Daihatsu Midget II D-Type (KP100P R)

"Often used as a "driving billboard"; an ultra-small truck that is almost like riding a motorcycle."

Inheriting the name "Midget", which had ceased production in 1971, was the new Midget II. Though the original Midget took on a simple front wheel and double rear wheel tricycle design, the Midget II adopted a 4-wheel layout for safety. While a two-person model was added later, the base model was a one-seater, inheriting the motorcycle-like feel of the original model.

With a length of 109.8 inches and a width of 50.9 inches, it was 7 inches shorter than the original, while its width was the same. Minimum turning radius was an amazing 11.8 ft. While the maximum payload was quite small, only 150 kg, there was little complaint since it was only intended for light work, such as neighborhood deliveries. With frog-like headlights and the front nose-mounted spare tire, its visual impact was excellent. It also saw much use as a mobile billboard.

The engine was a 659 cc 3-cylinder SOHC mounted under the driver's seat, and was rear wheel drive. The suspension utilized struts in the front and rigid leaf springs in the rear. At first, only a single-seat 4-speed manual transmission model was available, but with the increase of private owners, a column shift 3-speed automatic and 2-seater models were added. In 1997, a cargo-type model with a roof over the truck bed was also released.

In 1998, minor changes were made to conform to new codes and standards for lightweight cars. In order to clear the strict collision safety standards, the front grille was enlarged. This car had the minimum necessities crammed into a minimal body, but was designed with maximum personality. Unfortunately, production ceased in 2001. Total cumulative production reached 14,000 units.

This paricular model is the 4-speed version, model based on the KP100P R.

Credits:
TheNuvolari - Model, physics
XAVITHEHOBBIT - Resources help, Red Corsa skin, testing
Alexliveryhouse - Testing
Koldo83 - Fixing refraction headlights
ChemFlummi - adding proper parameters to refraction headlights