Identify my next BIG project
 

Even though the majority of what we do here at Automotive Innovations and Restoration are Porsche's I occasionally get the odd ball but fun projects.
This little jewel was stolen...er change that to SALVAGED from an abandoned Coca Cola bottling plant in Mexico back in the early 90's. There appears to be fewer than 50 of these left in existance. Similar units are on display at The Toyota Automotive Museum, The Japanese Museum of Industrial History and one in Madison, Ga at The Bruce Weiner Microcar Museum Inc.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1154618827.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1154618848.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1154618867.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1154618881.jpg

Kenworth??

That's way too cool. Toyota you say? Looks sort of like an Isetta.

Toyota and The Japanese Museum of Industrial History should be a clue to it's origin. Kenworth, I think, is a domestic brand. This would make a killer spare for a Kenworth.

A little history.
Due to restrictions in the Surrender after WW2 Japan was not allowed to make heavy industrial equipment. This and other vehicles of the time were powered by two stroke single cylinder engines. This allowed almost anyone even children to operate on public roads. Earlier models had cycle type handlebars but the later units like this one had steering wheels. The three wheel design kept them classified as a cycle and not a car or truck. This unit is very rare as it is a left side steering set up.

Mitsubishi!

I know a guy up here that has one of those made by Vespa.

Kevin, will you repaint the Coca Cola logos or have them made as decals?

I doubt that the Coca Cola logo will be kept, unless they want to donate$$ to the project. I'll feel lucky if they don't try to "reclaim" the puppy for themselves.

I would keep it a work truck theme even if you ditch the Coca Cola logos.

Very cool, would be welcomed at the Ann Arbor Rolling Sculpture auto show with open arms.

When is that? Sounds like it would be fun.

The "documentation" on this is a little vague but I'm led to believe it's a 1965 or maybe '63 Daihatsu MP5

They still make funny little trucks. 550cc, get about 50MPG and will do 55- 60 MPH on the open road. Called "K" cars and trucks they have a different set of tax rules and registration.. Tough as nails too. We used to load one with all the timbers for half a house..http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1154639586.jpg

It's in Michigan, and we get rained on most of the time for some strange reason.

Last Year:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=230528&highlight=rollin g+sculpture

This year I did not go because of rain.

It's always on a Friday afternoon/evening, this year July 14th, last year July 11th I think.

Official Link:
http://www.mainstreetannarbor.org/newsdetail.asp?id=20

chrome side pipes and some DINGO BALLS hanging inside and you'll be STYLING!