My favorite light truck.

[2strokebloke]

My favorite light truck is the Daihatsu Midget MP series, produced from 1958 to the early 1970's. This three wheeled truck was equipped with a 12hp 2-stroke, air cooled, single cylinder engine with a capacity of 305cc - and makes a noise unlike any other truck.

Three wheeled trucks were once very popular in Japan, and Mitsubishi, and Mazda also made them - but I think Daihatsu's Midget is the best.
They actually imported them, but us uneducated Americans usually call them "Trimobiles" rather than by their real name of Midget. They are rare outside of Japan, and not known very well. To give those of you who haven't seen one an idea of their size, the overall length of the midget is under 10ft.

Truly a great classic from Japan.

Some good sites about the Midget:
http://meron7-web.hp.infoseek.co.jp/mainmenu.htm
http://page.freett.com/lpg/mi.html

[Cl0ak]

Wow 12hp, thats like a...moped truck, I don't know if that thing could pull me around.

[lrd56]

i am looking for a 1963 to 1966 datsun or nissan 320 series pickup i will trade my 71 f250 stepside for it i know they didnt make that many and they are hard to find
thank you lrd56

[2strokebloke]

Originally Posted by Cl0ak

Wow 12hp, thats like a...moped truck, I don't know if that thing could pull me around.

The idea of the three-wheeled truck was basically an evolution of the motorcycle, in fact Mazda's earliest trucks, have handlebars instead of a steering wheel, and a saddle instead of a seat. These "batanko" trucks (nicknamed after the sound they make) are sort of like covered scooters. They can haul just fine, but are geared low to do it, the Midget tops out at about 40mph.

[Cl0ak]

Thats pretty cool but sadly they'd never work in the states, we have too many huge SUV's that would run one over because the woman couldn't see over her double latte' from starbucks.

[FXman]

Sadlly you guys should be talking about Ferraris not ugly little trucks lol

[lrd56]

since when is a (fix it again tony )ferrari a light truck and by the way those so called (ugly little trucks) get 30 mpg and carry electric wheelchairs better than your ferrari truk .by the way fix it again tony stands for fiat .inst a ferrari just a middle class fiat .
have a fiat day

[badassgremlin]

Originally Posted by Cl0ak

Thats pretty cool but sadly they'd never work in the states, we have too many huge SUV's that would run one over because the woman couldn't see over her double latte' from starbucks.

Oi! dont dog teh starbucks! but i agree those kinds of vehicle's along with all the other bubble machines wouldnt make it over here we are kinda the oopisite of japan over here more cylinders more gas more mass etc