For car enthusiasts who appreciate the charm of reverse restomods—modern vehicles redesigned with classic styling—but want something smaller than the RAV4-based Mitsuoka Buddy, Cal’s Motors has crafted an appealing alternative. The company’s latest offering, called the Havana, starts off as a Toyota Raize, a compact crossover built on the same platform as the Daihatsu Rocky. Through a series of thoughtful design changes, it transforms into a downsized homage to vintage American SUVs, particularly resembling the 1970s Chevrolet K5 Blazer, though the likeness depends on the viewing angle.
Cal’s Motors has made a name for itself in Japan by giving modern vehicles nostalgic makeovers, and the Havana has been part of their lineup for a few years. It joins a family of similar retro transformations based on models like the Suzuki Jimny, Toyota HiAce, and Nissan NV200. Recently, the company unveiled a new special edition known as the Havana “Fruity Pop.” As the name implies, this version is all about fun, color, and personality. Customers can choose from a lively set of paint options including Lemon Sugar, Cacao Whip, Lime Fizz, Peach Bubble, and Orange Sorbet. Each hue is complemented by a contrasting white roof and pillars, enhancing the car’s two-tone retro appeal. Completing the nostalgic look are Moon Chrome wheels, which add a shiny, 1970s-inspired finishing touch.
In terms of design, the Fruity Pop edition carries over the Havana’s signature features. The conversion process completely reimagines the Raize’s front and rear ends, making the original model nearly unrecognizable. The front fascia is notably boxier, with rectangular LED headlights, a chrome-heavy grille, and a bold bumper design—all elements that echo the rugged, square shapes of vintage American SUVs. Around the back, the theme continues with redesigned taillights, a new tailgate, and additional chrome trim to balance the retro styling. From the side, however, the vehicle retains much of the Raize’s compact proportions, making it ideal for urban driving.
Inside, Cal’s Motors offers several customization options to match the Havana’s playful exterior. Buyers can choose leather-look seat covers, branded floor mats, and even a custom steering wheel emblem. For those who value technology, optional Alpine upgrades are available, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium speakers, and a digital rearview mirror for enhanced visibility.
Under the hood, the Havana stays true to the Toyota Raize’s mechanical setup, offering three powertrains: a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated engine (FWD), a 1.0-liter turbocharged option (4WD), and a hybrid variant (FWD). Prices start around $31,800 for the base gasoline version and rise to about $33,800 for the four-wheel-drive or hybrid configurations. To top it off, customers can further personalize their Havana with extras such as a roof rack, woodgrain body decals, and custom alloy wheels, ensuring that each vehicle captures a unique blend of retro nostalgia and modern practicality.