Mitsubishi Minica

2nd generation
Mitsubishi Minica 70 (A100)
Overview
Production	Sedan: 1969–1973 Van: 1969-1981 Skipper: 1971-1974
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door hatchback 2-door wagon 2-door coupé
Platform	A100/100V・A101/101V・A102・A104V/105V・A106V
Powertrain
Engine	359 cc ME24E/F air-cooled two-stroke I2 (A100/100V) 359 cc 2G10 two-stroke I2[10] (A101/101V) 359 cc 2G21 SOHC I2 (A102) 471 cc 2G22 SOHC I2 (A104V) 546 cc 2G23 SOHC I2 (A105V)
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1,900 mm (74.8 in)
Length	2,995 mm (117.9 in)
Width	1,295 mm (51.0 in)
Height	1,305–1,390 mm (51.4–54.7 in)
Curb weight	445–490 kg (981–1,080 lb)

The second-generation Minica 70 was introduced in July 1969 with a three-door hatchback body called a "sedan" by Mitsubishi. Alone in the kei car class, the traditional, front engine, rear-wheel drive layout was retained.[11] The chassis has coil springs front and rear, MacPherson struts up front, and a five-link rigid rear axle.[12] The new styling featured a rear hatch, a Kei class first. Two 359 cc 2G10 water-cooled two-stroke powerplants were optionally available (A101), either the Red 28 PS (21 kW) engine (Super Deluxe, Sporty Deluxe) or the Gold engine fitted with twin SU carburetors developing 38 PS (28 kW).[13] The Gold engine, introduced in December 1969, was fitted as standard to the SS and GSS sport models introduced at the same time. The basic Standard and Deluxe versions (A100) were still fitted with the old 26 PS (19 kW) ME24E air-cooled engine Yellow engine, for a top speed of 105 km/h (65 mph).[14][15] The better equipped Hi-Deluxe version also appeared in December 1969.[16]

A two-door wagon body was also added in December 1969 and was to remain in production until its eventual replacement by the Minica Econo in 1981. In October 1970 the ME24F Yellow engine gained four horsepower for a total of 30 PS (22 kW) (the Van did not receive this upgrade) while the Red engine went up to 34 PS (25 kW).[10] The GSS version gained integrated foglights and four round headlight, while the SS was discontinued at the same time. A luxurious GL version was also introduced for 1971, featuring high-back bucket seats in front.

Other bodystyles

1969-1973 Mitsubishi Minica Van (A100V)

Rare LHD Minica Skipper in Okinawa, a "729 car"

In February 1971 a very minor facelift meant the car was now called Minica 71. Revised styling featured wider taillights and trim changes, and the water-cooled 2G10 engine was available in the lower priced Family Deluxe.[17]

The Minica Skipper (A101C) was introduced in May 1971 as a two-door coupé with liftable rear window, and a choice of Red or Gold 2G10 engines. The Skipper was available either as the S/L, L/L or GT. This also meant that the GSS sedan was gradually becoming obsolete, as the focus of the sportier Minicas shifted to the coupé versions. Styling wise, the Skipper represented a miniature version of the seminal hardtop Mitsubishi Galant GTO.[18] To allow for a combination of fastback styling with rearward visibility, the rearmost panel featured a small window. The top rear window opened for access to the luggage area, which featured a folding rear seat. Besides chassis and internals, the Skipper shared the front clip and lower door panels with the sedan.[19]

By September 1971, with the introduction of the Minica 72, the sedan versions were no longer available with the powerful Gold engine. Changes were limited to a new honeycomb grille, taillights (incorporating amber turnsignals) and a new dash similar to that of the Skipper.[20] The Sporty Deluxe version was also discontinued.

In October 1972 the 2nd-generation Minica received its last facelift, becoming the Minica 73 as a low-cost alternative to the new F4. Marketed either as a Standard or a Deluxe, only the de-tuned 31 PS (2G10-5) Red engine also used in the Van versions was now available, placing the "73" firmly at the bottom of the Minica lineup, and air-cooled engines were nolonger available. One year later, a Van Custom was added, with four headlights and more extensive equipment. In late 1974 or early 1975 the Van was updated to accept new larger license plates that were now required. The Van continued with the two-stroke 2G10-5 engine until being replaced by the bigger-engined Minica 5 Van (A104V) in March 1976.

