Mazda has long been known for its willingness to experiment with unusual engineering solutions. The company perfected rotary engines, produced lightweight sports cars with an emphasis on driving pleasure, and often chose its own path instead of following generally accepted trends. One of the most unusual projects in its history was the Suitcase Car – a compact vehicle that fit entirely into an ordinary suitcase.
Although this concept never reached mass production, it became a vivid demonstration of the engineering imagination of Mazda employees and is still considered one of the most unusual projects by the Japanese manufacturer.
An unusual idea born from an internal corporate competition
The history of the Suitcase Car began as part of the Fantasyard corporate competition, which was held at Mazda from 1989 to 1991. Its goal was to encourage employees to create original transport solutions without any limitations of conventional frameworks.
The winner was a team of seven engineers working in the division responsible for research and testing of manual transmissions. The idea came after discussing how to move faster through large airports. Instead of developing a completely new design, the engineers decided to use existing technology.
How an ordinary suitcase turned into transport
The project was based on a compact pocket motorcycle, whose mechanical components were placed inside a large Samsonite suitcase measuring 57 × 75 cm.
After opening the suitcase, the transport was assembled in about one minute. This required:
- unfolding the front wheel;
- installing two rear wheels;
- securing the seat.
After assembly, an ordinary travel suitcase turned into a full-fledged three-wheeled vehicle.
Minimal power, but fully functional design
Despite its unusual appearance, the Suitcase Car was fully functional. While the iconic first-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata was equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine developing 116 hp, the miniature concept was significantly more modest.
Its power unit consisted of:
- a two-stroke gasoline engine;
- a displacement of 34 cubic cm (0.034 liters);
- a power of 1.7 hp.
This was enough to accelerate the three-wheeled machine, weighing about 32 kg, to 30 km/h.
Although the dynamics were quite modest, the project was not just an exhibition model, but a full-fledged vehicle capable of moving independently.
A project that became famous but did not go into mass production
Mazda did not plan to produce the Suitcase Car. Nevertheless, the unusual development quickly attracted the attention of media worldwide.
Later, the company produced several more copies for demonstration in different countries.
According to available data:
- the original car was accidentally destroyed;
- the European copy subsequently disappeared;
- only the copy made for the USA has survived to this day.
It is considered the only known surviving example of this unusual project today.
Commitment to experimentation preserved
Despite more than three decades having passed since the creation of the Suitcase Car, Mazda continues to engage in unconventional developments. The company simultaneously produces production models and works on promising technologies.
Among the areas being worked on are:
- research into eco-friendly technologies that allow cars to capture carbon dioxide while driving;
- exploring the possibility of creating a fully electric version of the MX-5 if emission requirements ultimately displace internal combustion engines.
Although the Suitcase Car remained a concept, this project clearly demonstrates Mazda's approach to engineering experiments. The small three-wheeled transport, hidden inside an ordinary suitcase, became one of the most unusual cars in the brand's history and retained its status as one of the most original projects by the Japanese manufacturer.