The other day, we looked at what is likely the last US-market Mitsubishi van in Eugene. But now, more and more of these JDM (Japanes Domestic Market) Mitsubishi vans (Delicas) are washing up on our Pacific shores. Maybe they’re amphibious too; which wouldn’t surprise me, given their many other exceptional qualities, most of which are incorporated right into its name. But that’s a cultural trait; the Japanese seem to like long names with lots of information in it. And let’s face it, this is as Japanese as a vehicle as it gets, and it is rather a Jack of all trades. Does that also mean a Master of None?
I’m only speculating, but my guess is that some or many of these compact 4WD diesel vans are only being put to proper use once they find their way to Oregon. I suppose some of them were in Japan too, but its hard to overstate what a huge fad/boom 4WD vehicles were in Japan, starting in the 80s. Just about everything had a 4WD version; even my Scion xB was available in 4WD in Japan. And these were predominantly city cars. The Japanese have the ultimate “me-too” culture, and if 4WD vehicles are cute and in, well then one just has to get one to putter around the crowded streets of Tokyo.
Yes, this is a Chamonix version of the Delica Star wagon.
It’s full name can be found here, right on its side. And yes, it was “Especially Designed For All Season Skier”. The tip-off is right there: what the hell is an “all season skier”? I love Engrish. Having worked at a tv station in LA that had a lot of Japanese programming (along with about 15 other languages), I got a deep immersion in Engrish, Japanese culture, and their love for long and highly descriptive names. This one captures them all.
True confession: there was a time when this would have been pretty much my ultimate vehicle. I was infatuated with diesels in the late 70s, early 80s (I’m long over them), 4WD, vans, and, ah, Japanese culture. It’s a common phenomena of younger men, to lust after one vehicle that does it all, most importantly, be able to function as an urban escape pod and engender dreams of trips to Tierra del Fuego, or across the Sahara. And this is just the ticket.
And I’m still pining for a turbodiesel, 4WD camper van, just a couple sizes bigger. Age does prefer a bit of comfort to go along with the escape (or fantasies of it), so now it’s a Sprinter rather than one of these. but the appeal is not lost on me.
But back in 1980 or so, I would have given been in hog heaven in one of these.
Stephanie and I started our life together in my ’68 Dodge A100 van, which was our escape pod to get out of LA on the weekends and out into the mountains or desert. This would have been perfect, if perhaps a bit narrow for me.
A proper folding bed that encompassed this are would have done the trick. Although it is smaller than the Dodge.
A young guy can dream, eh? I was aware of these at the time, because I’d see them in ads on those Japanese tv programs. There’s nothing like them either—the Japanese tv ads of that time—I should do a post on a bunch of them.
It appears there’s a bit of an issue happening with the shifter for what must be the transfer case. Hmm; getting parts for these is not going to involve the local Mitsubishi dealer. Well, there’s bound to be some adventure in owning one of these; one kind or another.
Forward control lives! Wow, a combination of things that would make this poison in the US market today – minivan, diesel, brown, Mitsubishi. At least the 4 wheel drive would be seen as a feature instead of a bug. But I rather like this too, as I do most oddball vehicles.
If we think owning this in the US would be a headache now, imagine how bad it would have been before the internet.
Actually it had a high degree of driveline components in common with the Montero, which in turn would ease maintenance and replacement parts supply. Not bad at all, I guess.
I’ve had almost no issue with parts because of this
I would see these things at airports all over Asia. Always wondered why america didn’t get cars like these. We north american s like big I guess. But… You pacific coasters did get cars like these after all from what I read in the last article on these. On the east coast I never saw one.
You can put the blame on NHTSA for the absence of newer forward-control vans in America. Well, even though the lack of crumple zones might scare the hell out of many folks, I’m sure there are others around who wouldn’t actually worry this compromise.
I love it! I had no idea anything like this existed. A quick search of for sale ads says they are all, or nearly all in the northwest. You guys are holding out on us!
Anyone know what sort of mileage they get? I see there are both manual and automatic versions available.
With RHD and 4 wheel drive, I’m surprised a few rural postmen aren’t using them.
These JDM Mitsu vans are so commonplace around here that one could be forgiven for thinking they came from the local Mitsu dealer and we are 500 miles from Vancouver, BC.
I think a friend of mine is taking Chamonix to quit smoking. It’s a Delica matter so I haven’t asked.
CC effect… I saw a white Delica Starwagon (4th gen) on my way to work this morning. Of course, with Canada’s 15 year importation rule, these are a lot more common than in the US.
It does have a classic looking profile.
Am I right in thinking that’s a halfinger?
Another BC resident here, and as others have said they are not uncommon around here. And I notice a seemingly disproportionate number at the auto wreckers. I wonder if the insurance agency writes them off easily.
There is much to like about the chamonix, but a couple of things but me about them. Parts availability seems to be a mixed bag. There are companies up here that supply parts and some parts are common with other mitsubishi models that were sold in North America, but I’ve heard stories of annoying delays.
Those front bull bars, brush bars, whatever, are quite flimsy. More for show than any nudging.
