Defender Meets Tiny Van Life With the DAMD Hazel

Photo By: DAMD

If you’ve ever considered going the “JDM” (Japan Domestic Market) route for an off-roader, you’ve no doubt seen innumerable Toyota Hiaces, Mitsubishi Delicas and Honda Racoons on the market. What you likely have not seen is the Suzuki Every (aka the Suzuki Carry), a typically plain-vanilla and hard-working micro van that looks better suited for delivering boxes of tamagotchis than off-pavement thrills.

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

Unless, of course, you turn it over to the team at DAMD in Japan, who took an Every and massaged it into something they call the “EVERY little D. HAZEL edition,” a pop-top camper that intentionally riffs on the iconic Land Rover Defender – thus the “Little D” in the name and on the front of the crazy creation. The vehicle turned up at the Tokyo Auto Salon show earlier this month, and DAMD is offering the Little D setup as a kit that Suzuki Every owners can purchase. 

Admittedly, DAMD actually turned out the Little D in a restrained but capable fashion, with a 40mm Plusline lift kit, a bed kit by Nuts, custom pop-up canvas top, Brit-tastic headlight and taillight replacement bits, driving lights, roof rack and some deep-dish Toyo Open Country tires.

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The Suzuki Every is known as a “kei” (sounds like “cay”) car in Japan, which means it runs on a high-rpm 660cc three-cylinder gas engine and is small. Really, really small. No matter: DAMD managed to include a swank interior that’s ready for some small adventures. There’s a sink, electrical outlets, curtains, actual seating with a pop-up table, and even a fold-down bed to compliment the rooftop perch under the pop top. Exterior racks and mounting points are plentiful. With the top up, you can actually stand up in the rig like a normal human. There’s also an outside shower accessory.

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

Photo by DAMD

And while its Defender inspiration includes 4WD and other off-road upgrades, the Little D gets by with front wheel drive, about 60 horsepower, and good looks. There was no immediate word on a price for the DAMD kit. Enjoy this typically wacky video from DAMD showing off every mod to the Little D Every.

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