Sambar 5
Truck (model K75) Van (model unknown)
The change from 360cc to 550cc was sudden for the light vehicle manufacturers at the time, and there were several models that could not be developed in time and had the body the same but had the engine of 500cc or 550cc.
The Sambar 5 was one of them, with the body of the strong Sambar itself, only the bumper extended, and the engine was a 4-stroke, but it was an incomplete 500cc. In the end, it was a short-lived model that lasted only one year.
Sambar 550
Sambar Truck (model 2WD: K774WD: K78) Sambar Van (2WD: K874WD: K88)
In May 1977, the “makeshift” Sambar 5 was enlarged and released as a model with a full 550cc standard size. It is a 4-stroke 2-cylinder engine.
In 1979, the first high-roof vehicle in its class was introduced in the van category. However, at this time, the tailgate was the same as the standard roof and did not open all the way up. The top-end van model was called “Extra” and became the basis for the later Tri and Dias.
In November 1980, the first 4WD in its class was added. It was a part-time 4WD with a 4WD lever next to the shift lever. However, the tires remained 10 inches.
KT-type Sambar
Sambar Truck (Model 2WD: KT1, 4WD: KT2, 4WD 3-valve: KT6)
Sambar Van/Tri (2WD: KR1, 4WD: KR2, 2WD 3-valve: KR5, 4WD 3-valve: KR6)
KT2 (The early KT1 also has the same appearance except for the 4WD markings and tires)
Sambar Tri KR2 Square headlights are a distinctive feature. In September 1982, a full model change was made with a completely new body. The 4WD tires also became 12 inches.
The wheels are now standard wheels, with 4WD being 3.5B-12, P.C.D100, offset 45, and 2WD being 10 inches (others are the same). The 4WD steel wheels have a unique triangular design. Steel spoke wheels are also available as an option.
The higher-end van model has a darker wagon color and is named “Sambar Try”, and has a fully high roof with a wide tailgate. In addition, the rear seats can be flipped to create a completely flat floor, a first in its class. Other companies were the first to offer flat storage with the Hijet Van in 1986, and it was available in all grades from the Acty/Street in 1988, so it can be said that this was a considerable step forward. In addition, a low floor can be created by flipping up the front half of the floor.
The angle of the front window is different between the truck and the Try (van), and the Try has a beautiful silhouette. However, the large mirrors that are an option for the Try cannot be equipped on the truck.
The truck still felt quite cramped even with the angle of the windows changed.
The 4WD trucks were equipped with 4-speed + extra low, with an unusual shift pattern of reverse on the top left and electro-luminescence on the bottom left. The Try 4WD can be chosen from the same 4-speed + electro-luminescence as the trucks, or a 5-speed transmission.
The 4WD shift was originally a shift lever type, but it was soon changed to a push button type, and the system “waits” until the difference in rotation between the front and rear, such as when cornering, disappears before switching to 4WD. However, it is not equipped with a freewheel hub like other companies.
The lineup included “auto clutch” with manual shift operation and electromagnetic automatic clutch only. Details are unknown. (If anyone knows more about it, please let me know.)
The instrument panel is a bit bland, with a straight line motif, but a standard 1DIN audio system can now be installed. The Sambar was the first light cab-over vehicle to fit into the instrument panel without an optional cover.
The air conditioning control lever is unique, with no air volume adjustment. In fact, you pull the selector lever. Also, the strength of the air conditioning is controlled by a separate knob. Frankly speaking, if you switch from another car to an EL shift pattern, you will be quite confused.
When you open the glove box, what a surprise! On the back of the lid, there is a scale and a conversion table (length, area, weight) for units of measurement.
Except for the Try, there are STD and SDX grades, and a truck high roof vehicle was also in the lineup. The STD has a bench seat and no seat slide. The previous model also had the “Nono Sambar” sold at agricultural cooperatives. The Nono Sambar also had a special edition with a white-painted bumper and headlight garnish.
KT6 (The late model KT1 has the same appearance except for the tires)
A major minor change was made in September 1987. The front face was completely redesigned, and the Try had an irregular square headlight. The truck/van garnish was also changed from an inverted trapezoid to a normal trapezoid. Also, the bumper was changed from metal to plastic. In accordance with seat belt regulations, all vehicles will have retractable seat belts.
All 4WD vehicles and some Tri 2WDs were fitted with a 3-valve engine, making them much more powerful. The model number is different for this model only. Some Tris were also fitted with a viscous coupling full-time 4WD. The choke lever was abolished and replaced with an automatic choke.
The trailing arm suspension, a vestige of the Subaru 360, was changed to a strut suspension at the front only. In 1989, full-time 4WD and a dark blue color became available for trucks.
Sambar 660
Sambar Truck (Model 2WD: KS3 4WD: KS4)
Sambar Van/Dias (2WD: KV3 4WD: KV4)
KS4 (Left: Mid-late model, Right: Early model) The 2WD also has the same appearance.
