Hachette has announced their next subscription model, and it’s kind of an odd one. It’s a 1959 Fuji Rabbit Superflow S601, built by Fuji Heavy Industries, the former name of what is now known as Subaru Corp. If you decide to undertake the building of this 1/8 scale model a few pieces will arrive in the mail each week, taking nearly a year to complete.
The Fuji Rabbit was originally launched in 1947, designed by former Nakajima Aircraft employees who had spent the pre-war years building planes. The original wheels were taken from surplus parts for the Ginga bomber‘s landing gear. And unlike most scooters, the body was extremely aerodynamic, with the front fender and cowl manufactured as a single piece thanks to the ingenuity of former aircraft fuselage engineers.
Like previous Hachette models, the Fuji Rabbit is highly detailed, with a number of realistic features. The headlights, turn signals, and taillights all light up and a relay even makes a turn signal blinking sound. Like the real thing, the right handlebar has a starter button, front brake lever and can be rotated like an accelerator. The left handlebar manages the horn and turn signal.
The gauge cluster houses a speedometer, oil gauge, and indicators for the turn signals and high beams. A rear brake pedal is nestled by the right foot, just under the opening fuel door. A retractable kickstand lets the scooter stand upright on its own.
The seat lifts to reveal a storage compartment, and the entire body can open to reveal a detailed 199cc engine. Also located within are a battery, shock absorber, and swingarm, which could be a work of art in itself.
The kit is also available with a stand that replicates the scooter’s many sounds. The finished model measures about 9.4 inches long and 4.9 inches tall. It makes a perfect companion to the 1/8 scale Subaru 360 that Hachette released last year, and any number of subscription kit cars. The kit is only available in Japan for now, but enterprising readers might find a way to get them for a fee. Just read our history of Japan’s subscription model kits before you do.