1973 Minica Skipper IV

Also in October 1972 the renamed Skipper IV (A102) received the new four-stroke 2G21 engine from the Minica F4, with either 32 or 36 PS.[21] A new F/L replaced the S/L in the lineup. Along with some safety improvements in October 1973 both engines were replaced by the 30 PS (22 kW) "Vulcan S" engine, as the Skipper IV lineup was further narrowed. The coupé continued in production until July (or perhaps December) 1974, and was more restricted by emissions regulations. Mitsubishi revived the "Skipper" nameplate in 1996 on a special, "town" version of the Pajero Mini.

3rd generation
1973/74 Minica F4 GL
Overview
Production	1972–1977
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door sedan
Platform	A103A・A104A
Powertrain
Engine	359 cc 2G21 SOHC I2 471 cc 2G22 SOHC I2 546 cc 2G23 SOHC I2
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,000 mm (78.7 in)
Length	2,995–3,175 mm (117.9–125.0 in)
Width	1,295–1,395 mm (51.0–54.9 in)
Height	1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Curb weight	515–565 kg (1,135–1,246 lb)

The third-generation Minica was introduced as the Minica F4 (A103A) in October 1972 with a 359 cc OHC engine in the same layout, but featuring a liftable clam-shell rear window as on the coupé. The Skipper continued in production, as of October 1973 with the new engine (becoming the Minica Skipper IV). The new four-stroke Vulcan 2G21 MCA engine (Mitsubishi Clean Air) was much cleaner than, but not as smooth running as its two-stroke predecessors. The six single-carb-engined versions provided 32 PS (24 kW) while the twin-carb version listed for the GS and GSL models offered 36 PS (26 kW).[21] The Van range continued to use the previous body.

1972-1973 Mitsubishi Minica F4 Custom

In late 1973, facing shrinking Kei-car sales, Mitsubishi narrowed the Minica F4 range down to four equipment levels (Hi-Standard, Deluxe, GL and SL), with the cheaper versions featuring a new grille. The sporty versions were discontinued, as the twin-carb engine fell foul of new emissions regulations. The modified Vulcan S engine came equipped with a balance shaft (later baptised "Silent Shaft") and was cleaner yet, hence the "MCA-II" tag. Power, however, was down to 30 PS. Top speed was 115 km/h (71 mph).[23] In December 1974, the lineup was again revamped, with the GL and SL becoming the Super Deluxe and Custom.[24] Mitsubishi also lightly redesigned the Minica to accept the new, bigger license plates now required for Kei cars.

On 12 April 1976 (March for the Minica 5 Van), corresponding to revised kei car regulations of January 1976 (length up to 3.2 m, width to 1.4 m and engine size to 550 cc) both the sedan and the van received a new long-stroke 471 cc engine, a small increase in length (entirely due to new, larger bumpers), and a new name, the Minica 5. The Minica 5 was the first kei passenger car to meet the new regulations.[25] Both models were also lightly facelifted, featuring new grilles, while equipment levels remained the same. While power output of the new Vulcan 2G22 did not change for the sedan (A104A), the van (A104V) received a lower powered 28 PS (21 kW) version thereof. The Minica 5 was a mere interim model, anticipating the more thoroughly revised Minica Ami 55 which was soon to arrive.

4th generation
Minica Ami 55 XL (A105A)
Overview
Production	1977–1984
Body and chassis
Layout	FR
Platform	A105A・A106A・A107A/V
Powertrain
Engine	3-cylinder watercooled
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,050 mm (80.7 in)
Length	3,175 mm (125.0 in)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,315 mm (51.8 in)
Curb weight	565 kg (1,246 lb)

In June 1977 the car and engine grew once again, creating the Minica Ami 55. While the side body panels remained the same, length increased yet a little more (3175 mm) and the entire car was widened by 10 mm (0.4 in). The updated 546 cc Vulcan 2G23 engine provided 31 PS (23 kW) for the A105A. Its sibling, the Minica 55 Van (A105V) was updated in March 1977 and was almost impossible to distinguish from the previous Minica 5 Van, aside from badging and a slightly less plasticky front end. The bigger engine provided some useful additional torque, but the sporting Minicas of the early seventies were now a memory. The traditional (and unusual amongst Kei cars) Panhard layout remained.

