Cony Guppy
Overview
ManufacturerAichi Machine Industry Co., Ltd[1]
Also calledDatsun Baby
Production>5000 units [1]
Model years1961 [2]
AssemblyJapan
Body and chassis
Body stylepickup/microcar
LayoutRMR[3]
Powertrain
Engine199 cc 1 cylinder
Dimensions
Curb weight290 kg (639 lb)
Chronology
SuccessorCony 360

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.[3] The engine, which rests behind the seats,[3] is a two-valve, 199 cc single-cylinder unit that produces 11 horsepower (8.2 kW). It can power the vehicle to a top speed of 50 miles per hour (80 km/h). Aichi rated the Guppy's fuel economy at 50 km/L.[2] They also claimed the Guppy could carry 100 kilograms (220 lb) 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.[1]

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 30 km/h (18.6 mph). Otherwise they were mechanically identical to the Guppy, but with different bodywork.[4]

Criticism

Datsun Baby

Author Tony Davis criticized the Guppy for being an unreliable car that failed to sell in its home country in the Motoring Hall of Shame in the book Extra Lemon!.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Cony Guppy Sports". Toyota Automobile Museum. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  2. 1 2 "1961 Cony Guppy specifications & performance data review". Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  3. 1 2 3 Rare Japanese Microcar: 1961 Cony Guppy (AF8) - Aichi Kikai Kogyo. WasabiCars. Retrieved 3 April 2014.
  4. ↑ "The Datsun Baby Was a Real Car for Kids". The News Wheel. 2015-03-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-06.
  5. ↑ Davis, Tony (2005). Extra lemon. p. 42.
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