Miscellaneous classics #9: Daihatsu Delta

It has been a while since I wrote about non-car vehicles. Being enamoured with all things angular/squarish, I had always wanted to write about this 1985 Daihatsu Delta V78 ever since I saw it!

The Daihatsu Delta was a rebodied version of the U10 Toyota Dyna and was first introduced in 1970. Daihatsu had previously entered into a business alliance with Toyota Motor Corporation in 1967 and naturally, the Delta shared many parts with its brother car Dyna. The 3rd generation Delta appeared in 1984: it differed from the Y50 Dynas by its 4 rectangular headlights compared to round headlights, although the Dynas received quad rectangular headlights in 1989. Interestingly, there was also a van version of the Delta: it was essentially a truck chassis fused with a typical van.

Various versions with different cab sizes and functions were released. This unit, known as the V78 Delta was powered by a 3431 cc Toyota 3B i4 engine. It had dimensions of 4695 x 1695 x 1995 mm with a weight of 2360 kg.

Production of the 3rd-generation Delta ended in 1995, though it was continued to be made exclusively for export markets with a facelift to the grille. It was only in 2010 that production stopped entirely. A small handful of Deltas still remain here, with some still seeing usage as tow trucks. This particular unit has an interesting history: it was previously owned by a Hindu temple services company specifically to tow a silver chariot during certain Hindu festivals. Despite sporting an early 90s number plate, it is noted that the original registration was in 1986: it is likely that it could have towed cars before being converted.

While old trucks do not get the same amount of love and affection from many others, I have tried to bring a spotlight on them all this while. I hope that next time, you might be able to recognise them for their role in our motoring heritage!

More than an old car #173: Daihatsu Move

 

 

It gives me great pleasure to share about old cars in Singapore, from the overly exotic to the downright quotidian. While most people naturally gravitate to the weird and wonderful, I have a soft spot for rather common ones as well, which the Constant Reader would have known from my posts. What makes it more unfortunate is that most people would not even know of their existence until they disappear, such as this 1999 Daihatsu Move L901...

The Move first appeared in 1995, where it shared the same platform as the kei-size Mira. Classified as a light "tall wagon" or minivan, the additional overhead space was much welcomed compared to the Mira. This 2nd-generation L900 Move (also known as the L901 for export markets), was introduced in 1998 due to the revision of collision safety for mini vehicles. While it followed its predecessor's design in order to save costs, the overall appearance was modernised. Italdesign Giugario was involved in making this rather unassuming car look attractive: considering the standards of its time, it has not fared too badly.

A variety of grades were available for the Japanese domestic market although the engine size was capped at 659 cc. These included a turbocharged version known as the Aero Down Custom, on top of various add-ons like aero parts and decals on the doors. Export versions had a larger engine but consequently less varied than its Japanese siblings. Closer to home, the Perodua Kenari was introduced in 2000, where it shared many similarities with the Move.

The Move was powered by a 989 cc EJ-DE i3 engine, although JDM versions had the 659 cc EF-SE engines in order to qualify as a kei car. It could reach a top speed of 140 km/h, with an acceleration of 15 seconds [0-100 km/h]. As a result of kei car deimnsions, it was only 3411 mm long and weighed 790 kg, with a fuel consumption of 5.7 litres / 100 km. 

Production of the 2nd generation Move ended in 2002 where it was succeeded by the L150 series. However, the made-in-Malaysia Kenari remained up till 2009: there are still quite a handful in Singapore. The same cannot be said for the Move: this unit was scrapped just 4 days after I saw it outside the Toyota/Lexus showroom and I believe none still remain here. It happened to be driven by a car dealer: the owner might had wanted to trade it in for something newer. Interestingly, the steering wheel had been modified to accommodate a disabled driver, similar to this contraption here:

I felt it was both amazing and poignant that this little workhorse had served its owner for the past 20 years even through disability, until it outlived its usefulness: perhaps the owner may have given up driving for good, or had chosen one of the newer Toyotas out there in order to continue enjoying the freedom of the road. Truth be told, the Move just felt puny and probably inadequate for future driving duty. 

