Suzuki Jimny Does Surprisingly Good Retro Hot Hatch Impersonations

No, those aren’t some clever Photoshop fantasies you may see scrolling through Twitter (Sorry Elon, X) - these Suzuki Jimnys are real, and could well be the unexpected stars of the show at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Aftermarket firm DAMD has dressed up the dinky 4x4 to mimic two old-school rallying legends, almost as if they’re cosplaying at some sort of Japanese rally convention.

First up, we have a tribute to the Renault 5 Turbo. It swaps out the slatted grille and squared-off headlights for a look that’s almost convincing enough to believe the real thing has been squished into the front of the Jimny. ‘Non-Turbo’ decals are a neat nod the the Group B homologation special, as are the black plastic A-pillars and front bumper.

Alongside the R5 is a homage to the Lancia Delta Integrale, complete with a paint finish that you could well believe came from the Italian manufacturer’s factory. Similar to the blue car, it had a nose transplant to mimic the Delta although comes with a wedge of a rear wing that looks practically identical to the real thing.

DAMD has worked with OZ Racing for both cars too, each sporting a set of flat white Rally Racing wheels with some chunky-looking Bridgestone Alenza tyres.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting the Tokyo Auto Salon, starting on January 12, you’ll be able to find DAMD’s stand in Hall 9. Alongside the two Jimnys will be a tough-looking Toyota Hiace (complete with Union Jacks on the side, for reasons) as well as a pair of Daihatsu Atrais - one in particular done up to look like a retro American wooden panelled minivan.