French Connection: DAMD turns Suzuki Lapin into Renault 4 Replica

We’ve heard some suggest that Suzuki’s Japanese-market Lapin (and the badge-engineered Mazda Spiano) were “retro-styled,” but until we saw DAMD’s take on the boxy kei car. With a few tweaks here and there, the tuner’s Ancel Lapin bears a remarkable resemblance to the classic Renault 4 hatchback.

We’ll give DAMD credit - they could have just slapped on a Renault grille and called it quits, but the Ancel Lapin goes a few steps further. The hood and front fenders are all-new, as are the side rub rails, cloned from late-model 4s, especially those in GTL trim. Other details, including the minute taillamp lenses and the baby-moon hubcaps, are also part of the conversion.

Sure, some proportions don’t sync up to the original, but overall, it’s nearly a dead ringer for the original 4. Click through the gallery for a photo of the inspiration, as well as more photos of DAMD’s tribute. Mangez vos cœurs, Renault fans.

+ DAMD: Ancel Lapin