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[ 18 posts ] |
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Car (UK) - 1967 - Tokyo Motor Show (includes 117 & Florian)
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dave
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:15 am Posts: 1991
Car(s): 1965 Wasp, 1966 Bellett, 1967 Bellett, 1969 Florian, 1973 Bellett GTR, 1976 Buick Opel by Isuzu, 1978 Gemini van
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Hey guys, I haven't been putting up as many brochures as I'd like lately, so here's something COMPLETELY different! This scan comes from Car magazine (UK) from an article on the Tokyo Motor Show that was run in their January 1967 issue. Just to let you know, I don't have this issue, but I borrowed this cool book from my mate at work that has select articles from the 1960s and 1970s... and when I picked up this 150+ page book, THIS was the first page I opened up to! Freaky! It's got some VERY interesting info... including some incredibly rare and expensive cars... and their musings on what these vehicles might do into the future. For the sake of completion, I've put up both sides of the page; I've had to do some tricky copying and pasting as well as the book is hardcover and didn't want to scan the centre area, so if it looks a bit weird there, that's why. The first page (page 54 of the magazine) includes a Daihatsu (probably Campagno-based) coupe designed by Vignale and a Hino race car. They mention in the text that Hino had just been bought by Toyota, too. The bottom two cars are perhaps the most iconic Japanese cars of all time (sorry Bellett owners... you know it's true though!); the original Mazda Cozmo L10A and the Toyota 2000GT in a gorgeous brown (I love brown sports cars... why is this so?). Interestingly, the caption states that the 2000GT has a 1488cc DOHC six-cylinder motor. So guys... what's the "2000" in "2000GT" stand for again? The captions for the next pictures are also on page one. Attachment:
1967 - 01 - Tokyo Motor Show - 01 - Daihatsu, Hino, Cosmo and 2000GT.jpg [ 320.91 KiB | Viewed 33371 times ]
The next page is more interesting for us Isuzu-heads! It shows the Nissan Prince Royal, a 6373cc V8 limousine built solely for Emperor Hirohito. It was noted that it would not go into production, however my research shows that a total of 8 were built; not exactly production numbers mind you! They were an impressive looking car and weighed 3.2 tonnes! The next vehicle is the Daihatsu Fellow, one of the then-ubiquitous 360cc-madated Kei cars; the Fellow was always pretty blocky, taking the maximum measurements of the Kei-car segment to the extreme! The next two cars are what we're after though; one is clearly an Isuzu Florian, but with no grille we've ever seen on a Florian, while the other is a 117 Coupe. The captions note them in reverse order with picture "7 - Isuzu 117 Sport first seen at Geneva is by Ghia - unlikely to go into production". WRONG!!!! It continues "unlike 8 the factory-adapted saloon version. Both are built around the existing all-independent Bellet (sic) chassis". Well, WRONG again, Car magazine! Attachment:
1967 - 01 - Tokyo Motor Show - 02 - Crown, Fellow, Florian and 117 Coupe.jpg [ 309.05 KiB | Viewed 33371 times ]
I have to admit, I think that THIS Florian grille might actually be the most attractive Florian I've seen; the twin headlight surrounds look similar to those of the Bellett while the split front grille breaks up the wide front nicely. The blinkers are fitted above the bumper. Is this a pre-production prototype? Most certainly, as the Florian is being referred to by it's project name which was 117... as we all know, the 117 Coupe retained that code; for what reason I don't know. Perhaps they thought it sounded cool? Check out this grille! Attachment:
Isuzu 117 sedan (Florian prototype).jpg [ 145.4 KiB | Viewed 33371 times ]
Sadly though, I'd be surprised if this grille was meant to do anything except PREVENT the public from seeing the final production grille. Nothing ages a car more than the public seeing it months or years before it's due; just ask Ford when the EA Falcon was scooped by Wheels magazine some time in 1985, over two years before it was due out! The cut of the front guards, which still appear to fit the unique headlights that were on the first production model supports this theory. This way, when the vintage TV-headlighted Florian was released later in 1967, it was a fresh looking car! Interestingly, they mentioned that Mazda showed off estate (wagon) and twin-carb versions of the Bertone-styled Luce 1500 (known just as 1500 here) and that "while Mazda was giving the Luce a sporting image, Isuzu was trying to get rid of one on