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Although automobile production only started in 1953, Isuzu can be traced back to a merger between a heavy engineering company and Tokyo Gas and Electric back in 1918. After the merger, the company built and sold Wolseleys in the Far East. In 1929 they began building their own cars, using various trade names including that of a famous Japanese river, Isuzu.

The company was formally titled Isuzu Motors in 1949, and in 1953 did a deal with British Rootes group to build Hillman Minx's, at first only assembling the cars from imported parts. Launched its own Bellel model in 1961, and due to its popularity followed with the Bellet in 1963. Most consider their crowning achievment the 117 Coupé, but despite the popularity of its cars Isuzu was struggling against the might of the big Japanese car makers.

They sought partnerships with Mitsubishi, Nissan and Fuji, before General Motors came to the rescue, snapping up the manufacturer so that they could build small GM cars for both the local and export markets. The GM influence would pay immediate dividends, with the release of the incredibly popular Gemini. The attractive small car was marketed as the Holden Gemini, Opel Kadett and Vauxhall Chevette, all were popular and for good reason.

Isuzu Bellett  

Isuzu Bellett

1963 - 1973
The Isuzu Bellett is a mostly forgotten vehicle these days, however duing the late 1960's it proved to be one of the most successful Japanese imports to land on Australian shores. More >>
Isuzu Florian  

Isuzu Florian

1967 - 1983
The Isuzu Florian represented a sweeping change that other Japanese manufacturers were soon to follow. Simply put, it was undoubtedly one of the most rugged and durable Japanese cars ever built up to that time, and it offered very respectable performance for its class and price. More >>
Isuzu 117 Coupé

Isuzu 117 Coupé

1968 - 1981
The Isuzu 117 Coupé was to be Turin designer Giugiaro's first real research project in his new capacity as Styling and Design Center director at Ghia. The car went into mass production in 1968 and stayed for thirteen years, with almost 100,000 units to its credit. Substituted in 1981 by the Isuzu Piazza, today these cars are as popular as ever with collectors and boast a huge world-wide fan base. More >>
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