Cony Guppy
Cony Guppy | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | Aichi Machine Industry Co.,Ltd[1] |
Also called | Datsun Baby |
Production | >5000 units [1] |
Model years | 1961 [2] |
Assembly | Japan |
Body and chassis | |
Body style | pickup/microcar |
Layout | RMR[3] |
Powertrain | |
Engine | 199 cc 1 cylinder |
Dimensions | |
Curb weight | 290 kg (639 lb) |
Chronology | |
Successor | Cony 360 |
The Cony Guppy is a small pickup truck manufactured by Aichi. The vehicle had suicide doors and rotating amber beacons on the B-pillar. The brake lights were tiny and circular.[3] The engine, which rests behind the seats,[3] is a two-valve, 199 cc single-cylinder unit that produces 11 horsepower. It can power the vehicle to a top speed of 50 mph. Aichi rated the Guppy's fuel economy at 50 km/l.[2] They also claimed the Guppy is able to carry 100 kilograms of cargo. Its low price of ¥225,000 made it attractive to small business owners and cargo transporters. Other features include a four-wheel independent suspension and a torque converter for clutchless driving.[1]
Nissan donated 100 cars based on the Guppy to the Children's Park in Hazu, Aichi, in 1965. This was long after the Guppy had been taken out of production; Nissan built them from leftover parts acquired as a result of their gradual takeover of the Aichi company. Called the "Datsun Baby" they had a speed limiter, limiting top speed to 30 km/h (18.6 mph). Otherwise they were mechanically identical to the Guppy, but with different bodywork.[4]
Criticism[]
Author Tony Davis criticized the Guppy for being an unreliable car that failed to sell in its home country in the Motoring Hall of Shame in the book Extra Lemon!.[5]
References[]
- ^ a b c "Cony Guppy Sports". Toyota Automobile Museum. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
- ^ a b "1961 Cony Guppy specifications & performance data review". Retrieved 1 April 2014.
- ^ a b c Rare Japanese Microcar: 1961 Cony Guppy (AF8) - Aichi Kikai Kogyo. WasabiCars. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
- ^ "The Datsun Baby Was a Real Car for Kids". The News Wheel. 2015-03-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-06.
- ^ Davis, Tony (2005). Extra lemon. p. 42.
- Cars introduced in 1961
- Cars of Japan
- Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive vehicles