Cony Guppy Explained

Cony Guppy
Manufacturer:Aichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd
Aka:Datsun Baby
Production:>5000 units
Model Years:1961
Assembly:Japan
Body Style:pickup/microcar
Layout:RMR
Engine:199 cc 1 cylinder
Weight:290kg (640lb)

The Cony Guppy is a small pickup truck manufactured by Aichi. The vehicle had suicide doors and rotating amber beacons on the B-pillar. The brake lights were tiny and circular.[1] The engine, which rests behind the seats, is a two-valve, 199 cc single-cylinder unit that produces . It can power the vehicle to a top speed of . Aichi rated the Guppy's fuel economy at 50 km/L.[2] They also claimed the Guppy could carry of cargo. Its low price of ¥225,000 made it attractive to small business owners and cargo transporters. Other features include a four-wheel independent suspension and a torque converter for clutchless driving.[3]

Nissan donated 100 cars based on the Guppy to the Kodomo no Kuni Children's Park in Hazu, Aichi, in 1965. This was long after the Guppy had been taken out of production; Nissan built them from leftover parts acquired as a result of their gradual takeover of the Aichi company. Called the "Datsun Baby" they had a speed limiter, limiting top speed to 301NaN1. Otherwise they were mechanically identical to the Guppy, but with different bodywork.[4]

Notes and References

  1. Rare Japanese Microcar: 1961 Cony Guppy (AF8) - Aichi Kikai Kogyo. WasabiCars. 3 April 2014.
  2. News: 1961 Cony Guppy specifications & performance data review. 1 April 2014.
  3. News: Cony Guppy Sports. Toyota Automobile Museum. 2 April 2014.
  4. Web site: The Datsun Baby Was a Real Car for Kids . https://web.archive.org/web/20160306171335/https://thenewswheel.com/the-datsun-baby-was-a-real-car-for-kids/ . 2016-03-06 . 2015-03-30 . The News Wheel .