Diahatsu Midget 2

[Chris Thomas]

How would you like to own a really neat little van, Air con, auto, 660cc, goes like a rocket, very good condition, capable of getting admiring glances

Then you might just want to buy this Diahatsu Midget 2
http://trucks-vehicles.vivastreet.co.uk/trucks-vehicles+brighton-bn2/daihatsu-midget-ll--jap-import-van/17248714

Worth a look

Chris Thomas

[marcus]

That is indeed lovely. Hope it finds a good home.

[Bob Purton]

I have seen a couple of these before but the pickup truck version,  Could this be one for you Chris?

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Bob

I have personally driven this vehicle and can tell you that it would fit you perfectly, but unless I was to have 150mm of my right  femers cut out I would not contemplate owning such a vehicle.

I must say that I went along hoping that I would fit in the driving seat, but it was not to be. When I took it for a test drive I was unable to open the window without opening the door first and was only able to signal left, as my right leg prevented the indicator stalk from moving clockwise. Due to the bulkhead behind the seats it is not possible to move the seat backwards and due to sitting on the engine bay it is not possible to drop the seat down either. Otherwise it was just what I am looking for. Something that looks like an Elephant!

Chris Thomas

[marcus]

Myself and Carla are starting to look for a small van and I had a good look at this one, and heart says check it out but brain says get a Suzuki Carry.

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Marcus

Depending upon what you had to carry so the Midget may be OK. The opening at the rear allows a max of 900mm x900mm to go through between the gas struts and once inside the space is 1.3m x 1.3m x 1.0m and has a weight limit of 150Kg. So for small parcels it is OK, but anything bulky or heavy it may be over loaded.

Also in the front it has one and a half seats, which is OK for short intimate journeys or a parent and child, but longer distances may be a bit uncomfortable for two.

So the Suzuki Carry is probably more adaptable but less of a head turner.

Chris Thomas

[marcus]

Thanks Chris, it is a lovely idea, but one reason for getting a van is to use it a s a tent for gigs and weekends. Even Carla and I are tall enough to need more room!

[Chris Thomas]

Dear Marcus

You would need to be seriously vertically challenged to be able to camp in the back of a Midget 2.

Bring back the Bedford Rascal.

Chris Thomas

[marcus]

Rascals are fun, but I think the Suzuki Carry is a better bet for our needs and a fraction more room. Carla has developed permanent leg problems and a Carry would be a useable car, camper, and van for collecting and delivering stuff. Proper camper vans are expensive to insure, and yes EVEN I would struggle to kip in a Daihatsu Midget (awaits witty retort from Bob or Rob !)

[Bob Purton]

I think Midgets have a reasonable size glove box so you should be alright for a bed Marcus.

[marcus]

OI, I resemble your remark!
In the mid to late 70s* I did have a mustard yellow MG Midget, great fun and very reliable. Did I get it because I am a shorta*se? Nope, because it carried my drum kit more easily than similar/bigger cars like Spitfire, MGB and TR6 :  more room for 2 big floor toms on the rear seat

[Bob Purton]

Well Marcus, you did invite me to make a cheeky reply!

[marcus]

Gotta havalarf, aintya?! Actually, I don't understand why plane passengers always complain about being cramped!  (apart from JAT Yugoslav Air Tours, or "Joke About Time" as they call it there due to delays).