Description
The Daihatsu Midget MP5 was the final and most advanced model of the second-generation Midget series, produced from 1962 until the early 1970s. It marked the peak of the Midget’s development as a three-wheeled utility vehicle, blending compact practicality with improved features aimed at making it more comfortable and usable for a broader range of customers.
Like its predecessors, the MP5 used a three-wheeled layout, with a single front wheel for steering and two rear wheels providing support and drive. This configuration kept the vehicle small and highly maneuverable, especially useful in the crowded urban environments and narrow streets typical of post-war Japan. However, the MP5 was slightly larger and more refined than earlier models.
The vehicle was powered by a two-stroke, air-cooled engine with a displacement of 305 cc. It produced approximately 12 to 14 horsepower, enough to move the lightweight Midget at speeds up to around 65 km/h. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. The MP5 was not built for speed or long-distance travel but was perfectly suited to short delivery routes and urban errands.
A key improvement in the MP5 was its fully enclosed steel cab. Unlike the earlier, more basic models that featured canvas doors or open sides, the MP5 offered real automotive-style doors, wind-up windows, and improved seating. It also came standard with a proper steering wheel, better gauges, and more interior space, enhancing driver comfort and convenience.
The rear of the vehicle was fitted with a flatbed cargo area designed to handle loads of up to 300 kilograms. It was often used by shopkeepers, delivery drivers, small factories, and even local government services. Some versions had canvas tops or enclosed cargo compartments for specific delivery needs.
Despite being a three-wheeler, the MP5 was seen as dependable and easy to maintain. Its simplicity and rugged design made it popular among small business owners, particularly in areas where roads were narrow and traffic was heavy. It also saw limited export to other parts of Asia and developing markets where demand for small, affordable utility vehicles was growing.
By the mid-1970s, the popularity of three-wheeled vehicles began to decline, with four-wheeled kei trucks offering greater stability, capacity, and versatility. Daihatsu eventually phased out the MP5 as the company shifted focus to four-wheel microvans and pickups.
Today, the Daihatsu Midget MP5 is a sought-after collector’s vehicle. Its charming appearance, historical significance, and role in Japan’s economic growth make it a memorable icon of mid-20th century Japanese automotive engineering. Restored examples occasionally appear in classic car shows and museums, where they are appreciated for both their form and function.