This is kind of a Xmas present for Paul, whose love of all vehicles tall and narrow is well documented. In fact, with a red ribbon tied around it and parked under an evergreen instead of a Tokyo street, this would make for a very tidy yuletide package.
The 1990-94 Daihatsu Mira L200 may be quite old now (especially for a kei class vehicle), but there are still quite a number of these about in this walkthrough van variant, which I don’t think was made available on following generations of Mira.
Normally, these walkthrough vans are boring white and generally worse for wear, but this one was pampered. And then I started noticing the little additional touches – especially that grille script, which looked very familiar.
Of course, the Supermirafiori is a trim level Fiat used in the late ‘70s / early ‘80s on their 131 saloons.
I guess the fact that the word includes “Mira” made it irresistible, so the owner of that walkthough van just stuck a Fiat rear end script on his Daihatsu’s grille. Nice.
That was just the start – look at that interior. Not only was is spotless, but the aftermarket seat and gear selector added to the Italian Job theme.
Ooooh, and the steering wheel with the Abarth scorpion, not to mention those coil cupholders – well, say no more! I’m sold!
By the way, though it’s in this superb shape, our sweet little kei van seems to still be working for a living, if these boxes in the cargo area are anything to go by.
On the JDM, these only had a 660cc 3-cyl. good for 40hp, but export versions (a.k.a Mira L201 or Cuore) were fitted with a 45hp 847cc triple, so modest improvement, if desired, is possible.
And now, these are exportable to the US, being over 25 years of age. So Paul, should I find one of these (or this particular one?) and ship it over to your side of the Pacific? Don’t say you’re not tempted!
That looks like it should be red with a black and white cat in it.
I would love to have that for my around town errands. And I’ve always wanted to drive(or try to) a RHD rig.
Thank you! It’s absolutely perfect for hauling appliances, which I do on quite a regular basis. This would be so much handier than lifting or ramping them up into my truck.
I could put in a platform for the dog to sit next to me. Don’t need a seat there, as I’m quite sure Stephanie is not likely to want to accompany me in it. She’d like a Pao for Xmas. 🙂
I’m sure Tatra could find one of those and put it in the container with this! 🙂
Make mine a ’96 Midget II. That squeegee doesn’t deliver itself:
That gigantic back door has top hinges and appears totally counterintuitive for practical use in Tokyo’s tight spaces. Two cabinet style doors would be a better solution in my eyes. I do like that wraparound windshield and it appears the A pillars have been moved back some for improved pedestrian visibility. I still prefer the Scion toaster.
I think this is aimed at small item delivery so the back flap is used for loading at the base and unloading is done through the folding bus type door on the curb side. Note that the fron passenger seat is folded out of the way for easier access. An alternative explanation is that the top hinged rear door is useful in street market situations.
I admire how focused the Japanese are when it comes to developing product. They don’t say “Oh, that looks ridiculous, we can’t do that”, they know what is needed and deliver!
There aren’t many 30 year working vehicles looking this, so hats off to the owner for that.
Ans the Supermirafiori badge is an interesting touch.