing mercs or bmw 02‘s vanishing from the back window 😀

[@benday1218]

Probably my favourite review of the year. Just brilliant.

[@simonredfern2584]

Yes yes yes! This vehicle pleases me in a way that is difficult to convey here, excellent work bringing us this one mr hubnut.

[@umvhu]

Don't often comment on your videos, but this one has been wonderful.

[@woofgbruk5947]

My mother had one of these when we lived in U.A.E, lovely little car, went like a rocket and great fun to drive , always wish we had shipped it back to UK

[@kh23797]

Wish I was in NZ for the winter. Feeling the need some long, warm days, and starry nights filled with the chirruping of crickets.

[@landsnailproject2875]

Awwwwwwww - I would SO LOVE to have that little car! What a sweetheart! Thanks for that experience Ian.

[@antw3565]

The most enjoyable road test I have ever seen

[@simonevans768]

Thankyou Hubnut. The perfect hub nut car. That would be happy parked at the side of TUC.

[@barstowtovegas8574]

That's the one to buy and bring home. It's perfect Hubnut.

[@bondbug73]

Favourite car on the NZ trip so far. Reminds me of those 1970's Honda Z's. Such fun. I was grinning too.

[@davebicker8618]

That was so much fun to watch and listen to. It must have been even better to actually drive it. Outrageous sound from the engine... * drools * A perfect example of the idea that EVERY car is a sports car at the edge of its performance.

[@kevinkeeney6693]

Truly Hub Nut. Somewhere in Wales there is an Invacar nodding with approval.

[@MrWiseman91]

This has to be one of the most interesting cars I have ever seen. No doubt that its owner drives it daily. Living the life to the fullest! Wish you all the best, Mr Hubnut!

[@ShedTV]

Absolutely my favourite HubNut road test yet!

[@revolution1one]

That's just the most adorable car I've ever seen! I love how basic it is all around. The smallest car I've ridden around in was my friend's old Festiva (121/Pride).

[@frothe42]

Smashing, incredible vehicle! I can see this being a daily driver, good economy, low maintenance, somewhat easy to repair. Definitely looks like the 70's 🇯🇵 vehicles of the time, Datsun, Toyota. And Hello to George!

[@Turnbull50]

Brilliant K for Kooky, a a lovely flash of George at the end, well worth waiting for.

[@jackjacko8706]

I had a Honda Scamp. Same 360cc. Four stroke. Motorbike motor. Then updated to a Honda Zot. Same motor but weird shape. Great little cars.

[@richardcallison1637]

Ridiculously cool little car that I’ve never heard of!! Love it!

[@danieleregoli812]

What a lovely little car! Delightful!

[@stevesj80]

I couldn't stop smiling watching this one. Brilliant Ian 👍

[@roconnor01]

Apart from the cars,I'm hugely impressed by New Zealand and to us British, the luxury of absolute silence in the countryside.

[@macfie9331]

The countryside in NZ is very much like Scotland. Lies to the north of England.

[@Teribus13]

Absolute silence except for the sound of a Daihatsu Fellow Max indicator relay...

[@ASH.......................1976]

Just looking at that little car put a smile on my face 😀

[@kevinwhelan8126]

This is brilliant! Thanks Ian for sourcing this find to drive, I probably had as much fun watching this as you had driving it. Great stuff😀

[@LightTheUnicorn]

If there were ever a car to call adorable, that'd be it! Looks fantastic fun!

[@nickthomas181]

Tyco RC keeps coming to mind lol and hello George I wear your tee shirt with pride!