While the Move has gone the way of the dodo at least in Singapore, I was still glad to have captured this unassuming classic right before it disappeared, and I will continue to try to preserve our car history as the years go by! Hope that this has been a refreshing peek into something you might not have observed usually...

Miscellaneous classics #5: Daihatsu Hijet S91

It has been a while since I covered our humble work vehicles, so I decided to bring the spotlight on this forgotten workhorse: a 1999 Daihatsu Hijet S91!

The S90/S100 Hijet succeeded the S80 model when it was unveiled to the public at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1993. Its wheelbase had been extended by 100 mm, and was praised for its large indoor volume and quietness at high speeds. Interestingly, Daihatsu also entered the Indonesian market, where all its vehicles were sold by PT Astra Daihatsu Motor. This particular unit is more accurately known as the Daihatsu Zebra Espass, which was a 'Completely Built Up' model: JDM cars never had these rounded headlights.
They were available in both truck and van models, although I do not know why these Indonesian-market vehicles were imported in the first place. It was powered by a 1295 cc HC-C i4 engine, but as with commercial vehicles here, its top speed was limited to 70 km/h. It was 3395 mm long, had an unladen weight of 830 kg and a laden weight of almost twice is mass at 1655 kg.

Production of the S90 Hijet ended on 2007, although its successor, the S200 was introduced back in 1999. They were sold by Sin Tien Seng, our local Daihatsu dealer between 1997 to 2000. Uncommon to begin with, none are known to exist today in Singapore, although one can still see a handful of its Malaysian equivalent known as the Perodua Rusa.

Back then, I had always wondered what this unusual-looking truck was back when I was younger, and I was fortunate to be able to snap a shot of this classic before it got scrapped last year. I am sure that no one else would have bothered about an old, beat-up truck, much less photograph it. To be honest, I do not know how many of you would appreciate its existence, but I hope I have done my part in capturing a forgotten slice of history!

More than an old car #118: Daihatsu Fellow

Old Japanese cars are a rarer sight compared to continental models, partly due to a lack of awareness and popularity. Performance issues also crop up every now and then, thus it could be understood why they are not well-loved. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to come across this mint-condition 1969 Daihatsu Fellow SS outside a showroom!

The Daihatsu Fellow was first introduced in 1966 as a kei car, which attracted Japanese consumers due to lower taxes payable. It was designed to seat 4 adults comfortably despite the rather small box-shaped body, and one could load/unload baggage in the trunk easily because of a hinge outside the car. Interestingly, it was also the first Japanese car to feature rectangular headlights. It was offered as a sedan, wagon, mini truck and a panel van.

 As Honda had released the N360 around the same time, Daihatsu attempted to capitalise by making its engine more powerful, leading to the introduction of the SS trim. Although the Fellow helped Daihatsu to increase its market share of light vehicles, it failed to dominate the market. Various facelifts were carried out, most notably the grille design and a front bumper that was mounted higher in 1969. It was powered by a 356 cc ZM 2-cylinder engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 115 km/h with an acceleration of 25.9 seconds [0-100 km/h]. As a kei car, the Fellow was only 2990 mm long and weighed 495 kg.

Production of the Fellow ended in 1970, where it was replaced by a revamped Fellow Max. This particular unit was apparently the 1st Daihatsu car that was imported by Sin Tien Seng, our local Daihatsu dealer in 1969. It has been preserved and exhibited at their 30th anniversary event in 1999. Up close, you could see how rudimentary the car was: no-frills dashboard, simple seats and non-fancy steering wheel. None have survived for so long, probably due to rust issues that plagued Japanese cars during that era. It is a very interesting piece of history that is worth remembering, since this is not a very well-known car even among JDM fans. Perhaps your parents or relatives have driven one before when times were simpler, hope that this is a walk down memory lane for them!

More than an old car #108: Daihatsu Hijet S85

Mention 'Japanese vans' and most of you would immediately think of the ubiquitous Toyota Hiace/Nissan Urvan that are innumerable here. Understandably, few would mention Daihatsu Hijets because they don't really seem to stand out from the crowd. However, once a while, something odd may pop up just like this 1991 Daihatsu Hijet S85 here!

