Mitsubishi 500
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| Mitsubishi 500 | |
| Manufacturer: | Shin Mitsubishi Heavy-Industries, Ltd |
|---|---|
| Production: | 1960–1962 |
| Class: | Kei car |
| Body style: | 2-door sedan |
| Platform: | RR layout |
| Engine: | NE19A OHV I2 (493 cc, 594 cc) |
| Transmission: | 3-speed manual |
| Suspension: | Independent trailing arms, coil springs (front & rear) |
| Steering: | Rack and pinion |
| Wheelbase: | 2060 mm |
| Length: | 3140 mm |
| Width: | 1390 mm |
| Height: | 1372 mm |
| Curb weight: | 490 kg |
The Mitsubishi 500 was the first passenger car produced after the Second World War by the company which would become Mitsubishi Motors.[1] Available in 1960 at a cost of ¥390,000, it was powered by an air-cooled 493 cc two-cylinder engine with a single downdraught carburettor producing 20 hp @ 5000 rpm and driving the rear wheels through a three-speed manual transmission.
Bouyed by its sales success, it was given an enlarged 594 cc engine in 1961 for improved acceleration and durability. This model was known as the Mitsubishi 500 Super DeLuxe.
[edit] Motorsport heritage
Although they are now more renowned for their contemporary successes in off-road racing with the Pajero-based Rally Raid vehicle and Lancer Evo-based WRC car, Mitsubishi's first "homologation special" was a Super DeLuxe-based touring car, which they prepared for the 1962 Macau Grand Prix. In a highly auspicious debut, Kazuo Togawa took class honours as the diminutive sedan swept the top four places in the "Under 750 cc" category.[2]
[edit] References
- ^ "History of Mitsubishi 1960-1969, Mitsubishi Motors Web Museum
- ^ "Mitsubishi 500", Mitsubishi Motors Web Museum