its Bellet (sic) - producing the Bellet B with oblong headlamps and a subtly redesigned rear suspension using a rigid rear axle with semi-elliptic springs in place of the other model's independent, semi-trailing arm system". It doesn't shed anymore light into why the Bellett B exists, although we're all fairly certain it was to bridge a gap between the outgoing Bellel and the new Florian. The text goes on, "So as not to lose its sporting following completely, though, it also had on show a very neatly done fastback version of the 1600GT tourer...". So the PR91G Fastback was there! Pity there are no pics! Perhaps it's Googling time. It continues, "...and two prototypes: a lovely Ghia-designed and built 117 Coupe and a four-door 117 saloon based on the coupe - an approach completely opposite to the European". I'm not sure it really went down that way; I'm fairly certain the basic Florian mechanicals and footprint would have been established before the brief to make a sporty version was sent to Ghia; if it has been the other way around, you'd expect the Florian to be a better handler than it was!! The 117 Coupe didn't seem to see any changes before hit it's original, limited production guise. Attachment:
Isuzu 117 Sport (117 Coupe prototype).jpg [ 140.52 KiB | Viewed 33371 times ]
The entire double-page spread is pretty awesome to behold, so here it is here! Attachment:
1967 - 01 - Tokyo Motor Show - 03 - merged.jpg [ 298.67 KiB | Viewed 33371 times ]
Cheers guys! Dave
_________________My latest automotive articles and original content shared here:https://www.facebook.com/garageofawesomeStreet Machine! Unique Cars! Awesome!
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Mon Dec 23, 2013 12:45 pm |
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dave
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:15 am Posts: 1991
Car(s): 1965 Wasp, 1966 Bellett, 1967 Bellett, 1969 Florian, 1973 Bellett GTR, 1976 Buick Opel by Isuzu, 1978 Gemini van
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What gives?
My internet shat itself after I posted this, so I haven't been back on until now (with a dodged internet connection...) and there's been NO responses!
I thought Florian owners like Matt and Mr Flibbles might have at least gone CATEGORICALLY INSANE over this post!
I did, and I posted it!
Hahahaha all good tho; Merry Xmas and Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Dave
_________________My latest automotive articles and original content shared here:https://www.facebook.com/garageofawesomeStreet Machine! Unique Cars! Awesome!
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Sun Dec 29, 2013 2:40 am |
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mrflibbles
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:39 am Posts: 1136 Location: Adelaide Hills
Car(s): GU Patrol, AU ute, 1969 florian deluxe, 1976 Luv & 1980 KB 4x4 isuzu
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I have looked dave i promise! my internet is playing up so it takes about a week to load up one image! might be quicker if I walked to your place to have a look! However I do promise that when i can finally look at pictures again i will be all over this like a rash!
_________________ I am "that" Florian guy. never buy a car you cant push.
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Sun Dec 29, 2013 3:55 am |
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oz_toffa
Joined: Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:16 am Posts: 1157 Location: Adelaide north near the hills.
Car(s): Roman Red 1965 Sedan, Mint 67 Sedan Auto, 1967 GT , 1.5x 1967 sedans, 1968 Deluxe Sedan, 1965 Wasp Ute (Resto project)
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So is mine. have reset the modem 3 times and it still takes 15min to connect back on. are the providers having a lend of us? pay your account ontime but why would we (dodo, TPG, optus, telstra) spend any money to make sure your getting the service you have paid for...
PS great pics and copy and paste work there Dave. cheers
OZ
_________________ So many toys and so little time to play!!
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Sun Dec 29, 2013 4:12 am |
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dave
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:15 am Posts: 1991
Car(s): 1965 Wasp, 1966 Bellett, 1967 Bellett, 1969 Florian, 1973 Bellett GTR, 1976 Buick Opel by Isuzu, 1978 Gemini van
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Hey Oz,
Let's not forget the scanning; muchos scanningos.
Must be a plague. My internet died when I tried to plug two PS3s into it so myself and my mate could both log into different Grand Theft Auto logins and play against each other.
