Isuzu Florian

Isuzu Florian
Isuzu Florian Series II
Overview
Manufacturer	Isuzu Motors
Production	1967-1983
Assembly	Fujisawa Plant, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
Body and chassis
Class	compact
Body style	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Related	Isuzu 117 Coupé Isuzu KB
Powertrain
Engine	1.6 L G161 OHV I4 (PA20) 1.6 L G161S OHC I4 (PA20) 1.8 L G180 OHC I4 (PA30) 2.0 L C190 diesel I4 (PAD30)
Transmission	3/4/5-speed manual 3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,500 mm (98.4 in)
Length	4,430 mm (174.4 in)
Width	1,620 mm (63.8 in)
Height	1,445 mm (56.9 in)
Curb weight	1,345 kg (2,965 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Isuzu Bellel
Successor	Isuzu Aska

The Isuzu Florian is a compact manufactured by Isuzu Motors Ltd. in Japan from November 1967 to 1983. The Florian's body remained essentially the same through its unusually long life cycle, being afforded only two moderate facelifts. The Isuzu Florian was originally presented as the Ghia Isuzu 117 Sedan at the 1966 Tokyo Motor Show, and shared its complete chassis with the closely related Isuzu 117 Coupé. Originally only with a 1.6-liter gasoline inline-four (1600 Deluxe) with 84 PS (62 kW) at 5,200 rpm, a 1.8 version was later added as was a diesel option, first seen in 1977.

The Florian 1600 Deluxe (PA20) led a somewhat uneasy existence as the top-of-the line Isuzu at the time of introduction, as its single carburetted overhead valve G161 engine was no more than a downtuned version of the unit which lived under the hood of the more affordable Bellett. To separate the Florian from the lesser Belletts, the more expensive 1600 Super Deluxe was added in March 1968. This model benefitted from plush standard equipment, including air conditioning and leather seats. The list of standard equipment expanded so that the Florian would compete for sales against more popular products from larger Japanese manufacturers, helping to justify the yearly road tax bill for using a large displacement engine, while remaining compliant with Japanese Government dimension regulations. In March 1969 the sportier 1600 TS ("Touring Sports") appeared, fitted with the Bellett GT's twin carb engine, producing 90 PS (66 kW) at 5,400 rpm. Originally fitted with large, single rectangular headlights, the sporting 1600 TS introduced twin round units, a layout which became standard following the Florian's first facelift in October 1970. But already, in September 1969, the overhead cam G161S engine was introduced. Power increased from 84 to 90 PS (62 to 66 kW) for the Super Deluxe and from 90 to 103 PS (66 to 76 kW) for the twin-carb 1600TS. The Deluxe still made do with the earlier OHV engine.

October and November 1970 was also when the bigger 1.8 L (1,817 cc) was introduced, with 100 or 115 PS (74 or 85 kW) in the Super Deluxe and 1800TS models respectively. This facelift brought with it a longer, more prominent nose, which also increased the overall length by 50 mm (2.0 in). The 1600 Deluxe (now with the G161S SOHC engine) received this updated bodywork a little later, in December 1970. The lower powered 1800 engine was also available in the Van version (PA30V).