The size of the van is, in my opinion, just the wrong side of tight to make it a good back road camper. My vanagon Syncro, which is longer and wider, seems a little crowded sometimes with two people and the weather is bad.
And no pop top on the delica ( although I have seen some with pop top, not sure about the model name). Staying hunched over in the van whilst camping gets tiresome really fast.
But I still like the delica, and I like the later models more.
Steyr Puch Haflinger it is.
There are several small and compact 4×4 vans on the market right now. Either factory or done by a specialist (Dangel, like the Peugeot Expert below).
You need to find a “Super Exceed” variant!
And one with this. (You’ll have to enlarge it, on the side of the roof)
Depending on how we count, this subsequent-generation Mitsubishi Et Cetera Et Cetera Et Cetera either beats your model name or gives it a good run for the money. Either way, it’s two-for-one chortles.
My young man van for all the reasons you listed was a 56 type 2. I don’t think the 36(?) hp engine would have kept up with this. A van just does more of the same as an SUV. Have had my 4runner for over three years and have no intentions of replacing it. I think this van could probably give me some intentions.
Everything from hauling a trailer full of hay to carrying a canoe. Yup….one size fits all.
Personally, I’d take a 4WD forward-control van over an SUV at any time. I guess you’d like this Toyota HiAce with Paraguayan plates that I spotted in my hometown 8 years ago.
Yes I certainly would like that. Traveled all over during a Navy career and absolutely lusted over some of the vehicles I saw outside the Continental U.S.
I always thought it to be easier for U.S. military personnel to circumvent grey-import restrictions.
You needed to know when you bought a car if it was a stateside legal or overseas only car. Guantanamo bay is an example where base cars took on a life of their own. I borrowed a Ford pickup there (60 something) that operated with a chain draped across an empty door. Other gitmo bombs were similarly stellar. They will never leave the base unless someone spends big bucks. Shipping in a stateside car you might sell it to someone wanting to ship one back. Customs was nasty about that and always watching. In panama the trick was a new non-usa car and sell it before you transferred back. Lots of good buys but you couldn’t bring them back unless you had USA specs.
That tops my personal favorite the Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ Turbo, although that has the extra amusement of being a Kei car with a nameplate almost as wide as the car.
I gotta quit reading this crazy column. Never heard of these vans before this morning when I read this, I did a lot of reading on them, found one in Portland, now I’m buying it. I don’t even need it! My son is going to fly out and drive it back.
If I never read or post here again, you’ll know why!
Plenty of those here especially with dead engines, they pop up for sale with problems most often though I’m sure lots of them have none, The nissan Elgrande highway star has taken over as van of choice for large families now as its now illegal to import older models for resale after decades of allowing anything in our govt has decided only vehicles that meet more recent safety standards can be allowed in, Japanese makers often leave foreign market safety requirements out of domestic cars things like side intrusion beams and other weight penalty items.
There’s a really neat Elgrand Highway Star in my town. An old(er) guy had wandered up to have a look and wanted to buy one. He was most taken aback that Nissan don’t sell them here new.
Cool van – I’ve seen a similar one tooling around in Toronto. Where the owner finds parts and service is a curiosity, but kudos to them for keeping a unique and special vehicle on the road.
For those CCers who don’t like being the impact zone in a forward-control van like the 1986+ gen 3 Delica, you’ll be delighted to know that the 1994-2007 gen 4 was also available in Chamonix Four Wheel Drive Turbo Diesel form! I actually had a 2004 gen 4 Delica from new, but sadly it didn’t have such a long name, as it was simply badged ‘L400’ in New Zealand, and was a 2WD petrol (albeit LWB and the highest roof of the three heights available). But I blinged it up with a set of Delica floormats and cupholders from a wrecked Chamonix, so y’know, it was vicariously a Chamonix…
Crumple zone…what crumple zone? Ouch…my knees!
Just saw one of these in Los Angeles this morning! This one didn’t have as impressive a trim level, but “Super Exceed” is sufficiently JDM for me.
I usually see them in less fancier trims and 2WD with manual transmission, and most often with the old-school indirect-injection naturally-aspirated Diesel engine. I like their size anyway, and they might fare better than an SUV or a Western minivan as an all-around commuter.
Oh hey, this is me! Was just doing some Delica googling and stumbled on this blog post. Some notes, the rear bench seat folds down and meets the back storage area to create a full size bed, it also flips to face either way. I’ve done a lot to the “camper” portion since this post. At the time I think I had just taken a lot of the console apart to clean and grease. Otherwise, no issues there! We’re located in Eugene, so if youre ever down to camp! Ive got plenty of photos and adventures on my instagram @delcorobmac and my website http://www.arrowswest.com
Robert, I met you since this was shot and posted, in front of your house. I took some shots of your little motorcycle. Unfortunately, the pictures of your bike did not turn out well.
We live in the neighborhood. See you around!
Oh yes, I remember you now! Bummer they didn’t turn out. We got that thing running great and have been having a blast with it as well. Hope all is well, and see you around