Description
The Daihatsu Wildcat F10 was a special variant of the original Daihatsu Taft F10, designed specifically for export markets such as Australia and New Zealand. While the Taft F10 was already a tough, compact 4×4 introduced in the mid-1970s, the “Wildcat” designation was a marketing name used to appeal to overseas buyers by emphasizing the vehicle’s rugged off-road capabilities.
Like its Taft counterpart, the Wildcat F10 featured a compact, boxy body with short overhangs, ideal for tight trails and off-road maneuverability. It was offered primarily as a short-wheelbase two-door model, with both soft-top and hardtop options available depending on market and customer needs. Its design was minimalist and functional, emphasizing durability over aesthetics.
The vehicle was powered by a 958 cc AB20 inline-three petrol engine, producing around 45 horsepower. Though modest in output, the small engine was adequate given the vehicle’s light weight and simple construction. Power was delivered through a 4-speed manual transmission and a part-time 4WD system with a low-range transfer case, providing true off-road capability despite the car’s compact size.
Inside, the Wildcat was as utilitarian as its appearance suggested. The dashboard layout was basic, with just the necessary gauges and controls. The cabin featured tough materials, easy-to-clean surfaces, and minimal padding—more about function than comfort. Seating was basic and often limited to just two or four occupants depending on configuration.
The Wildcat F10 gained a reputation in remote and rural regions where its simplicity, light weight, and solid off-road performance made it a practical alternative to larger 4WDs. It was appreciated for being easy to maintain, fuel efficient, and durable under tough conditions. Farmers, hunters, and recreational off-road drivers found it to be a capable and affordable choice.
Although it never achieved the same popularity as larger Japanese 4x4s like the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Wildcat F10 carved out a niche market among those who valued simplicity and mechanical honesty. Today, surviving examples are rare and often considered collectible curiosities by 4WD enthusiasts and classic Japanese car collectors, particularly in regions where it was originally sold under the “Wildcat” name.