The EVA Cars Antares

The 1969 EVA Cars Antares Type 1A, featured a single seat layout with a canopy like a jet fighter.

At the 2nd Racing Car Show in Tokyo in 1969, there was one particular stand that caused a sensation. A new brand that presented some sexy and efficient cars.

Eva Cars was a creation of the young Kenji Mimura, who unveiled two models named Antares Type 1A and Antares Type 2A at the show.

The purpose of these cars was not to participate in competitions but to be sold in kit form. It seems that Kimura had the help of Minoru Hayashi, future creator of Dome Zero for their realization as well.

The 1969 EVA Cars Antares Type 1A, on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Antares Type 1A was a futuristic single-seater.
Its diminutive body had a very modern design for the time. It used the mechanics of the Nissan Fairlady SR311 mounted in a mid-rear position. The 2-litre SOHC 4-cylinder was paired with a 5-speed Hewland gearbox.

The maximum speed was estimated at 150 mph. Prices ranged from 1.65 million yen, for the bare bones kit, to 2.85 million yen for a car ready to drive.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 2A, on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The Antares Type 2A was a Honda N360-powered Can-Am style racecar. As an option, the N600 could also be installed. A 2B version was also planned for the Honda 1300 engine. The basic version weighed only 300 kg and was capable of a maximum speed of 120 mph. It was reported that 12 copies had already been sold at the show. Their ambition was to produce 10 cars per month.

EVA followed up in the ensuing years producing a number of racecars but were eventually subsumed into Hayashi Racing. Hayashi of course went on to produce numerous racecars and automotive accessories, such as a line of iconic alloy wheels, and remains in business today.

The whole line of EVA Cars for 1970

Photo Credits:
automobiles-japonaises.com
Hayashi Racing

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A, on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A, on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A.

The EVA Cars Antares F2 car on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A.

The EVA Cars Antares Type 1A, on the show floor at the '69 Tokyo Auto Salon.