Fewer first-generation Minicabs are still in existence in Japan

The first-generation Mitsubishi Minicab was characterized by its angular design. Many rare vehicles could be seen at the “360! All Together in OSAKA” event, but among these, the Minicab was the only one seen at the event. We asked the owner about the secret to continuing to drive a rare car.

There are quite a few Mitsubishi kei-trucks in existence

A Mitsubishi ‘Minicab’ with a distinctive angular design was spotted at the event in the Osaka Port Department. The owner, Mr. Tanabe, is said to be an enthusiast who owns several classic Minicabs, including this one, and this 1970 model is one he has owned for more than eight years.

The Minicab was a cab-over-style pick-up and van that debuted in 1966 as a derivative of the bonnet-type Mitsubishi 360. It was powered by an air-cooled, two-stroke, two-cylinder 360cc engine. The transmission was a column 4-speed manual. The Minicab thus born would later make history as a long-lasting light commercial vehicle name for Mitsubishi.

The elaborately designed front face

The bezels around the headlights, which are mounted deep into the front panel surface, contribute to the cute front face. Between the two headlights is the ‘MINICAB’ emblem, and between the left and right indicators is a flap that lets outside air into the car. The flap and blinkers are not fitted with a grille, but with a cover panel added in 1969. Incidentally, the bar in front of the left headlight is said to be a radio antenna.

The first generation Minicab pickup models had a one-way and three-way opening cargo bed, each with a different tail lamp design and a completely different rear view. This one-way opening model by Mr. Tanabe has tail lamps with a single red vertical hexagonal lens embedded in the side of the rear gate. The sides of the bed are also fitted with side skirts, where there is an access hatch to the 2-stroke oil and petrol filling ports.

Securing parts is essential for getting back on the road and maintaining the vehicle

When Mr. Tanabe acquired the vehicle, the engine was in a non-functional state, so he found two more engines, tore them apart, selected parts in good condition, and reassembled a new engine. After all this hard work, they were able to get back on the road. Of course, he has been collecting parts for future maintenance, and even owns a parts truck for collecting parts. There is a lot of hard work that goes into keeping an old 360cc kei in a clean condition.

Basically, the car was kept in stock condition, lowered in height, and fitted with wide machined matching wheels with different rim widths front and rear. With this Minicab, Mr. Tanabe enjoys traveling to events and touring with his friends.

translated by DeepL