Meet the Subaru Tortoise: A One-of-a-Kind 1968 Sci-Fi Microcar

Futuristic Oddity - In an era where design often pushes the limits of imagination, it's fascinating to look back and see how the roots of automotive innovation were already being planted decades ago. Post-war Japan, emerging from economic and material scarcity, became a breeding ground for compact, fuel-efficient microcars—vehicles designed not only for practicality but occasionally for sheer whimsy. Among these quirky creations stands one of the most charming and eccentric examples ever made: the 1968 Subaru Tortoise, a unique vehicle that can be seen as a precursor to the modern kei car movement that would later flourish in Japan.

The Subaru Tortoise was a one-off marvel that blended creative artistry with functional automotive engineering, built based on the Subaru 360. (Picture from: QuirkyRides on X)

This unique vehicle, officially known as the "Land Tortoise," wasn’t just another small car. It was a one-off marvel that blended creative artistry with functional automotive engineering. Based on the Subaru 360—a kei car introduced in 1958 and affectionately nicknamed the "ladybug" in Japan—the Tortoise was reimagined into something altogether more futuristic and bizarre. Where the original Subaru 360 featured a modest two-door frame and a 356 cc rear-mounted engine, the Tortoise transformed that platform into something more akin to a bubble-top space pod than a typical car.

The remarkable Subaru Tortoise traces back to the Japanese TV series Kaiki Daisakusen (1968–1971), which featured the Science Research Institute (SRI) investigating unexplained phenomena. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)

The origins of this remarkable car trace back to the Japanese television series Kaiki Daisakusen, which aired from 1968 to 1971. The show, which translates to Operation: Mystery! in English, followed a fictional organization known as the Science Research Institute (SRI) as they tackled cases involving unexplained phenomena. This was no ordinary crime-solving agency, and they needed a ride to match. Enter the Subaru Tortoise—custom-built specifically for the show, capturing the curiosity and playfulness that defined its era. The show’s creator, Eiji Tsuburaya, was already a legendary figure in Japanese pop culture, having co-created iconic franchises like Godzilla and Ultraman. So it’s no surprise that even the vehicles in his world carried a certain cinematic flair.

The remarkable Subaru Tortoise traces back to the Japanese TV series Kaiki Daisakusen (1968–1971), which featured the Science Research Institute (SRI) investigating unexplained phenomena. (Picture from: Autopuzzles)

The Tortoise was a small, open-top two-seater, its whimsical design rounded out by exaggerated curves, a high dome-like windshield, and a minimalist, spaceship-like body. While it's assumed the original 356 cc engine remained intact, speed certainly wasn’t part of its appeal. Clocking a 0-to-50 mph time in a leisurely 37.5 seconds, the Tortoise was more about style and story than performance. It was so compact, in fact, that tall drivers were reportedly forced to peer over the windshield while driving—a visual that no doubt added to the car's already cartoonish charm.

The remarkable Subaru Tortoise was a small, open-top two-seater, its whimsical design rounded out by exaggerated curves, a high dome-like windshield, and a minimalist, spaceship-like body. (Picture from: Autopuzzles)

Unfortunately, very little is known about the fate of the Subaru Tortoise. It was built by a company known only as Haruki Automotive Industry Co., Ltd., led by Kihachiro Haruki, at an estimated cost of around ¥1 million. Despite its limited screen time in Kaiki Daisakusen, the Tortoise left a lasting impression thanks to its distinctive design and quirky presence.

The remarkable Subaru Tortoise was assumed to retain the original Subaru 360’s 356 cc rear-mounted engine, though speed was clearly never part of its appeal. (Picture from: Autopuzzles)

In one especially memorable episode, a hippie couple finds the tiny car at a gas station and impulsively takes it for a joyride. The fun quickly turns eerie when a supernatural force possesses the driver, leading to a loss of control and a crash into a cinder block wall—securing the Tortoise’s place in cult TV lore. While the show also featured iconic vehicles like the Toyota 2000GT, it’s the Tortoise that stands out as a true emblem of offbeat creativity. | _JXb5kwmVr0 |

The 1968 Subaru Tortoise is more than just an automotive oddity; it's a snapshot of a time when television, design, and technology collided in the most unexpected ways. It serves as a delightful reminder that even in an industry often obsessed with power and speed, there's always room for imagination. Whether you're a fan of vintage cars, Japanese pop culture, or just love seeing something truly out of the box, the Tortoise proves that sometimes the smallest vehicles carry the biggest stories. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 95OCTANE | MARIOTHEMULTIPLA | JAPANESE NOSTALGIC CAR | AUTOPUZZLES | QUIRKYRIDES ON X | PISTONBROKE ON FACEBOOK | MICROCARS WORLD ON FACEBOOK | WEIRDWHEELS ON REDDIT ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.