Early model:
In March 1990, it underwent a full model change when the 660cc standard was changed. The Sambar was the only cab-over model that was completely new from the start.
The low, cramped cabin of the past was completely changed to a high, square cabin with a total height of 1,750 mm even without the torii gate, allowing even large people to sit in a comfortable driving position. The luggage space of the van was also considerably larger.
The higher grade of the van was named “Sambar Raideas” and was also equipped with a large two-sided sunroof, which was popular at the time. The name was changed to “Sambar Dias” midway through.
The early models were characterized by the Dias’s irregular square headlights and the others by round headlights, which I call “panda face”.
The engine was changed from the previous two-cylinder to a four-cylinder (EN07 type “Clover 4”), and in addition to the 40 horsepower naturally aspirated model, a 55 horsepower supercharged model was also added to the lineup. As for the transmission, all 4WD MTs became five-speed + electro-luminescence, and the rear gear layout was also changed to the usual lower right. In addition, all 2WD vehicles became five-speed.
In addition, the supercharger is combined with an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) in both 2WD and 4WD models. Except for the Dias, the MT is basically a selective (part-time) transmission with a button on the shift lever, while the supercharger + AT is a viscous full-time 4WD.
The 4WD system and transmission combination for the Dias has changed with each minor change, so we will not go into detail here. Basically, the SC is the “Dias II,” and the NA is the “Dias” and “Dias Classic.” Later, value-for-money specifications such as the “Malessa” were added.
A freewheel axle that improves fuel efficiency in 2WD and a differential lock are optional for the MT version of the SDX truck 4WD.
The first in its class to use front ventilated disc brakes, which are not yet available on other companies, and all vehicles are 12-inch tires.
The grades are STD, SDX, SDX Supercharged, high roof for trucks (SDX only), and “Eino Sambar”, but the 4WD + AT + Supercharged trucks are only available on the Eino Sambar, while the MT + Supercharged (both 4WD and 2WD) and high roof are not available on the Eino Sambar, so it’s a confusing setup.
The SDX van standard roof is only available on 2WD, and if you choose the standard roof on the 4WD, it becomes STD.
The equipment on both the STD and SDX is typical for the time, but the early STD models do not have sliding seats. Intermittent wipers and passenger door-linked room lamps are only available on the Eino (JA) Sambar, except for the Dias.
The instrument panel is a powerful design that mixes curves. It is also the first in its class to neatly store a 2DIN audio system without an optional cover (although an attachment is required). Oval speakers (10×15?) can now be fitted to the left and right sides of the instrument panel, making it easy to turn the car into a stereo system, although it’s difficult to achieve high sound quality. The AM radio on the SDX has become an electronic tuner with a clock.
The interior of the doors is a simple flat board for all models except the Dias, while the Dias has molded plastic trim.
The following year, in 1991, the “Farming Sambar Super Custom” was released for the Farming Sambar, which had the same irregular square shape as the Dias, colored bumpers, 5+EL/MT, full-time 4WD, and power steering. Along with the Acty Town, which was released at the same time, it seemed like the luxury light truck market was about to take off, but it either didn’t sell well or there was resistance to full-time 4WD, and it disappeared with the next minor change.
The Farming Sambar also had a new “Fruit Farmer Specification” that could carry 12 containers (the normal torii can carry 11) per level that are commonly used by farmers, and was equipped with large-diameter 135/95R12 off-road tires to ensure ground clearance. The large-diameter tires also disappeared soon after.
The steering wheel was a little thick and easy to grip at first, but it was changed to a thin and cheap one from this model. An air-conditioned van was released under the grade name “Sawayaka”. (I remember it was added around this time.)
Mid-term model:
In September 1992, all vehicles were changed to the same irregular square shape as the Dias. Slide seats were also available for the standard model. The beautiful FRP body “Hana Kago (Cargo)” for florists was added to the 2WD high roof truck. The “Noh Sambar” was renamed to “JA Sambar”.
In October 1992, the catalyst for the air conditioner became an environmentally friendly new freon gas, and the SDX was equipped with a fuel lid opener, trip meter, and seat belt warning light.
In October 1993, the Dias Classic was released. This was developed for Nagasaki Huis Ten Bosch, and was sold to the general public due to its popularity. There was also a 4WD model, but it did not have a supercharger. (It is in the new standard)
Late model:
In October 1995, the side doors of the trucks were changed from those that followed the side press lines to those common to the Hijet S100 series. By the way, it was possible because the Hijet was also produced in Gunma Prefecture, but there is no compatibility because the hinge parts are different.
At the same time, the torii changed from square pipes to round pipes that surround the outside of the cabin, and all vehicles, even those not owned by JA, can now carry 12 containers per layer.
In September 1996, the classic was added to trucks, vans, and the JA Sambar. Unlike the Dias Classic, which comes in several colors, this is a single color of slightly beige Stream Silver Metallic. Perhaps because of this, the silver was removed from the regular Sambar. In fact, I had requested that they make the classic available for trucks as well.