Minica Ami 55 XL (1977-1981 model)

September 1978 brought another engine upgrade: The new "Vulcan II" G23B featured the lean burn MCA-Jet emissions control system with a hemispherical head, aluminium rocker arms and three valves per cylinder, but power outputs remained static. The model code became A106, with A106V used for the van which continued to use the bodywork of the second generation.

In September 1981 the car received another redesign. An entire new rear end meant a slightly longer wheelbase (up to 2,050 mm) and a somewhat longer and taller body. The somewhat boxy rear end, still with a clamshell rear window, looked a bit incongruous paired with the original Minica F4 front wings and doors. The new Minica was renamed the Minica Ami L (A107A), but bigger news was that the Minica 55 Van, based on the 1969 A100V, was finally retired. The new A107V Minica Econo ("Econo" hinting at its primary use as a private economy car rather than as a commercial vehicle) looked very similar to the Ami L but featured a proper rear hatch and folding rear seat, allowing it to be registered as a light commercial vehicle like its competitors the Daihatsu Mira, Suzuki Alto and Subaru Rex. Cargo capacity, compared to the more workmanlike Minica 55 Van, was reduced from 300 to 200 kg (441 lb).

A two-speed, semi-automatic gearbox was also available on all models, while the standard four-speed manual received lower gearing for the Econo model. The engine was more quiet than before, featuring a milder cam profile. Power output of the G23B remained the same, although the Econo was stuck with a 29 PS (21 kW) version of the old 2G23 engine.[26] Top speed of the Ami was 110 km/h (68 mph).[27] In December 1981 a strict two-seater version of the Econo was added. One year later, the Minica was sold with the new "MMC" logo rather than the old "three diamonds". In March 1983 the Minica Ami L Turbo became the first kei car to be offered with a turbocharger, offering 39 PS (29 kW) and glitzy graphics. This proved short-lived, as by January 1984 production of the A107 Minicas had ended, with Mitsubishi preparing for the release of an all new, front-wheel drive Minica.

5th generation
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Towny
Production	1984–1989
Body and chassis
Platform	H11A/V・H12V・H14A/V・H15A/V
Powertrain
Engine	546 cc G23B SOHC I2 548 cc 3G81 SOHC I3 783 cc 2G25 SOHC I2 796 cc 3G82 SOHC I3
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,260 mm (89.0 in)
Length	3,195 mm (125.8 in)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,430 mm (56.3 in)
Curb weight	580 kg (1,280 lb)

The fifth-generation Minica was introduced in February 1984 as a front engined, front wheel drive vehicle for the first time. It offered three- and five-door configurations, increased size and a torsion beam/coil spring rear suspension. With its "tall-boy" design it was much more spacious inside. It retained the G23B engine, but modernized with a timing belt rather than the old noisy timing chain. The Minica sedan had 33 PS (24 kW), the sparsely trimmed Econo commercial version 31 PS (23 kW), and the Turbo gained an intercooler and now offered 42 PS (31 kW). Air conditioning finally became an option. Reflecting the design improvements, Mitsubishi advertised the car as a worthy competitor for the considerably larger cars of the one-litre class.[28] A considerable improvement on the old model, sales of the passenger model tripled year-on-year in its first month on the market. Sales of the Econo doubled.[28]

Mitsubishi Minica Econo Turbo ZEO (H14V)

In September 1985 a four-wheel drive model with a live rear axle was introduced. In January 1988, as the bubble economy and the kei-class horsepower war were both heating up, an aero-kit version of the Turbo was introduced to compete with Suzuki's Alto Works and Daihatsu's Mira Turbo TR-XX. Called the Turbo ZEO it was equipped with the same 50 PS (37 kW) carburetted engine as the regular Turbo model; sales were low. There was also a low-priced, well-equipped version of the Minica Econo called the Tico, as well as a new top-of-the-line five-door sedan called the Minica Exceed.

This generation was the first to reach export markets, usually labelled Mitsubishi Towny, originally with a two-cylinder 783 cc engine and a four-speed manual transmission. Beginning in March 1985, the Towny was also locally manufactured by CMC in Taiwan, only as a five-door.[29] In 1987 a three-cylinder 796 cc engine with 45 PS (33 kW) and a five-speed gearbox replaced the earlier drivetrain; a three-door panel van was also marketed abroad.