I figured that if it didn't work, it would only allow one of us to log in from that ISP... the Adam Internet guy assures me the modem shagging out was entirely coincidental, however I'm not so sure.
Thing had sparks and stuff shooting out the back when I tried to re-boot it. It's definitely gone, however being a VOIP modem that came with the package I'm on, I went to replace it and they're $350!!! Egads!
So... I might make SURE it's shagged before I go replacing it.
Anyway, I've got a little dongle that connects via my phone login; so technically I'm using phone data but I'm not exactly streaming HD German scat pr0n so I'm sure it'll do.
Cheers,
Dave
_________________My latest automotive articles and original content shared here:https://www.facebook.com/garageofawesomeStreet Machine! Unique Cars! Awesome!
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Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:03 am |
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Glenn
Joined: Tue May 10, 2011 2:23 am Posts: 2823 Location: Melb.
Car(s): '72 Sport Bellett (imported 180912), M/B AMG A35, i30, had Belletts in past, 2 sed, 3 GT's.
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not really connected (no pun intended, Dave) but went to nephews the other day and he has had NBN just connected. It seemed slow to me, so we did one of the speed tests on it. 11.34mb/s was result. Cost per mth $140
Another nephew was there also and he tried same speed test, but using his mobile phone on 4G network. 44mb/s !
It appears that if you want the full 100mb/s then be prepared to pay heaps for the "privilege" of fast broadband.
_________________ '72 PR60 Sport
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Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:10 am |
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mrflibbles
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:39 am Posts: 1136 Location: Adelaide Hills
Car(s): GU Patrol, AU ute, 1969 florian deluxe, 1976 Luv & 1980 KB 4x4 isuzu
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ok now I have stolen my inlaws internet just to see this Florian picture, I am in awe! It looks great to me, now how hard would it be to fab a front light and grille treatment up like that?
_________________ I am "that" Florian guy. never buy a car you cant push.
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Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:54 am |
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1968GT
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:32 am Posts: 1266 Location: MUDGEE. NSW
Car(s): 1968 PR91 Bellett GT. 2014 ISUZU MU-X, 2016 Jayco 22' Starcraft Caravan, 2013 KIA Reo shopping trolley!!
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The lights would be far better than the normal Florian lights as well Mr. Fibbles!!
_________________ BELLETT GT, BELLETT SEDAN, MU-X, D MAX, or ANY ISUZU, or A FORD XR6 TURBO, Premium motoring!!!!
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Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:10 am |
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dave
Joined: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:15 am Posts: 1991
Car(s): 1965 Wasp, 1966 Bellett, 1967 Bellett, 1969 Florian, 1973 Bellett GTR, 1976 Buick Opel by Isuzu, 1978 Gemini van
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Hahhaah true that! If they're the trusty Toshiba-brand Bellett items, they'll never, ever die either!
_________________My latest automotive articles and original content shared here:https://www.facebook.com/garageofawesomeStreet Machine! Unique Cars! Awesome!
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Mon Dec 30, 2013 12:42 pm |
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1968GT
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:32 am Posts: 1266 Location: MUDGEE. NSW
Car(s): 1968 PR91 Bellett GT. 2014 ISUZU MU-X, 2016 Jayco 22' Starcraft Caravan, 2013 KIA Reo shopping trolley!!
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My Florian was used a lot on country roads, I fitted driving lights to my Flo so I could see where the road went One of my cars I sorely regret ever selling, as they say, "THATS LIFE".
Attachments:
My first Florian.jpg [ 512.05 KiB | Viewed 33287 times ]
_________________ BELLETT GT, BELLETT SEDAN, MU-X, D MAX, or ANY ISUZU, or A FORD XR6 TURBO, Premium motoring!!!!
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 4:41 am |
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BULLITT
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2011 1:03 pm Posts: 2419
Car(s): 1966 TEARDROP ...MANUAL ...
