Isuzu’s pride and joy passenger car, the early Gemini Coupe
Amidst a variety of old cars, we found an unusual car that at a glance was unidentifiable. When we spoke to the owner of the vehicle, he told us that it was an Isuzu “Gemini Coupe.” The owner, Mr. Ueda, had been admiring the rally specs of the Opel “Kadett”, which was sold as the sibling of this model, and he recreated the rally specs with his car, which he obtained just one year ago.
An early model of the first-generation Gemini
Old cars gather at Okutama Lake in Tokyo early in the morning on the third Sunday of every month. We focus on one of the cars we came across in the parking lot of Okutama. This time, we would like to introduce a rare pre-minor change Isuzu “Gemini Coupe”.
This beautiful car of unknown make and model is said to be a first-generation Isuzu Gemini. Since it was an early model before the facelift and a rare coupe, many people are unable to guess the name of the car right away. The owner is Mr. Ueda, who purchased this 1978 model from Isuzu Sports just one year ago.
The Gemini was planned by Isuzu as a successor to the “Bellett,” but based on GM’s global car concept, it was launched in 1974 as a sibling to the Opel Kadett. The front face was characterized by an inverted slant nose shape similar to that of the Kadett, initially with two round eyes, followed by two square eyes in 1977, and then a facelift to a slant nose shape in 1979. Therefore, this inverted slant nose with two square eyes was a rare shape that only existed for two years.
A homage to the rally version of its sibling, the Opel Kadett
The body was painted all white by the previous owner and was in good condition. The black and yellow stripes on the side of the body were also added during the painting process. Mr. Ueda had admired the rally specs of his brother’s car, the Kadett, and this car is a replica of the rally specs. The wheels are Campagnolo wheels, a gift from Isuzu Sports, and four PIAA fog lights are mounted on the front. The rear spoiler is a Mitsubishi “Lancer EX Turbo” spoiler!
The engine is a Crossflow G161 1.6L inline 4-cylinder with two SOLEX carbs using Sports Corner manifolds. Combined with the compact body, it is said to run very racy.
A fun old car life that young owners struggle with
In addition, the suspension was freshened up by installing Bilsteins, and the ride quality has improved considerably. The seats are BRIDE bucket seats, and the steering wheel is a MOMO PROTOTIPO, a standard item. They are enjoying their customization to the extent that they can return the car to its stock condition.
Mr. Ueda is a young owner at the age of 21. In other words, he acquired this car when he was 20 years old. Of course, this Gemini is his first old car. The car was originally in good condition and the engine is in good shape, so he is enjoying driving it.
“Old cars require a certain amount of work, but it’s nice to be able to enjoy ‘riding’, ‘looking’, and ‘tinkering’ with them.”
