Mazda Suitcase Car
| Mazda Suitcase Car | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Mazda |
| Production | 1991 |
| Designer | Yoshimi Kanemoto |
| Body and chassis | |
| Platform | Suitcase, Pocketbike |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 33.6cc 1.7 horsepower |
| Propulsion | Two-stroke engine |
The Mazda Suitcase Car was a prototype suitcase vehicle created in 1991 by the Mazda company. The suitcase opened up to reveal a functioning three-wheeled gasoline-powered vehicle that also had lights. The vehicle, resembling a go-kart, was created by Mazda engineers and showcased in the United States and Europe at auto shows.
Background
The Mazda Suitcase Car never made it to production; it was built for car shows in Europe and the United States.[1] The idea for the car came from Mazda engineer Yoshimi Kanemoto.[2][3] In 1991 Kanemoto along with other Mazda engineers from an internal company research group, created the vehicle as a company contest called Fantasyard. The contest challenged employees to design a creative product which is a moving machine.[4] The car had stubby handlebars with a twistgrip throttle like a motorcycle, and three wheels. The cost to build the prototype was US$5,000.[5] In 1992 The Associated Press published a photo of a Mazda executive driving the suitcase car through Times Square ahead of the 16 April 1992 New York International Automobile Show.[6]
Description
The suitcase weighed 32 kg (71 lb) and it was 57 cm × 75 cm (22.4 by 29.5 inches). The design began with a Samsonite suitcase and a pocket bike. The power plant was a 33.6cc 1.3 kW (1.7 hp) two-stroke engine.[4] The suitcase car was designed to go up to 30 km/h (19 mph).[1] There were slots in the case where the rear wheel axles could protrude and a slot through the case for a front wheel.[4] The car was equipped with turn signals and brake lights.[7] The car also had carpeting, disc brakes, headlights and a horn. No tools were needed to assemble the vehicle.[2]
Legacy
One of the prototype suitcase cars was accidentally destroyed after the 1991 Fantasyard event. It is thought that there is only one Mazda Suitcase Car left.[4]
References
- ^ a b Oliva, Jacob (17 December 2020). "Remember When Mazda Made A Suitcase You Can Drive?". Motorsport Network. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ a b Williams III, G.. Chambers (17 April 1992). "Little Car Spurs Big Interest". Santa Ana Orange County Register. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Carry-On Car". Popular Science. 241 (6). Bonnier Corporation: 69. December 1992. ISSN 0161-7370. Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Mazda's Amazing Suitcase Car". Mazda. Mazda. Archived from the original on 25 June 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Suitcase Car". Popular Science. 240 (1). Bonnier Corporation: 21. January 1992. ISSN 0161-7370. Archived from the original on 17 July 2022. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Suitcase to Go". Indiana Gazette. 16 April 1992. Retrieved 17 July 2022.
- ^ "Mazda's suitcase car is three-wheeled perfection". Autoweek. 28 March 2013. Archived from the original on 15 June 2021. Retrieved 17 July 2022.