The 3rd generation Hijet van is full of innovative designs
The Daihatsu Hijet Van is a super long-selling car with the oldest history among current kei-cars. This 3rd generation Hijet Van, with its distinctive square headlights, was revived by its owner, Mr. Sasaki, who found it lying in a warehouse. The customization that makes the cute style stand out even more is noteworthy.
Dressed up with flexible ideas
A nostalgic Daihatsu “Hijet Van” was discovered at the “360! All Together in OSAKA” venue, held in Osaka.
The ‘Hijet’ originally debuted in 1960 as a bonnet-type small truck and light van, and was joined in 1964 by the cabover-shaped ‘Hihet Cab’ (the second generation Hijet in total). The relationship between the Mazda Porter and Porter Cab is similar, but the Hijet is unique in that it underwent this transformation at a much earlier date than the Porter.
The model introduced here is the 1971 S37V, the third generation in total. Only the second and third-generation models feature a side-hinged rear liftgate instead of a flip-up type. Incidentally, the name Hijet has become a super long-seller with the oldest history of any current minicar.
Salvage a superb body that had been lying in storage
The owner, Mr. Sasaki, acquired this 1971 model about seven years ago. A friend found this unit sleeping in a warehouse somewhere and decided to take it over. It had not been exposed to the elements and the body was in pretty good condition, but the brakes had been overhauled after many years of inactivity. Luckily, the engine woke up easily without any problems and he was able to get back on the road.
Actually, this third generation is the only Hijet in history to adopt square headlights. These square headlights were a major factor in the unique front face. Incidentally, the slit in the center of the front bumper is used to feed fresh air to the engine and radiator. The number plate is therefore mounted directly on the body above the bumper. This further doubles the impression of the cute front face.
Customize cute styles to make them even cuter
Mr. Sasaki enjoys customizing the car by acquiring and applying period body stripes, lowering the ride height, and fitting wide-machined wheels.
The roof carrier, which adds to the cute style, was obtained from a vintage carrier that was a size larger than the standard car carrier, and the pipes were cut to the perfect size for the roof of the Hijet. The old tin signboard was then attached to the side of the carrier to give it a unique atmosphere.
“It’s really hard to maintain because the parts are devastating. But I also enjoy looking for such parts. Otherwise I wouldn’t be able to do it.”
translated by DeepL