6th generation
1989 Minica Piace 4WD
Overview
Also called	Mitsubishi Towny
Production	1989–1993
Body and chassis
Related	Mitsubishi Minica Toppo
Powertrain
Engine	548 cc 3G81 I3 548 cc 3G81T turbo I3 657 cc 3G83 I3 657 cc 3G83T turbo I3 796 cc 3G82 SOHC I3
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,260 mm (89.0 in)
Length	3,195 mm (125.8 in) (550 cc models) 3,295 mm (129.7 in) (660 cc models)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,420–1,515 mm (55.9–59.6 in)
Curb weight	580–720 kg (1,280–1,590 lb)

In January 1989 the sixth-generation Minica (H21/H26 for front- and four-wheel-drive models respectively) was officially introduced, although the engine, wheelbase, and suspension remained unchanged. In addition to the three-door vans (hatchbacks presumably intended for commercial use) and five-door "sedans" (hatchbacks for private use), a variant with a single door on the right side, two doors on the passenger side, and a liftgate was introduced, named the Minica Lettuce. This was originally a van with a foldable rear seat and flat loading floor, to meet special tax breaks available. In May 1989 the tax benefits were lowered and the Lettuce became classified as a sedan. A three-door passenger car version was introduced at the same time. The asymmetric Minica Lettuce was developed together with the Seiyu supermarket chain, which also sold the car directly. It was meant specifically to simplify the loading of children and shopping.[30]

The Minica Lettuce (H21V), notice the two doors on the left side and a single door on the right

The pace of development in the Japanese automobile industry was relentless in the 1980s, leaving the fifth generation Minica looking rather outmoded towards the decade's end. Sales of the fifth generation had dropped to under 27,000 cars in 1988, while almost 77,000 Minicas were sold in 1989 (nearly all being of the new generation).[31]

An advanced new turbocharged engine with double overhead cams and the world's first mass-produced five-valve-per-cylinder engine was introduced for the Dangan ZZ model, producing 64 PS (47 kW).[32][33] The Dangan was originally a commercial vehicle, but became a passenger car in August 1989. It was later made available in naturally aspirated form as well, as the Dangan Si and Dangan Ri. In May 1991 an automatic option was added to the Dangan ZZ.

The van models gradually lost importance as their tax advantages were whittled away, with buyers increasingly going for the passenger models. In August 1989, however, a new commercial use model appeared in the form of the Minica Walk-Through Van.[31] This version took full advantage of the maximum 2-metre height limitation on kei cars at 1,990 mm (78 in).

The Kei car standards were altered for 1990, allowing for a 10 cm (3.9 in) increase in length and an increase in displacement to 660 cc. The Minica's engine was now 657 cc, while the front bumper gained 3 cm (1.2 in) and the rear bodywork was altered to grow by 7 cm (2.8 in). The wheelbase remained unchanged, while a black plastic element was added behind the rear windows to fill the extra space. Chassis codes changed to H22 and H27. A tall three-door MPV model with optional four-wheel drive, the Minica Toppo, was also introduced in February 1990 - the Toppo, being developed before the new regulations were finalized, did not take full advantage of them and ended up 4 cm (1.6 in) shorter than other kei cars. The Dangan Turbo only received its increase in displacement and increase in length in August 1990, six months after the rest of the range had been updated.

In January 1992 the range received a light facelift, along with some new models. New were the Piace and Milano sedans, celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of the Minica, and the Dangan ZZ-Limited which has standard ABS brakes. In January 1993, shortly before the line was replaced, the Milano Limited and Milano four-wheel-drive were added.

Export versions were still usually carrying the "Towny" label and featured an 800 cc 41 PS (30 kW) engine.

• 
  1989 Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ (van)
• 
  Mitsubishi Minica Toppo

Mitsubishi Minica
Overview
Production	1993–1998
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	657 cc 3G83 I3 659 cc 4A30 16V I4 659 cc 4A30 DOHC 20V turbo I4
Transmission	4MT/5MT/3AT/4AT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,280 mm (89.8 in)
Length	3,295 mm (129.7 in)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,475–1,505 mm (58.1–59.3 in)
Curb weight	590–780 kg (1,300–1,720 lb)

In September 1993, the seventh-generation three- and five-door Minica and Minica Toppo were introduced, with longer wheelbase. The five-valve-per-cylinder three-cylinder engines were replaced with a pair of 659 cc four-cylinder engines; one normally aspirated with single overhead cam and four valves per cylinder, and one turbocharged with double overhead cam and five valves per cylinder. The Toppo continued to use the rear bodywork of the original Minica Toppo, combined with the new front-end design. A version of the Toppo with two doors on the passenger side, similar to the "Lettuce", was made available, along with a limited edition RV version.

