| Daihatsu F series/Hi-Line | |
| Manufacturer: | Daihatsu |
| Production: | 1960–1972 |
| Assembly: | Ikeda, Osaka, Japan |
| Layout: | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout |
| Transmission: | 4-speed manual |
| Successor: | Toyota Hilux |
The Daihatsu Hi-Line/F series (Japanese: ダイハツ・ハイライン/Fシリーズ) is a series of compact trucks, manufactured and sold from 1960 to 1972. This truck series competed against rivals such as the Toyota Stout, Nissan Junior, Prince Miler, Hino Briska or Mazda B series.
The truck was released in 1960 and available in two models; a 1.75-tonne class "F175" with 681NaN1 1.5-litre FA engine (same engine that powered the larger Daihatsu V200 truck) and a 1.5-tonne class "D150" with 401NaN1 1.5-litre diesel engine.[1]
In 1962, a new 1-tonne load capacity class called "Hi-Line" was introduced to fill the class below the higher duty F175/D150 trucks. This truck was available in two versions; short deck "F100" and long deck "F108". Both models were powered by the same engine as the F175. A 3-door van version based on F100 called "F100V" was introduced in 1963. In the same year, a 2-tonne class truck called "F200" was also introduced[1] and powered with a 851NaN1 1.9-litre FB petrol engine, but it was discontinued quickly in 1964.
To celebrate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a Hi-Line was used to accompany two Daihatsu Compagno Berlinas for 180001NaN1 trip from olympic flame in Olympia, Greece to Tokyo.[2] [3]
The trucks received a facelift in 1965, the headlights were changed from single to twin round units.[4] Also in this year, all models except the F100/108 trucks were discontinued. The second facelift occurred in October 1968 with brand new big single rectangular headlights and the load capacity was increased to 1.25 tonnes.[4] [5]
In November 1967, Toyota formed a business alliance with Daihatsu. As part of the alliance's agreement, the F series was later discontinued in 1972 and replaced with the more popular Toyota Hilux.
The name of "Hiline" was reused by Daihatsu for 2WD diesel variant of Daihatsu Taft wagon/truck for Indonesian market from 1986 to 2007.[6] Even though it too carries an F model code (F69), this car has no relation with the original Hi-line/F series trucks.