1997 Daihatsu Midget II Cargo

Private Collection | Display-Only | Not For Sale

This 1997 Daihatsu Midget II is an ultra-compact, Kei-class micro-utility vehicle built by Japanese automaker Daihatsu. Originally designed for local commercial city deliveries and navigating tight Japanese alleyways, it is famous for its distinctive, bug-eyed front styling, mid-engine layout, a spare tire bolted directly to the front hood, a single windshield wiper, and ultra-narrow stance riding on tiny 10-inch steel wheels.

Offered as either an open bed pickup or an enclosed cargo van, the Cargo variant features an integrated, fully enclosed metal box over the rear axle, complete with pop-out side windows and a rear tailgate/door for small-scale hauling.

This Midget II was repainted and fitted with a multi-color interior before it was acquired by The Cultivated Collector of New Canaan, Connecticut, in December 2021 and subsequently imported from Japan to the United States. It is equipped with a Sésam Tech “Déjà H” bodykit in the style of a Citroën HY, and features a rear cargo box, blue-finished 10-inch steel wheels, a single windshield wiper, a sun visor, and a Kenwood CD stereo with Bluetooth. Additional exterior details include dual side mirrors, Citroën-style front grille trim, and front mud flaps. 

The cabin features a two-place split-bench seat upholstered in red diamond-stitched vinyl, while spotted vinyl accents the dashboard and covers the door panels, the area beneath the seat, and the headliner and sun visor. Appointments include air conditioning, a tan-upholstered steering wheel and emergency brake lever, multi-color trim, and a red carpeted floor mat.

The Midget II is powered by a 659cc EF-CK carbureted inline-three and features two valves per cylinder. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.