In January 1997, versions of the Minica and Toppo with retro-styled front ends were introduced as the "Town Bee" model.

• 
  Mitsubishi Minica Town Bee
• 
  Mitsubishi Minica Van Lyra
• 
  The retro-styled Minica Toppo Town Bee

H42/H47
Overview
Production	1998–2007 (passenger models) 1998–2011 (commercial models)
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Related	Mitsubishi Pistachio
Powertrain
Engine	657 cc 3G83 I3
Transmission	4MT/5MT/3AT/4AT
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,340 mm (92.1 in)
Length	3,395 mm (133.7 in)
Width	1,395 mm (54.9 in)
Height	1,475–1,510 mm (58.1–59.4 in)
Curb weight	680–790 kg (1,500–1,740 lb)

Rear view

The enlarged eighth-generation Minica was introduced in October 1998 to take advantage of the new regulations, as a pair of three-door and five-door sedans with torsion beam rear suspension and optional four-wheel drive, with the only available engine the 657 cc three-cylinder single overhead cam unit, now equipped with four valves per cylinder. This version is at the maximum exterior dimensions and engine displacement limits as defined in Japanese government regulations for cars classified as kei cars. A five-door MPV built on this platform but with a four-cylinder double overhead cam five-valve-per-cylinder turbocharged engine, known as the "Mitsubishi Toppo BJ" was also introduced. Front-wheel-drive models carry the H42 chassis code, four-wheel-drives are H47. This is followed by an "A" for passenger models and a "V" for commercials. This generation was exported in small numbers as the Mitsubishi Minica Towny, being sold in Singapore, Hong Kong, and some Caribbean markets.[34]

In January 1999, the retrostyled Town Bee version of this generation of Minica and the "Mitsubishi Toppo BJ Wide" were introduced. In October 1999, a 659 cc four-cylinder single overhead cam four-valve-per-cylinder turbocharged engine was introduced, and in December 1999, a limited edition of 50 "Mitsubishi Pistachios" with a 1094 cc double overhead cam four-valve-per-cylinder direct-injection engine was made available only to organizations working to protect the environment. In October 2001, a five-door wagon version of the Minica was introduced as the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, and now serves as Mitsubishi's primary product in the "kei" class. Passenger versions were discontinued in 2007, while the models intended for commercial use continued to be built until 2011.

The Mitsubishi eK is a kei-car which is the successor of the Minica.

• The Filipino tongue twister Minekaniko ng mekaniko ni Monico ang makina ng Minica ni Monica (lit. "Monico's mechanic fixed the engine of Monica's Minica") refers to the Minica, which gained popularity in the Philippines during the Marcos dictatorship.[35]

• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（first generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（second generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（third generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（fourth generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（fifth generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（sixth generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（seventh generation）
• GAZOO.com Mitsubishi Minica（eighth generation）
• 360cc Light Commercial Truck 1950-1975 (360cc 軽商用貨物自動車 1950-1975). Tokyo: Yaesu Publishing. 2009. pp. 83–87. ISBN 978-4-86144-139-4.
• 360cc: Nippon Kei Car Memorial 1950-1975 (360cc 軽自動車 Memorial 1950-1975). Tokyo: Yaesu Publishing. 2007. ISBN 978-4861440830.
• Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 1, '60s Japanese/American Cars (in Japanese), Tokyo: Nigensha, 2000, ISBN 4-544-09171-3
• 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 70年代の日本 [Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 5, '70s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese), Tokyo: Nigensha, 2007, pp. 69–73, ISBN 978-4-544-09175-5
• 別冊CG: 自動車アーカイヴ 80年代の日本 [Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars] (in Japanese), Tokyo: Nigensha, 2007, pp. 203–206, ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6
• "Кιηοκο（三菱360 諸元）". WEB Kinoko. Archived from the original on 2010-01-13.
• Ozeki, Kazuo (2007). Memories of Japanese K-cars 1951 ~ 1975. Tokyo: Miki Press. ISBN 978-4-89522-501-4.
• This entry incorporates information from the equivalent entry in the Japanese Wikipedia at 9 January 2010.
• This entry incorporates information from the Mitsubishi 360 entry in the Japanese Wikipedia at 9 January 2010.

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