1967 Daihatsu Trimobile

The Daihatsu Company was formed in 1907 as the Osaka Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. Its first vehicles, in 1930, were small 3-wheeled commercial delivery trucks sold under the names Daihatsu or Tsubasa. In 1951 it changed its name to Daihatsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, and during the '50's and '60's it produced a wide range of commercial vehicles. Its earlier vehicles were handlebar-steered. Its products were a great success, both in Japan and other Asian markets.

1954 brought the first passenger car, called the "Bee", which was derived from a three-wheeler commercial chassis and powered by a 250cc motor. These three-wheelers were also available as taxis, for which there was a tax reduction of 40% compared to a four-wheeler.

1962 brought the first four-wheeled car- the 700.

1966 saw a one-third controlling interest by Toyota, and the make went from strength to strength from then on.

The cute little Trimobile enjoyed success because its seating position was that of a real car, not an adaptation of a motorcycle.

Manufacturer: Daihatsu Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Osaka Japan

Model: Trimobile Motor: Daihatsu 2/str. Body: Steel
Years Built: 1955 - 1975 No. Cylinders: 1 Chassis: Steel
No. Produced: Displacement: 305 cc Suspension Fr.Coil
No. Surviving: Horsepower: 12 Suspension R. Coil
Length: 2970 mm Gearbox: 3 + rev Steering:Rack
Width: 1295 mm Starter: Dynastart Brakes: Hydraulic
Weight: 415 kg Electrics: 12 v 3 Wheels: 5.00 x 9"
Interior: Bench Ignition: Coil Top Speed: 65 kph

© 2002