There are moments in our travels when we stumble upon something truly extraordinary, a vehicle so rare and unique that it defies expectations and pushes the limits of automotive creativity.  These are the unicorns of the car world—the ones we’re always searching for. 

And on this occasion, we found one.

How a French classic was transformed in Japan into a boundary-pushing, Mazda-powered masterpiece.

Mr Isc’s journey with the HY Van began when he imported it from France with the vision of turning it into something remarkable. He wasn’t interested in cutting it up for a radical exterior transformation; instead, he wanted to honour its original design while incorporating cutting-edge Japanese engineering.

The only major exterior modification was the removal of the rear body section to provide a stronger base for what would come next: an entirely custom-built chassis.

This unicorn is a 1974 Citroën HY Van, meticulously customised by Ushio Automobile in Japan.  At first glance, its boxy charm and patina paint suggest a life spent cruising the streets of France, but in fact, this French icon has been given new life in the bustling city of Osaka.

Owned by Mr Isc, a man with a deep passion for unique vehicles, this Citroën HY Van is more than just a car—it's a testament to his love of French automotive design and Japanese craftsmanship.

What’s underneath the van’s weathered exterior is where the magic really happens. Ushio Automobile custom-built the chassis from scratch, with a bespoke front suspension designed to house a mid-mounted Mazda RX7 engine and gearbox. This was no small feat. The engine, too large for the original engine bay, found its new home in the middle of the van, with exhaust fumes now exiting through the front grille—a radical departure from its humble origins.

Moving inside, the cabin is a blend of old-world charm and modern innovation.  The original floor panelling was rebuilt and reinforced with steel, while the dashboard was reworked to accommodate the repositioned steering column and a digital display.

Though the custom seats are still in progress, the finishing touch of a tan leather canopy, crafted by 9010 Design, adds a vintage elegance that ties the whole project together.

The wheels are another standout feature—a set of Barramundi Design rims measuring 17x6.5 inches at the front and a massive 20x11.5 inches at the rear, wrapped in Pirelli tyres. These wheels, combined with the van’s aggressive stance and the body drop, make it impossible to miss.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance to see this masterpiece on the road just yet, but we’re eagerly awaiting that day. Rest assured, when it happens, you’ll hear all about it right here.

Tech Specs for Mr Isc’s 1974 Citroën HY Van:

• Manufacturer: Ushio Automobile

• Model: 1974 Citroën HY Van

• Engine: Mid-mounted Mazda RX7 engine

• Gearbox: Mazda RX7 gearbox

• Chassis: Custom-built chassis designed by Ushio Automobile

• Front Suspension: Custom front suspension

• Rear Suspension: Mazda RX7 rear suspension

• Exhaust System: Exhaust pipes facing towards the front cabin, exiting through the front grille

• Wheels:

  • Front Wheels: Barramundi Design, 17x6.5 inches

  • Rear Wheels: Barramundi Design, 20x11.5 inches

• Tyres:

  • Front Tyres: Pirelli F 195-40-17

  • Rear Tyres: Pirelli R 295-20-20

• Air System: Accuair system with custom housing and copper piping for air tanks

• Floor Paneling: Rebuilt and reinforced with steel intersections

• Dashboard: Custom dashboard with a new steering column position and digital dashboard

• Custom Features:

  • Heat protection added for the front cabin

  • Custom tan leather canopy by 9010 Design

To ensure the van rides as smoothly as it looks, a rear suspension from the Mazda was installed alongside an Accuair system, complete with custom copper piping for the air tanks. Every detail was considered, right down to the CAD-designed chassis components, each expertly cut and welded into place. It’s clear this wasn’t just a mechanical build—it was an art form.

Watch our walk around of the Citroën HY van with Mazda Engine swap in Osaka, Japan

This classic 974 #Citroën HY Van with #Mazda engine swap by Isc Hideyuki and Tetsu Iizuka from Ushio Automobile in Osaka, Japan was amazing to photograph and look at. It's a stunning piece of custom art and a 'the more you look, the more you find' kind of car.

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