Daihatsu Midget MP

Daihatsu Midget MP

The Daihatsu Midget is one of the most iconic vehicles in Japanese automotive history, a tiny three-wheeled commercial vehicle that played a crucial role in Japan's post-war economic miracle. Produced from 1957 to 1972, the Midget provided affordable motorized transport to millions of small business owners, farmers, and tradespeople who could not afford a conventional truck. Its charming appearance, minimal dimensions, and utterly practical nature have made it an enduring symbol of Japanese ingenuity and resilience.

The original Midget MP was powered by a single-cylinder 305cc engine producing just 12 horsepower. This was sufficient because the Midget weighed only 305 kg empty - barely more than a large motorcycle. The single front wheel was steered by handlebars in the earliest versions, though later models received a conventional steering wheel. The three-speed manual transmission was operated by a hand lever, and the rear-wheel-drive layout put power to both rear wheels through a simple differential.

The Midget's open-bed design made it incredibly versatile. It could carry a remarkable payload relative to its size, and its compact dimensions allowed it to navigate the narrow streets and alleyways of Japanese cities that were inaccessible to larger vehicles. For small merchants, farmers bringing produce to market, and tradespeople carrying tools and materials, the Midget was an indispensable business tool.

The cultural significance of the Midget extends far beyond its commercial utility. It became a symbol of Japan's post-war recovery, representing the country's ability to create practical, affordable solutions to real problems. The Midget's widespread adoption helped motorize Japan's small business sector, contributing to the economic growth that would eventually make Japan one of the world's leading industrial nations.

The Midget was also exported to Southeast Asian markets, where it proved equally popular as affordable commercial transport. In countries where infrastructure and economic conditions made conventional trucks impractical, the Midget filled a vital niche. Its simplicity meant it could be maintained and repaired with minimal tools and expertise, making it ideal for developing markets.

Later versions of the Midget evolved to include enclosed cabins, conventional steering wheels, and larger engines, but the essential character remained unchanged: it was a minimal, affordable, and practical commercial vehicle. The second-generation Midget (MP5) received a two-cylinder engine and enclosed cab, significantly improving driver comfort while maintaining the original's compact dimensions.

Total production exceeded 338,000 units, making the Midget one of Daihatsu's most commercially successful products. The vehicle's influence on Japanese kei car culture is significant - it helped establish the principle that minimal dimensions and engine displacement could create genuinely useful vehicles, a philosophy that continues to define the kei car category today.

Today, the Daihatsu Midget has become a beloved collector vehicle. Its charming proportions, historical significance, and sheer characterfulness make it a delightful addition to any collection. Surviving examples are becoming rare, particularly the earliest handlebar-steered versions, and values have risen significantly as appreciation for vintage Japanese commercial vehicles has grown.