Retro Cool: Isuzu Bellett MX1600 and Its Untold Story

Hidden GEMS - Isuzu, a prominent Japanese automotive manufacturer, is widely recognized for its lineup of pickup models, SUVs, trucks, and commercial vehicles. However, delving into the past reveals a lesser-known facet of Isuzu's history – its venture into the creation of distinctive mid-engined sports cars in the late 1960s.

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-I Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)

In a collaborative effort with the renowned Ghia design house in Italy, Isuzu embarked on the journey of crafting an exceptional automobile. Renowned designer Tom Tjaarda, the creative mind behind the DeTomaso Pantera sportscar, played a pivotal role in shaping these unique vehicles during his tenure at Ghia. 

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-I Concept by Ghia boasts retractable pop-up headlights and a unique adjustable front spoiler, electrically controlled from the dashboard. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)

The outcome of their collaboration was the Isuzu Bellett MX1600, a concept car unveiled to the public for the first time at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. Despite sharing its name with an existing production car, the Isuzu Bellett, the MX1600 concept set itself apart by adopting the engine of the contemporaneous Bellett GT-R.

Powering the Isuzu Bellett MX1600 (in pictured GT-I) is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, coupled with a Hewland FT200' gearbox. (Picture from: Automobiles-Japonaises)

Powering the Isuzu MX1600 is a 1.6-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine, coupled with a Hewland FT200' gearbox. Placed on the rear axle in a central transverse position behind the two-passenger cockpit, this engine propels the rear wheels, with access facilitated by a fully opening rear canopy.

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-II Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 concept underwent the construction of three prototypes between 1969 and 1971. The initial iteration was the Bellett MX1600 GT-I, succeeded by the Bellett MX1600 GT-II, featuring minor stylistic modifications. 

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 GT-II Concept by Ghia featured with a Kamm-tail for enhanced aerodynamics. (Picture from: Issuu)

The third prototype took the form of an estate version, named the Bellett SportsWagon. Additionally, a racing variant, the Bellett R6, emerged in 1969, geared for competition in the Japanese GP.

The Isuzu Bellett MX1600 SportWagon Concept by Ghia while sat in display at the 1971 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: AllCarINdex)

The car features a self-supporting steel body, integrating Isuzu R6 competition suspension. With a quintessential wedge-shaped design typical of the 1970s. Notably, the GT-I model boasts retractable pop-up headlights and a unique adjustable front spoiler, electrically controlled from the dashboard. 

The Isuzu Bellett R6 racing car prototype emerged in 1969, is geared for competition in the Japanese GP, and powered by the same inline 4 engine that is found the Bellett GT-R and 117 Coupe. (Picture from: Hey_Turn on Twitter)

In contrast, the GT-II model incorporates two pairs of round headlights parallel to the grille, and a Kamm-tail for enhanced aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the SportsWagon is characterized by box-shaped headlights.

Regrettably, none of the three MX1600 prototypes progressed to the production stage. However, an intriguing revelation emerges – the styling of the Isuzu Bellett MX1600 served as inspiration for the subsequent creation of the DeTomaso Pantera concept, another brainchild of Tom Tjaarda. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | GTPLANET-FORUM | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOMOBILES-JAPONAISES | CLASSIC AND RECREATION SPORTSCARS | ISSUU | ALLCARINDEX ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.