Daihatsu New Line

The Daihatsu New-Line was a compact series of pickup trucks and vans built by Daihatsu from 1963 until 1968. They were based on the Daihatsu Hijet "keitora" and microvans, although they were somewhat larger and sturdier. The 797 cc inline-four engine also seen in the Daihatsu Compagno was fitted, rather than the 356 cc two-stroke unit seen in the Hijet.

First generation (L50)

PowertrainEngine797 cc FC OHV I4Transmission3-speed manualDimensionsWheelbase2,220 mm (87 in)^[1]Length3,340 mm (131 in)Width1,290 mm (51 in)Height1,430 mm (56 in)Curb weight640 kg (1,410 lb)

Based on the first Hijet (of late 1960), the first New-Line used a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive format with the driver sitting behind the engine, in a similar pickup fashion. It arrived in January 1963. It was 350 mm (14 in) longer than the Hijet and could carry 500 kg (1,102 lb) thanks to a larger, 800 cc engine with 41 PS (30 kW). Top speed for the low-geared vehicle is 95 km/h (59 mph).^[2] This car did not meet the strict kei car standards of the time and sold only in small numbers, until its replacement in February 1966. The cargo space was more useful, up from 1,075 mm (42.3 in) to 1,405 mm (55.3 in).^[1]

Second generation (S50)

New-Line Cab
Overview
Manufacturer	Daihatsu
Production	February 1966-March 1968
Body and chassis
Class	Kei truck
Body style	Pickup truck
Layout	mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Related	Daihatsu Hijet
Powertrain
Engine	797 cc FC OHV I4
Transmission	4-speed manual
Dimensions
Length	3,215 mm (126.6 in) (S50) 3,210 mm (126.4 in) (S50T)
Width	1,345 mm (53.0 in)
Height	1,615 mm (64 in)

The smaller Hijet adopted a cab-over approach in 1964, retaining availability of the first generation bonneted style. From February 1966 an 800 cc version of this Hijet was also available, as the "Daihatsu New-Line Cab" (S50, S50T). It replaced the earlier L50 New Line. As for its predecessor, it shared its engine with the Daihatsu Compagno. The New Line Cab was built until March 1968, and was replaced by the somewhat larger Daihatsu Delta 750.

References