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ah what a great car and look at the couple inside sitting in the old 60s style next to each other cheers davo
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:09 am |
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mrflibbles
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2009 10:39 am Posts: 1136 Location: Adelaide Hills
Car(s): GU Patrol, AU ute, 1969 florian deluxe, 1976 Luv & 1980 KB 4x4 isuzu
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I think a glow stick is a step up for florian lighting... I also regret selling any of the florians i have owned! (my current florian is stuck with me for life!)
_________________ I am "that" Florian guy. never buy a car you cant push.
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:44 am |
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KJB
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:05 am Posts: 620 Location: Western Victoria
Car(s): Bellett GT, Bellett Sedan, Prince Skyline GT, Porsche tractor, Lanz Bulldog, 996 Carrera 4,Prince Miler,
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Ripper pic.. Driving light covers , widies ,girl friend , club badges, sunnies and probably the string back gloves as well . The stuff of dreams in the 60's and 70's. KB
_________________ Around here the Laws of Physics and Reality are strictly enforced !
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:45 am |
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KJB
Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2008 9:05 am Posts: 620 Location: Western Victoria
Car(s): Bellett GT, Bellett Sedan, Prince Skyline GT, Porsche tractor, Lanz Bulldog, 996 Carrera 4,Prince Miler,
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Also window down (no air -con back then ) to create the most absolute, comfortable driving conditions behind the wheel. KB
_________________ Around here the Laws of Physics and Reality are strictly enforced !
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 5:48 am |
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PR95
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 11:52 am Posts: 843 Location: Sunshine Coast QLD
Car(s): PR95 PR20 WASP SWB NH Pajero Superchrged NT Pajero BF SR6 Falcon
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And the driver even has HAIR.
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 6:01 am |
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1968GT
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:32 am Posts: 1266 Location: MUDGEE. NSW
Car(s): 1968 PR91 Bellett GT. 2014 ISUZU MU-X, 2016 Jayco 22' Starcraft Caravan, 2013 KIA Reo shopping trolley!!
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YER RIGHT Geoff!! I could do with a bit more these days (hair that is). YES Guys I was a nut with that car also, a spot of dirt was not allowed to settle on that car either Those days tyres were done with boot polish, oh today it is sooo much easier with a spray can YER RIGHT also Dave, you would not get away with that today!! Cheers Guys.
_________________ BELLETT GT, BELLETT SEDAN, MU-X, D MAX, or ANY ISUZU, or A FORD XR6 TURBO, Premium motoring!!!!
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Tue Dec 31, 2013 9:20 am |
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CQGT
Joined: Sun Dec 12, 2010 10:04 am Posts: 385 Location: Boyne Island.Gladstone. Queenland
Car(s): '70 PR91,'69 PR20 x 2,'66 PR20,'65? KR20's x 2,'66 ? PR90,2012 d22 STR Navarra.
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Nice car Dave. Were you the only one with a Florian or Bellett in your group of friends.? I was. Had bought my first Bellett in '68. Regrettably after a write off of the body and an increase in my family I "releassed" the car. Have been trying not to regret ever doing it since. Davo. Your right. That was the in thing in the 60's to have bucket seats,floor shift and a pillow on the handbrake. Dave. The Bellett "B" were PR 30's and 40's. All PR20's were independant rear.I think the rear suspension was there for Taxi's. I'm still researching myself as to why they were built. Dave.
_________________ CQGT. I'm the Dave with the convertible.
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Wed Jan 01, 2014 10:56 am |
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1968GT
Joined: Tue Dec 23, 2008 2:32 am Posts: 1266 Location: MUDGEE. NSW
Car(s): 1968 PR91 Bellett GT. 2014 ISUZU MU-X, 2016 Jayco 22' Starcraft Caravan, 2013 KIA Reo shopping trolley!!
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Dave, In our group there were 2 Florians, mine was as you see in the photo, the first model, the second then owned by Jim and Roslyn Gore was the updated model. We often had a go at each other to see which one was the quickest back those days!! Roslyn is still around, unfortunately we lost Jim earlier in the 2000's Very nice cars and a lot of fun to drive.
_________________ BELLETT GT, BELLETT SEDAN, MU-X, D MAX, or ANY ISUZU, or A FORD XR6 TURBO, Premium motoring!!!!
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Thu Jan 02, 2014 2:46 am |
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