Subbrands are so popular that even tuners are now creating them. Alpine News, which customizes cars in Japan, has announced that its new subbrand, Cal’s Motor, will sell a collection of retromodded vehicles inspired by classic American models.
As the name suggests, Cal’s Motor takes inspiration from the beachy aesthetics of California. With palm trees, sunshine, and surfing as its muses, the company is customizing the Suzuki Jimny, the Nissan NV200, and the Toyota HiAce.
The company’s Suzuki Jimny has been turned into the Beas and the Beas+. The small off-roader gets a new chrome grille and new LED headlights inspired by the classic square-sealed beam lamps that once dominated American roads.
Read: DAMD Turns The Suzuki Jimny Into Lancia Delta Integrale And R5 Turbo Lookalikes
In combination with the chrome hubcaps and bumpers, the modified Jimny looks like a mini version of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Whereas the Beas is based on the Jimny, the Beas+ is based on the higher-trim Jimny Sierra. Prices for the former start at 2.98 million yen (around $20,500 at current exchange rates), and 3.18 million yen (around $21,900) for the latter.
Cal’s Motors is also adding similar modifications to the Nissan NV200 van, turning it into what the company calls the Sonova. It also gets square LED lights, a new grille, bumper, and a front fascia inspired by classic American models like the Dodge Van and the Chevrolet Astro. The optional two-tone paint certainly helps make the van more fun. Available with two or three rows of seats, the Sonova retains the practical bones of the NV200. Prices start at 4.28 million yen (about $29,500) for the FWD five-seater, 4.43 million yen (around $30,500) for the FWD seven-seater, and 4.53 million yen (around $31,100) for the AWD five-seater.
The brand previously launched the Carica van, based on the Toyota HiAce. Larger than the Sonova, it also gets modified front and read fascias. Available in either U.S. or Euro style, the former emphasizes the shiny chrome accents, while the latter uses a black grille, wheels, and bumper ends to give a more serious look. The modification package can be applied to either the gas or diesel variants of the van, and it comes with an optional camping package that turns it into a little motorhome. Prices start at 5.68 million yen (around $39,000).
All models will be on display at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2024, and Cal’s Motors has started accepting orders for the vehicles. Deliveries are expected to begin in the spring.
