The smallest pickup truck ever made is a fascinating piece of automotive history. Developed in the late 60s and early 70s, this tiny truck was designed to be an economical alternative to the full-sized pickups of the time. The resulting vehicle was the Daihatsu Hijet, a compact pickup that measured less than 10 feet in length and weighed just over 1,000 pounds.
The Hijet was powered by a tiny two-cylinder engine that produced just 21 horsepower. This engine was mated to a three-speed manual transmission, giving the Hijet limited performance capabilities. Despite its small size, the Hijet could carry up to half a ton of cargo and its low profile made it surprisingly agile in city traffic.
The Hijet was also incredibly fuel-efficient. With its tiny engine and lightweight construction, the Hijet could achieve up to 60 miles per gallon on city roads. This helped make it an appealing option for those looking for an economical way to get around town.
The Daihatsu Hijet remained in production until 2002 when it was replaced by an updated model called the Move. The Move featured a larger engine and improved suspension but retained much of the same design as its predecessor. It too remained popular with city dwellers looking for an efficient way to get around.
Conclusion:
The Daihatsu Hijet is considered by most automotive historians as the smallest pickup truck ever made. Its combination of small size, light weight, and excellent fuel economy earned it many fans over its long production run and it still remains popular among those who want an efficient way to get around town.
