These were sold in Australia in minuscule numbers in both sedan, convertible and a coupe utility (ute, pickup, whatever); I suspect it's the separate chassis that made the design so versatile. I've seen the odd one come up for sale, but have only seen a single convertible in the metal, at a Japanese car show in Victoria. I have seen a video of a utility version in Asia somewhere; possibly Thailand or Malaysia (somewhere RHD) and was very surprised to see that the utility shared its tail lights with the Isuzu Wasp, another rare utility, based on the Isuzu Bellett, albeit with a full chassis rather than a monocoque. I thought the Wasp's tail lights were bespoke to Isuzu, given that the same lights were used on some of their trucks, as well as the mid-engine Bellett R6 race car, of which two were built. Interesting fact: my classic car mechanic recently sourced a new air filter for my Isuzu Wasp from a rare parts specialist shop, and the box had written on it 'Daihatsu Berlina', which is the two-door sedan specification of Compagno. Handy to know they're interchangeable, even though the Compagno is a lot rarer than the Wasp, which in itself is uncommon here with only 122 delivered and around 15 surviving here and around 12 surviving in Japan. I also have two Isuzu Bellett sedans, an Isuzu Florian (one of around eight left) and an Isuzu Unicab (one of two known in Australia) which all use the same filter, so wish me luck next time they're due for replacement. Great video, and it's heartwarming to learn that the first Compagno imported to the UK survives to this day.
Thanks for watching! I’d seen the pretty convertible but didn’t know about the pick-up/ute. It seemed to sell outside the UK in reasonable numbers but despite looking modern (for the day) styling it was seen as being outdated due to the separate chassis. I go to a lot of car shows but have never seen one… not surprising I guess! I must google your Isuzu models…
Another fascinating and fact filled video Simon. That two door version looks to be a very pretty little car. Certainly more so than the more utilitarian Daihatsu's that I remember from the 1990's and early 2000's.
I do find it fascinating comparing this story to today, where completely unknown chinese brands are now entering the UK also with cars priced high above what I would call "the going rate BUT because of cheap finance deals they are able to shift them Unknown brands don't seem to be such a turn off to consumers now as they believe the finance company (or government with mobility) will take the hit, they also don't even think about lack of dealer support or the company leaving the UK suddenly in the middle of their ownership
@@Lot76CARS suzuki jimny says otherwise, Eu laws need to stop being so harsh on these japanese cars, Just silly how a 1000cc german tictac succeeds at the laws but not a 659cc japanese car
These were sold in Australia in minuscule numbers in both sedan, convertible and a coupe utility (ute, pickup, whatever); I suspect it's the separate chassis that made the design so versatile. I've seen the odd one come up for sale, but have only seen a single convertible in the metal, at a Japanese car show in Victoria. I have seen a video of a utility version in Asia somewhere; possibly Thailand or Malaysia (somewhere RHD) and was very surprised to see that the utility shared its tail lights with the Isuzu Wasp, another rare utility, based on the Isuzu Bellett, albeit with a full chassis rather than a monocoque. I thought the Wasp's tail lights were bespoke to Isuzu, given that the same lights were used on some of their trucks, as well as the mid-engine Bellett R6 race car, of which two were built. Interesting fact: my classic car mechanic recently sourced a new air filter for my Isuzu Wasp from a rare parts specialist shop, and the box had written on it 'Daihatsu Berlina', which is the two-door sedan specification of Compagno. Handy to know they're interchangeable, even though the Compagno is a lot rarer than the Wasp, which in itself is uncommon here with only 122 delivered and around 15 surviving here and around 12 surviving in Japan. I also have two Isuzu Bellett sedans, an Isuzu Florian (one of around eight left) and an Isuzu Unicab (one of two known in Australia) which all use the same filter, so wish me luck next time they're due for replacement. Great video, and it's heartwarming to learn that the first Compagno imported to the UK survives to this day.
Thanks for watching! I’d seen the pretty convertible but didn’t know about the pick-up/ute. It seemed to sell outside the UK in reasonable numbers but despite looking modern (for the day) styling it was seen as being outdated due to the separate chassis. I go to a lot of car shows but have never seen one… not surprising I guess! I must google your Isuzu models…
Very interesting video
Another fascinating and fact filled video Simon.
That two door version looks to be a very pretty little car. Certainly more so than the more utilitarian Daihatsu's that I remember from the 1990's and early 2000's.
Thanks Mark, it was fascinating to research for a pre internet era… checking old newspapers etc.
Another string to your bow Si. Lots of car topics for you to consider for future videos
I do find it fascinating comparing this story to today, where completely unknown chinese brands are now entering the UK also with cars priced high above what I would call "the going rate BUT because of cheap finance deals they are able to shift them
Unknown brands don't seem to be such a turn off to consumers now as they believe the finance company (or government with mobility) will take the hit, they also don't even think about lack of dealer support or the company leaving the UK suddenly in the middle of their ownership
Yes, customers seem to be more open to foreign cars now. The resistance that the Japanese had to overcome doesn’t seem to be there now…
@@Lot76CARS suzuki jimny says otherwise,
Eu laws need to stop being so harsh on these japanese cars,
Just silly how a 1000cc german tictac succeeds at the laws but not a 659cc japanese car