The old vehicle is not always an elderly rather than the latest version. Several old vehicles still exist these days with the number of redesigns and revoked models. In this case, the great sedan of the century, the Daihatsu Charmant, is one of those old vehicles with incredible features.
Do you want to know about this car? Scroll down below to get the information!
The History of Daihatsu Charmant
Back in the year of 1970s, Daihatsu, one of the biggest automobile manufacturers built a subcompact sedan. This sedan was born with the name Daihatsu Charmant who became the brother of the E20 Toyota Corolla. Adjoining the program with Toyota as their major stakeholder makes this sedan similar to the Toyota Corolla.
The inline-four-engines system comes with a 1.2 to 1.6 liters range. Additionally, it carried a 1298cc carburetor engine that was probably able to produce up to 74 horsepower. Another incredible spare part was the four-link rear axle and the independent front suspension was great for drifting.
This classic car represents a luxurious interior with a dashboard shape similar to the Corolla E70. Wooden panels in the dashboard add a luxury interior accent that makes this classic car fit into a classy grade level.
Daihatsu Charmant Generations
Further, this classic car was improved and categorized into two generations like the usual length of vehicle life span. How is this sedan improving from generation to generation? Take a look closer to the following explanation!
a. First Generation
The first generation of Daihatsu Charmant happened in November 1974 with the E20 Toyota Corolla as the major basic representation. During that moment, this sedan was categorized into four types which are the A10, A20, A30, and A40 series. This era had been well-known until around 1981.
1. Key Highlight First Generation Specifications
Sedan Charmant carried an 1166 cc engine that was able to produce 66 PS. Additionally, Charmant is also available with a 1290 cc engine system which could reach 72 PS at 5,200 rpm level. Toyota as the major stakeholder of Daihatsu gives this sedan an engine with the code 1.2 L (3K) and 1.3 L (4K).
Moreover, the option of engine types from Toyota to Daihatsu represents a sedan with 4 up to 5-speed manual transmission. In addition, there are 2 more speed options for the automatic engine system.
Furthermore, another option with 1588 cc that reaches up to 88 PS with a 12T valve engine purchasable starts from 1978. This model has the option of a 3-speed automatic engine with an overdrive system. Charmant is also capable of carrying a 1.4 L engine system with 86 PS capability to produce engine power.
Nonetheless, the 1.2 L and 1.4 L sedan models were only available in the Japanese market which are called A10 and A20 type. After that, both models were replaced with the newest upgrades the A30 and A40 released in April 1978. Minor improvements to the interior and exterior, but the engine increased to 1.3 and 1.6 L.
The minor improvements include a new dashboard model and a new grille, as well as a protective side trip. What’s more, new engine systems carried were the 2T-U and 4K-U that fulfilled the emission specification on a vehicle.
2. Market Report
The first generation of Daihatsu Charmant was unique with an additional station wagon. This model was released in late 1974 in the Japanese market. Regardless, Daihatsu Charmant is also available outside of the local market in Japan including Iceland, Indonesia, and the Netherlands.
Unfortunately, the market price of this classic car dropped too much till it sold at the price of $11,910 for the 1977 Daihatsu Charmant series.
b. Second Generation
The second generation of this vehicle was first launched in September 1981 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Unfortunately, due to the error that happened in Daihatsu, this sedan had been an outmoded vehicle. In this case, this classic sedan was skipped by official press releases and did not gain too much attention.
1. Key Highlight Second Generation Specification
However, the front engine system and rear-wheel drive layout were outdated based on the Frankfurt Motor Show regulations. Yet, this sedan actually carries such a great engine system.
Charmant was available in the Japanese market with an SOHC 1.5 L engine system that was the same as 1,453 cc strong. This kind of engine could produce 83 PS with 61 kW at 5,600 rpm. Moreover, in the export market, this classic sedan comes with a 1,588 cc (1.6 L) and 2T engine system.
The engine system was fine enough to push power output from 76 PS up to 83 PS with 56 kW to 61 kW. Yet, this capability is intended for compression ratio in the marketplace.
Further, in 1984, a new model with an improved engine which was the overhead cam 4A unit along with an alloy head part. The gas mileage is also considerable as the new improvement of the 1984 series model is capable of increasing performance.
However, smaller engines are somehow available in several markets with a 1.3 L engine system with 1,290 cc. This type of engine could produce engine power between 62 PS and 74 PS or 46 to 54 kW.
2. Market Report
The European market was special with a catalyzed version that comes with a 4A engine unit. The 4A engine is able to push up to 60 kW or 82 PS by fuel injection. Other than that, an independent suspension is also available on the Daihatsu Charmant model with a live 4-link rear axle.
Nonetheless, the production of this classic car was terminated in late 1987, yet several models are still available. The available models such as LC, LD, LE, and LGX with an additional feature which is climate control in the Japanese market only.
Amazing Experience with Sedan Daihatsu Charmant
Daihatsu was already going through such a complicated market selling their products. Even though their products have drifting great engine power that other cars cannot pull. For instance, the accident that happened at the Frankfurt Motor Show that made their one classic sedan was skipped because of outdated layout.Daihatsu Charmant is a classic sedan with an incredible engine system that can produce up to 74 PS horsepower. Additionally, a luxury interior with a wooden dashboard and classy seat material. Yet, the market price already dropped, and you could still have such an amazing driving experience with this classic sedan.