Toyota HiAce Gets A Retro Makeover With AMJ’s Vanace

The Toyota HiAce just got a retro glow-up, and it’s impossible not to notice. Japanese tuner AMJ (Auto Motive Japan) has reimagined the van as the “Vanace,” blending Toyota reliability with the boxy, nostalgic charm of the classic VW Transporter T3. While it might look like a throwback to the 1980s, this van keeps its modern roots intact—no rear-engine quirkiness here.

Even though most of the world moved on to the newer HiAce generation back in 2019, Japan stuck with the older H200 model, which has been around since 2004. AMJ saw an opportunity and transformed the aging workhorse into something truly unique.

The Vanace gets a complete front-end makeover, swapping Toyota’s standard styling for a flat hood, chunky bumper, retro halogen headlights, and bright yellow indicators. 

What makes the Vanace even cooler is the variety of options available. Buyers can choose from three distinct designs, each inspired by a different T3 variant. The Type 1 channels the European and JDM T3 with dual round headlights. The Type 2 turns up the nostalgia with quad headlights and black rocker panels, a nod to the South African models.

Meanwhile, the Type 3 embraces the North American vibe with its square headlights, significantly altering the van's attitude. From the side and rear, it’s still a HiAce, but the redesigned front end gives it an entirely new personality.

To complement the look, AMJ offers ten paint colors, including muted tones like gunmetal and beige. If you’re feeling extra stylish, there’s also a two-tone option.

Inside, the retro vibe continues with lattice-pattern seat covers in blue, green, or beige, plus a vintage-style three-spoke steering wheel with a wooden rim. For those who want something a little more special, AMJ can fit the cargo area with solid wood floors and ceiling panels, paired with soft LED lighting to create a cozy, retro-modern vibe.

The pricing starts at ¥3.75 million, roughly $24,000, and goes up to ¥4.65 million, about $29,800, depending on the donor HiAce and how much customization you go for. It’s a fair price to pay for something this distinctive.

The Vanace is a clever mix of practicality and nostalgia, and it just works. It’s got the reliability of a Toyota, the timeless cool of a T3, and a personality that sets it apart from anything else on the road.

For anyone craving retro style with modern reliability, this is the van to beat.