Isuzu Bellett

JDM classics Vol.1 Isuzu Bellett GT, GTR

The Isuzu Bellett is a subcompact car produced by Isuzu between 1963 to 1973. The Isuzu Bellett was available as a 4-door sedan, a coupe or a fastback coupe.

Nowadays, Isuzu Motor is well known as Japanese commercial vehicle and diesel engine manufacturing company. The Isuzu motor used to produce variety of passenger cars in 1960s-1980s.

At that time, Japan entered the age of high-speed transportation in the decade by enhancing transportation infrastructure, backed by a fast-growing economy. During that time, Japanese manufacturers were impatient to prove they could build a performance car just like the Europeans.

Isuzu Bellett GT Model PR90 1964-1973

The Isuzu Bellett GT, launched in 1964, it was a two-door coupe with a 40mm lower height than the sedan, which fitted with a twin carbureted 1.6l OHV gasoline engine. The Bellett 1600GT was the first Japanese car to be slapped a GT (Gran Turismo) badge on it. Also, it was the first Japanese car with front disc brakes.

Isuzu Bellett 1600GT Specifications:
1.6 L, single overhead camshaft 4 cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder. It has an output of 89 bhp (90 PS/66 kW) of power at 5400 rpm, and maximum torque of 128 N·m (94 lb·ft/13.1 kgm) at 4200 rpm. 4-speed manual transmission supplies the power to the wheels. The weight is 939 kg. Top speed of 161 km/h.

Bellett GTR, GT Type-R Model PR91W 1969-1973

The Bellett GTR was racing version of GT, GT Type-R. The GTR was firstly presented in 1969, which featured a 1.6 litters DOHC engine from the Isuzu 117 coupe (W161W engine), power brakes and some upgrade modifications. Unfortunately, only 1,400 units were ever built.

Isuzu Bellett 1600GTR specifications:
1.6 L, double overhead camshaft 4 cylinder with 2 valves per cylinder. In this application it has an output of 118 bhp (120 PS/88 kW) of power at 6400 rpm, and maximum torque of 142 N·m (105 lb·ft/14.5 kgm) at 5000 rpm. The engine transfers its power through to the wheels by means of a 4-speed manual gearbox. The weight is 970 kg. Top speed of 190 km/h.