Daihatsu Naked

I finally got a good photo (ok, 2) of the final auto model that we find humorous enough to blog about:

From Auto Models

I'm not sure that it's so much that it's "wrong" to call an automobile model naked, as much as just strange. I mean, yes, it's indeed unclothed, but it IS painted! Hasn't Sports Illustrated decided that paint is now a suitable replacement for fabric in order to permit lounging on public beaches? Doesn't the same hold true for cars?

From Auto Models

Toyota FunCargo

From Auto Models

We seriously considered buying one of these models (when we were still considering buying from a dealership rather than saving a couple grand with an individual). And the main reason was just so we could be the "fun cargo" wherever wouldst our "fun car go!"

Mazda Laputa

Mazda Laputa Ok, this is probably the craziest in terms of the "I can't believe they called a car that!" factor for we Spanish language enthusiasts. However, it's not quite as common as the others we've posted so far, but I spotted one in a parking lot yesterday while I was driving home & immediately pulled over to snap a shot of it with my phone.

From Auto Models

Permítame pedir disculpas de antemano por publicar esta imagen con palabra ofensiva. Pero creo que esto es la mas sorprendente (o chocante) de todo nombre de modelo de auto en Japón. ¿Que quiere decir exactamente? Yo pensaba que cada automóvil en el mundo estaba a la venta al precio bueno. ¿Que hace a este modelo tan especial? Por lo menos no imprimen la letra "p" en grande ni con espacio entre la "a" y la "p." Así que podemos pretender que en realidad no dice nada ofensivo.

Nissan MOCO

Nissan MOCO Another gem for our Spanish-appreciating readers!

From Auto Models

Estoy de acuerdo que la forma del vehículo en verdad se parece a algo de la nariz. Pero para usarlo como el nombre del modelo de auto? No estoy tan seguro de que es la mejor idea.

Mitsubishi MINICA

Mitsubishi Minica

From Auto Models

This is pronounced the way a New Englander would describe a small automobile. "It's a mini (-ature) cah!"

Honda That's

Honda That's

From Auto Models

I feel like Honda needs to finish the statement. That's WHAT?! What is it?!!

Honda LiFE

Honda LiFE

From Auto Models

It may be small but it's as serious & important as itself. I'd bet my life on it. And you thought car-buying wasn't a matter of life or death. Well, that's life!

Mitsubishi Pajero

Japan has some rather interesting automobile model names that they (wisely) do not export to Western lands. Today's gem is one that Spanish speakers can only truly appreciate. It's actually a very popular model among the SOFA-status (US military) community here, mainly due to the fact that it's an SUV, a favorite form of American POV. So we see (& smirk at) this one quite often.

Mitsubishi Pajero

Los de habla hispana posiblemente estarían un poco sorprendido con este nombre de modelo que suena un poco.... bueno, decimos "equivocado":

From Auto Models

Sí, en verdad dice [Mitsubishi] "Pajero" pero en inglés el nombre pronunciamos con la "j" vocal (come la "ll" española), así que no estamos diciendo con voz audible esa palabra ofensiva en conversación. Pero les aseguro que en nuestros mentes estamos sonriendo grandemente cada vez que lo vemos!