After the end of WWII, the world was eager to get back to work, and more specifically, back to makin’ cars. Japan was particularly ready to rebuild their economy, but were missing some crucial materials: steel, gasoline, and money. And as it turns out, the lack of those resources crafted the perfect storm for the creation of the Kei car. Often misunderstood, underappreciated, and forgotten, these minimobiles are some of the most fascinating examples of problem-solving in automotive history. How did they come about? Why did they stick around for so long? And perhaps most importantly, what are they?? Today on Past Gas, we’re talking about that quirkiest of automotive curiosites - the Kei car.
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Past Gas #204: Kei Cars: How a WWII Loophole Created Japan's Tiny Cars

Donut's James Pumphrey, Nolan Sykes, and Joe Weber walk you through incredible stories behind your favorite cars and manufacturers. Episodes include underground Japanese racing clubs, bitter racing rivalries, and how some of your favorite classic cars came to be. Listen and find out why Past Gas is the #1 automotive podcast on Apple.
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In 1967, Yutaka Katayama, or Mr. K, is now President of Nissan North America. He’s just been called to Nissan HQ to select a concept design to replace the aging Fairlady Roadster. But unbeknownst to the other executives on the selection committee, Mr. K has been quietly operating behind the scenes to push his preferred design through. The concept is referred to as codename “Z,” and it isn’t really a new generation roadster at all- it’s a powerful new sports coupe, and something that Mr. K believes will be a huge success in the US market. Today on Past Gas, part two of our series on Datsun and Nissan- how did Mr. K’s leadership of Datsun in the US change the entire company? How did he become known as “the father of the Z car”? And how did Nissan help create an entire generation of car enthusiasts?
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Past Gas #235: Datsun, Pt 2: Why Datsun Had To Die

August, 1958. Nissan ad man Yutaka Katayama, known to most as Mr. K, is in Sydney, Australia was leading a two car team of Datsun 210s in the brand’s first official motorsport event.The brand had gotten its start barely 20 years ago, and was now in Australia to build brand recognition for their impending global expansion. It was a huge gamble. And one that would pay off. But how are the histories of Datsun and Nissan intertwined?? How did Yoshisuke Aikawa’s leadership turn Japan into an automotive manufacturing powerhouse? And how did Mr. K revolutionize automotive advertising and bring prestige and recognition to Nissan and Datsun worldwide? Today on Past Gas, the first of our two-part series on DATSUN.
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Past Gas #234: Datsun, Pt 1: Why Nissan Created Datsun

Over the past several decades, “The Great Race” has become a vital part of the fabric of Australian motorsport, and by extension, Australian culture. How did the Bathurst 1000 change Australian motorsport? How has one event given the racing world everything from V8 Supercars to the R32 GT-R known as “Godzilla?” And what about it has made it a cultural icon? Today on Past Gas, it’s the history of the Bathurst 1000.
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Past Gas #233: Bathurst 1000: Australia’s Most Brutal Endurance Race

Despite its affinity for front-wheel drive cars, especially in its legendary 99 and 900 badges, Swedish automaker Saab still managed to sell one of its properly cool cars as a wagon with all-wheel drive. The 9-2X Aero. But here’s the thing: It wasn’t a true Saab, but a mashup of GM DNA mixed with Subaru. And, it was entirely built by Subaru, too. But let’s take a step back and try to get an idea of where it all started. When did Saab start slipping away? What did platform sharing and badge engineering mean for its legacy and survival? What happened at the end? And finally, will we ever see some form of Saab ever again? Today, on Past Gas: it’s the final part of our two-part series on Saab.
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Past Gas #232: What Happened with SAAB? Pt 2

The story of Saab is one of out-of-the-box thinking. This Swedish brand barely made it past its 70th birthday before it died, but the legacy it built throughout those decades made it something truly special. But what made Saab such a legend in all things detail-oriented and quirky? What were the most legendary and popular models, and what made them so fun-to-drive? And finally, why did the brand die out in the early 2010s? Today on Past Gas, part one of our two part story on Saab!
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Past Gas #204: Kei Cars: How a WWII Loophole Created Japan's Tiny Cars

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