Isuzu Bellett
| Isuzu Bellett | |
|---|---|
Isuzu Bellett four-door sedan
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Production | 1963–1973 |
| Assembly |
Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan Thames, New Zealand |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact |
| Body style |
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| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.3 L G130 OHV I4 1.5 L G150 OHV I4 1.6 L G160 OHV I4 1.6 L G161/G161S SOHC I4 1.6 L G161W DOHC I4 1.8 L G180 SOHC I4 1.8 L C180 diesel I4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 3-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm (92.5 in) |
| Length | 4032 mm (158.7 in) |
| Width | 1499 mm (59 in) |
| Height | 1391 mm (54.8 in) |
| Curb weight | 921 kg (2030 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Isuzu Hillman Minx |
| Successor | Isuzu Gemini |
The Isuzu Bellett is a subcompact car produced by the Japanese Automobile manufacturer Isuzu between 1963 to 1973. It was an in-house designed replacement for the Isuzu Hillman Minx, built previously by Isuzu under a license agreement with the Rootes Group . The name "Bellett" was supposedly to represent "a smaller Bellel", a larger car built by the company. "Isuzu" itself means "fifty bells", hence the choice of these names.
The car was available as a four-door or two-door sedan, a rare two-door station wagon marketed as a commercial vehicle, called the Bellett Express, and an even rarer one ton commercial variant marketed as the Isuzu Wasp. There was also a four-door sedan with different bodywork and rear suspension, called the Bellett B. Lastly there was a two-door coupé and a fastback version of the same. After General Motors acquired a stake in Isuzu, the Bellett was replaced by GM's "global" T-car, initially called Isuzu Bellett Gemini and later simply Isuzu Gemini, which technically had little to do with its predecessor. A total of 170,737 of original Belletts were manufactured.
Launched in June 1963, the sedan began life with a 1.5 L OHV gasoline Inline-four engine and a 1.8 L diesel engine. The 50 PS (37 kW) diesel received very low gearing of 4.1:1 - optionally available to the 1.5 as well - resulting in a top speed of only 104 km/h (65 mph). In April 1964, they were joined by the 1.3 L OHC inline-four engine already in use in the Wasp pickup truck, at which time a three-door van/wagon version called the Express (in Japan) was also added to the lineup. In 1966, the front fascia was facelifted, which is also when the Bellett B was added. At the very end of 1966, a sporting 1.6 litre SOHC engine was added for the 1600 GT. In 1971 the Bellett range underwent a second face lift, which also marked the end of diesel-powered Belletts.
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Wikipedia