In 1991, Mazda built three prototype go-karts hidden inside Samsonite suitcases as a direct answer to the Honda Motocompo. Two were destroyed after the talk show circuit. The sole surviving original is in private hands. A builder named Bucket decided that was not good enough.
Bucket's replica uses a pocket rocket gas motor and a welded aluminum frame fitted inside a standard suitcase shell. It hit 33 kph, beating the original's stated top speed, before the driver called it. The finished build weighs 56.8 lbs, about 6.8 lbs over the standard 50 lb airline checked baggage limit.
Read the full piece for the construction details and the contact with the original prototype's owner, who provided firsthand information on how the 1991 machines actually worked. That conversation alone makes this worth your time.
[READ ORIGINAL →]