A generation of Americans knew this tiny pickup only from Gran Turismo

For countless U.S. enthusiasts, the Daihatsu Midget II was a pixelated curiosity before it became a real car. The single-seat kei truck, infamous in Gran Turismo as one of the slowest vehicles you could drive, is now crossing over from the game to the real world via a Bring a Trailer auction. At just $2,500 and with bidding open, the 1996 model—imported from Japan in 2022 and showing 95,000 km (59,000 miles)—is drawing attention for its bizarre charm. Powered by a 659 cc three-cylinder engine producing 31 HP (23 kW) and mated to a four-speed manual sending power to the rear wheels, the Midget II delivers more personality than practicality. Its single central seat, AM-only radio, floor-mounted air conditioner, and spare tire mounted on the nose give it the look of a cartoonish safari runabout. Suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and leaf springs at the rear, while stopping power comes from drum brakes. With a week left on the clock, the current high bid stands at $2,500—likely a steal for a vehicle that spent decades lodged in the minds of Gran Turismo players as a lovable oddity rather than a serious hauler.