Description
The Daihatsu Taft F50 was introduced in the late 1970s as a diesel-powered version of the F20, expanding the appeal of Daihatsu’s compact off-road vehicle to users who needed greater fuel economy and torque for heavy-duty or commercial use. Like its petrol counterpart, the F50 continued the Taft legacy of being a robust, no-nonsense four-wheel drive vehicle with real-world utility and a strong presence in both domestic and export markets.
The F50 was powered by a 2.5-litre inline-four diesel engine, known as the DL41. This engine produced approximately 61 horsepower and significantly more torque than the petrol engines, making it particularly useful for towing, hauling, or climbing steep gradients at low speeds. While it wasn’t quick on the road, its strength lay in endurance, economy, and reliability—key traits for agricultural, military, or rural users.
As with the F20, the F50 featured a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, part-time four-wheel drive, and a two-speed transfer case for high- and low-range gearing. It had solid axles front and rear, giving it good articulation over uneven terrain, and the simple suspension setup helped keep maintenance straightforward.
The body design remained very similar to the F20, with flat panels, round headlamps, and short front and rear overhangs. The vehicle was offered in various body styles, including a short-wheelbase soft-top, hardtop, and utility variants like pickup beds. This modular approach allowed the F50 to serve in a wide range of roles—from farm vehicle to government fleet transport and even off-road ambulances or firefighting support vehicles in remote areas.
Inside, the cabin of the F50 was basic, with utilitarian finishes, hard-wearing vinyl surfaces, and a simple dashboard. Most models lacked luxury features, but they were built to endure harsh conditions and be easy to repair in the field. Instruments were minimal but functional, and creature comforts were generally limited to the essentials.
The F50 was especially popular in export markets where diesel engines were preferred for their longevity and lower operating costs. It saw significant use in regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where reliability in tough terrain was more important than high-speed refinement.
Although later models such as the Daihatsu Rugger and Fourtrak would bring more comfort and refinement to the company’s 4×4 range, the F50 remains a respected classic. It is remembered as a dependable and practical off-road vehicle that delivered rugged capability in a compact and economical form. Today, surviving F50s are considered collectible by enthusiasts of vintage 4x4s, particularly those who appreciate old-school diesel engineering and mechanical simplicity.