This Chevrolet Astro Isn’t What It Seems—It’s a JDM Van in Disguise
DAMD, known for creating the Honda crossover kit inspired by the Jeep Cherokee XJ, is now turning its attention to the Freed mini-minivan. The company is developing a new body kit that pays homage to a classic American van design.
Japanese designers continue to show a fascination with some of America’s most distinctive vehicles. DAMD Styling Effect—the firm that previously transformed the Japan-market Honda WR-V crossover into a Jeep Cherokee tribute—is now drawing inspiration from the full-size, body-on-frame vans that became cultural icons in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s. Their latest project, the DAMD Isolator, is based on the subcompact Honda Freed mini-minivan. Early design sketches hint at a scaled-down homage that closely resembles classics like the Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, or GMC Vandura. The finished version is set to make its debut in October.
Comprehensive Styling Updates
Following the same formula as its Cherokee-inspired crossover, DAMD is giving the Honda Freed a dramatic front-end transformation. While the stock front fenders remain, the hood and bumper are swapped out for taller, more angular pieces. A billet-style grille, circular headlights, and a jutting bumper evoke the unmistakable character of 1970s vans. The renderings also make clever use of the Freed’s rounded wheel arches, giving the Isolator a subtly widebody look that adds to its retro charm.
One standout detail is the wood-tone trim that stretches from the base of the hood to the sliding door track, cleverly highlighting the Freed’s sculpted lines. The Isolator also features ground effects, including a triangular front spoiler reminiscent of the custom touches popular among 1970s and 1980s van enthusiasts. In fact, with black paint and a red racing stripe, it could almost pass for a scaled-down homage to B.A. Baracus’ iconic GMC G-Series Vandura from The A-Team.
Not Quite the Real Thing
Of course, the Honda Freed is much smaller than even the tiniest American vans. Measuring 169.7 inches long and 66.7 inches wide, it falls well short of the Chevrolet Astro minimum dimensions of 176.8 by 77.0 inches. While the raised front end does much of the styling heavy lifting, the Freed’s sloped windshield and angled front quarter windows make its Honda roots unmistakable. Still, the DAMD Isolator impresses with its steel wheels featuring chrome beauty rings, blacked-out grille and headlight surrounds, and low-slung stance, giving it plenty of visual appeal despite its compact size.
The DAMD Isolator would pair perfectly with a Mitsuoka M55—the rebodied Honda Civic styled to evoke an early-1970s Dodge Challenger. Both vehicles are available in Japan, offering owners the charm and visual flair of a classic American garage without the fuel guzzling, questionable rust protection, or carburetor quirks of the originals. To complete the illusion, you’d just need to figure out a way to have the audio system pump out throaty, cammed V8 sounds for anyone nearby.
Coming Soon to a Touge Near You
DAMD is set to unveil a full-size prototype of the Isolator on October 18 during its annual event, open to both prospective and current owners of the company’s creations. The Isolator joins a diverse DAMD lineup that includes Suzuki Jimny conversions styled like Mercedes G-Wagens, restyled rally classics, vintage Ford Broncos, and a variety of minicars and kei vehicles—all featuring retro-inspired designs.
