Description
The Daihatsu Midget DKA was part of the first generation of the Midget series, which was introduced in Japan during the late 1950s. These vehicles were designed as ultra-compact, affordable commercial microtrucks intended primarily for small business owners, shopkeepers, and tradespeople navigating tight city streets and performing short-haul deliveries.
The DKA model was an early and improved version of the original Daihatsu Midget, following the MP3 model. It maintained the distinctive three-wheeled layout, with a single front wheel for steering and two rear wheels for support and drive. This configuration gave the Midget a very compact footprint and excellent maneuverability, especially in densely populated or narrow urban areas.
Power for the DKA came from a small single-cylinder air-cooled petrol engine, typically around 250 cc. The engine was mounted at the rear and produced approximately 8 to 10 horsepower. While the performance was modest, it was more than adequate for the vehicle’s lightweight construction and intended use in low-speed, short-distance applications. A manual transmission handled gear changes, and the vehicle could reach a top speed of around 60 km/h.
The cabin of the Midget DKA was minimal but functional. Unlike earlier versions that had open cockpits and required the driver to wear a helmet, the DKA often featured a fully enclosed cabin with metal doors and a proper steering wheel instead of handlebars, offering improved comfort and protection from the weather. Some versions still retained side flaps or sliding windows rather than full glass.
Behind the driver was a small cargo bed designed to carry light goods. The load capacity was modest, generally in the range of 300 kg, making it ideal for transporting produce, parcels, or equipment within a limited area. The rear section was simple in design, with a flat floor and low sides for easy loading and unloading.
The Daihatsu Midget DKA was extremely popular in Japan due to its low price, low running costs, and exceptional practicality. It became a common sight in markets, urban streets, and rural towns throughout the country. Its success also inspired similar models from other Japanese manufacturers during the same period.
Today, the DKA is considered a classic and is sought after by collectors interested in early Japanese microcars and commercial vehicles. Its iconic design and historical importance make it a symbol of Japan’s rapid post-war economic recovery and the ingenuity of compact vehicle design in that era.