The Hijet was first introduced in 1960 and released under kei car standards, appealing to many Japanese during the post-war years. Its name is a combination of 'high performance' and 'midget'. For the S80 series, it was introduced in 1986 where it featured a large rear glass window and an engine upgrade, among other features. At that time, Daihatsu entered into alliances with Piaggio of Italy and Kia in South Korea, where derivatives of the Hijet were produced. Although the Hijet made its way to the US (to be classified as an agricultural vehicle), it endured declining popularity and withdrew its presence in 1992.

While popular among young people, it lost out to its rivals due to its weak styling and inferior cargo space. It was powered by a 993 cc CB-41 i3 engine, allowing to reach a top speed of 100 km/h. As it fell under the kei car category, it was only 3295 mm long.

Production of the S80 series ended in 1994, which was then succeeded by the S100 series. Previously, they were available in both passenger and cargo van formats, and were brought in by Sin Tien Seng, our local Daihatsu dealer. No cargo vans exist due to the 20-year rule, and I believe this unit is the last passenger van standing. It has undergone a marked changeover when I saw it in 2017 till now. Apparently, it has changed ownership just a few months ago, and the current owner was creative in converting it to the famous "Mystery Machine" in the Scooby-Doo TV series. It adds a comical, adorable touch to a nondescript van otherwise. Furthermore, its current number plate is a reference to the mysterious disappearance of MH370, which is a bold choice to have considering the furor over the issue.

I managed to see it up close and it was hilarious to find a Scooby-Doo doll strapped to the front seat. Due to its quirky nature, it actually went viral, with many people pleasantly surprised at the pop-culture reference. It has certainly changed perceptions that old cars just look boring and unappealing. Do keep a lookout for our Mystery Machine and its 'meddling kids' in solving some mysteries!

More than an old car #79: Daihatsu Charade

Japanese cars are currently the most popular choice for car drivers here, and everyone would at least know about Toyota, Nissan and Mazda. However, among these big players, there are less well-known brands and their range of models, such as this 1989 Daihatsu Charade G100 and G102.

Daihatsu is one of Japan's oldest surviving internal combustion engine manufacturer, where it started out as Hatsudoki Seizou Co. Ltd. in 1907. In 1951, it adapted the kanji word of Osaka (where it was headquartered) into the company name, thus becoming "dai hatsu". It ventured into car manufacturing and began exports to the European market in the 1960s. Throughout the years, it attained lower-than-expected sales and it began to pull out of the various overseas markets, starting with the US in 1992. Toyota had also started increasing their shareholdings in Daihatsu since 1967 and in 2016, Daihatsu became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Toyota. In Singapore, the most common ones are the Daihatsu Hijet vans and the cute-ish Copen. Yet most of you would struggle to even remember this brand in the first place!

The Charade was first produced in 1977, where it became an overnight success in Japan despite stricter restrictions on emission standards for small cars. It was also popular in Latin America as the car could run on low-octane fuel, which was common back then. The 3rd generation of the Charade [G100 series] appeared in 1987. It was available in a 3/5 door hatchback, although a 4-door sedan was also offered from 1989 onwards. Different types of engines were used for different trim models, but this unit was powered by a 993 cc CB i3 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 145 km/h with an acceleration of 14 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 3610 mm long and weighed 735 kg.
For the sedan, it was powered by a 1296 cc HC i4 engine, allowing it to reach a top speed of 167 km/h with an acceleration of 11.7 seconds [0-100 km/h]. It was 3995 mm long and weighed slightly heavier at 845 kg.

Production ended in 1993 with the arrival of the new Charade generation, but it lived on in China until 2012, known as the Tianjin Xiali. With the ceaseless march towards a car-lite society, many Charades have fallen victim to the merciless COE system and thus, there are only a handful of them left here. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to come across these units again after 2 years where they are still plodding on. The period wheels lend it a nostalgic touch and its unassuming presence is characteristic of cars in that era. I hope that with this knowledge, you will be able to appreciate them before they are gone!