Description

The Daihatsu KD6 was a small, three-wheeled light truck produced by Daihatsu in Japan during the early 1950s. It was one of several utility vehicles developed in the post-war period to meet the demand for affordable and practical transportation for small businesses and tradespeople in a rapidly rebuilding economy.

Introduced in 1951, the KD6 followed the general layout common to many three-wheeled vehicles of the era. It featured a single front wheel for steering and two rear wheels to carry the load. The compact dimensions and lightweight construction made it ideal for navigating narrow city streets and for low-cost deliveries in urban and rural areas.

Power was provided by a small single-cylinder four-stroke engine mounted in the rear. With a displacement of around 250 cc, the engine delivered modest power—just enough for light hauling and short trips. The power was transferred to the rear wheels via a simple manual transmission. The KD6 was not built for speed or heavy loads, but its durability and ease of maintenance made it appealing for small-scale users.

The vehicle featured a minimalistic cab that could accommodate a driver and sometimes a passenger. It typically had a basic windscreen, a roof, and rudimentary side protection, though early models could be quite spartan. The rear cargo bed was flat and open, suitable for small deliveries, agricultural goods, or tools and equipment.

The KD6 was part of a broader trend in post-war Japan where many manufacturers, including Daihatsu, Mazda, and Mitsubishi, produced three-wheeled utility vehicles. These vehicles played a crucial role in Japan’s early economic recovery by enabling cost-effective transport for small businesses and tradespeople who couldn’t afford larger trucks or cars.

Although primitive by modern standards, the Daihatsu KD6 helped build the company’s reputation for reliable and affordable light commercial vehicles. It paved the way for Daihatsu’s later success with four-wheeled kei trucks and vans.

Today, surviving examples of the KD6 are rare and mostly found in museums or private collections. They are appreciated for their historical significance and as early symbols of Japan’s post-war industrial growth. Their simple, utilitarian design also makes them popular among enthusiasts of classic commercial vehicles.