Description
The Daihatsu Fellow L37 was one of the later evolutions of the original Fellow series, introduced in the early 1970s. It represented a refined kei car offering from Daihatsu, developed in response to increasing competition in Japan’s small car segment and growing consumer expectations for comfort, performance, and styling in even the most compact vehicles.
As part of the kei car category, the Fellow L37 retained a 360 cc engine in line with regulations at the time. It featured a two-stroke, two-cylinder engine mounted in the front, driving the rear wheels through a 4-speed manual transmission. While earlier versions of the Fellow produced around 20 horsepower, the L37 typically offered improved output—closer to 30 horsepower—especially in the sportier trims. These enhancements provided livelier performance, particularly in urban settings where agility and responsiveness were more important than top speed.
The design of the Fellow L37 was modernised compared to its predecessors. It featured a boxier, more squared-off shape with larger windows and slightly flared wheel arches, reflecting the styling trends of the early 1970s. The car was available in two-door and four-door configurations, with a small rear overhang and compact proportions ideal for navigating Japan’s congested streets.
Inside, the cabin was simple but better equipped than earlier models. The dashboard layout was cleaner and more user-friendly, with clearly marked controls and a modest instrument cluster. Seating remained basic but comfortable enough for short city trips. The interior space was efficiently arranged to seat four occupants, although taller passengers would find the rear seating area quite tight.
A notable version of the L37 was the Fellow SS, which was positioned as a sportier variant. It came with a more powerful engine, dual carburettors, and sporty cosmetic touches such as different wheels, decals, and unique trim. This model helped the Fellow L37 appeal to younger drivers who wanted a fun-to-drive kei car without sacrificing affordability or economy.
The L37 was produced during a transitional period in Japan’s kei car regulations. As the government prepared to increase allowable engine sizes to 550 cc in 1976, cars like the L37 marked the end of the 360 cc era. It would be succeeded by the Fellow Max series, which introduced more advanced engines and chassis improvements to keep pace with new standards.
Today, the Daihatsu Fellow L37 is a rare but interesting example of the golden age of 360 cc kei cars. It reflects the era’s ingenuity and the intense competition that pushed Japanese manufacturers to continuously improve even the smallest and simplest vehicles. Surviving examples are prized by microcar enthusiasts and collectors of early Japanese automotive design.