1996model Daihatsu Midget II Pickup – エステートセールスプレマシー

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1996model

Daihatsu Midget II Pickup

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Equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, fully repainted in a panda color scheme, and featuring a completely reupholstered interior, the 1996 Midget II Pickup was an exceptionally unique vehicle that sparked the imagination…!

Daihatsu Midget II—this lovable yet practical kei-class commercial vehicle has been quietly revolutionizing the streets of Japan ever since its revival in 1996.

Whereas the original three-wheeled Midget was an icon of the Showa-era cityscape, this second-generation, four-wheeled successor was reborn as a “tiny companion” perfectly suited to the rhythms of urban life in the Heisei era.

The Midget II’s basic design was remarkably compact and highly functional.
With an overall length of just 2,895 mm, it was even smaller than most modern kei cars, allowing it to nimbly weave through tight city streets and narrow alleyways.
Its rear-wheel-drive (FR) layout was powered by Daihatsu’s own water-cooled, inline 3-cylinder OHC engine—the EF-SE. Though modest with a displacement of 659cc and a maximum output of 33 horsepower, this compact and lightweight machine had more than enough performance for everyday use.

What truly set the Midget II apart, however, was its delightfully unconventional packaging.
At launch, it was offered only in a boldly minimalistic “single-seat, 4-speed manual” configuration—an intentional nod to the spirit of the original three-wheeled Midget.

But Daihatsu, always attentive to the voices of its users, soon expanded the lineup in response to market demand. A two-seater version was added, along with a 3-speed automatic, and even a cargo van variant with a larger load bay—broadening its range of applications while retaining its charm.

Visually distinctive from the start, the Midget II’s true charm lay beyond the factory options—in the realm of customization.
For example, the original 4-speed manual transmission could be upgraded to a 5-speed by swapping gear sets and synchronizer components. Some models, like this one, were even converted from automatic to 5-speed manual using genuine Daihatsu parts.
Such mechanical flexibility—hidden within such a limited and simple frame—helped elevate the Midget II from being “just a commercial vehicle” to a “car you nurture.”

Its mechanical simplicity and the relative availability of parts encouraged mechanically inclined owners to enthusiastically modify their vehicles.
In an age of diversified personal expression, some transformed the Midget II into a unique hobby car, while others made it a mobile billboard or mascot for their business.
In every case, it became a canvas for creativity—a one-of-a-kind machine that reflected its owner’s character.

When seen in this light, the Midget II transcends its identity as “just a mass-produced micro truck.”
It stands instead as a symbol of Japan’s mobility culture—where clever design and imagination turn limited space into a playground for innovation.

A rare 1996 Midget II Pickup — a closer look into its unique details.

The 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup featured here is a rare gem—one that embodies the spirit of Japanese mobility culture as discussed earlier. This particular vehicle has been lovingly refined by a passionate owner who adores classic cars—someone who displays them in a garage like works of art, not just as machines, but as pieces of living history.

What makes this Midget II truly special is the way it has been thoughtfully and uniquely customized—something not often seen even among other modified examples.

Originally equipped with an automatic transmission, this vehicle underwent a carefully executed conversion under the supervision of the owner’s trusted mechanic. It now sports a 5-speed manual transmission, offering a far more direct, responsive, and engaging driving experience.
This kind of conversion requires both technical expertise and precise parts selection, making it a rare and valuable upgrade. During our visit, I had the opportunity to take it for a test drive on the owner’s expansive private property. The engine revved eagerly, the gear ratios were well-matched, and acceleration was smooth. The gear shifts had a natural feel, making the overall experience truly enjoyable.

Visually, the car captivates with its eye-catching “panda” color scheme—a bold black-and-white two-tone full-body repaint. This look is not part of any factory option and was born entirely from the owner’s personal aesthetic sense and playful imagination.
The wooden pecker decals on each door are also original creations, printed on magnetic plates for easy removal. Together, the whimsical decals and the daring color scheme inject the car with an undeniable charm and originality—making it a head-turner in any city setting.

One of the most impressive aspects of this Midget II is its mileage: a genuine 48,971 kilometers (just over 30,000 miles).

The engine has not undergone any major overhaul, only routine maintenance—but it starts on the first try, even from cold, and runs with a stable idle. The installed air conditioner still delivers a strong, cool breeze, proving that the vehicle’s mechanical health is very much intact.

Despite being nearly a quarter-century old, the vehicle shows signs of careful ownership throughout—from the engine and transmission to the bodywork and recently reupholstered interior. It remains in outstanding condition and is perfectly suited for regular, real-world use.
This is a classic that’s not just a garage queen, but a “living” car—ready to be driven daily as a reliable JDM kei truck.

Production of the Daihatsu Midget II lasted from 1996 to 2001, with only 14,399 units built in total. Of those, just 9,407 were Pickup types. Even at the time, it was a rare breed. Now, it’s a true endangered species.

Today, surviving examples are rapidly declining in number. Among those that remain, it is exceedingly rare to find one that retains its luster through a full repaint and reupholstered interior. As the years pass, the Midget II’s value as both a functional vehicle and a collectible continues to grow.

This small but iconic vehicle has transcended its humble origins as a utility truck—it is now a statement piece, a collector’s treasure, and a nostalgic reminder of a uniquely Japanese approach to design and lifestyle.
It now awaits its next caretaker—someone who will not only drive it, but cherish it, express their personality through it, and allow it to continue evolving.

If you are someone who enjoys not just driving a car, but admiring it and nurturing it as a partner—then this Midget II may very well be your perfect match.

Postscript: 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Feature Coverage

The current owner is a dedicated classic car collector—one who lines their garage with full-size American and European icons for the sheer joy of admiring them. But beyond their appreciation for grand classics, they also have a deep affection for small, characterful vehicles.

In fact, the Midget II is no stranger to this collection. The owner possesses several examples, each in outstanding condition and each with its own distinctive visual flair. They’ve been carefully preserved and enjoyed—more as rolling works of art than mere modes of transport.

This particular Midget II is now being offered only because the collection has grown too large to manage comfortably. As part of a reluctant garage reorganization, the decision was made to part with this cherished vehicle—leading to this rare opportunity for it to find a new home.

The 1996 Daihatsu Midget II Pickup — equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, fully repainted in eye-catching panda colors, and boasting a freshly reupholstered interior — was a wildly unique machine that fired the imagination like no other!

We warmly invite you to visit Gunma Prefecture to see this 1996 Daihatsu Midget II in person — and experience the fun, engaging feel of its 5-speed manual transmission for yourself!

This 1996 Daihatsu Midget II is currently located in Gunma Prefecture, Japan.

As this is a private sale, there will be no consumption tax or additional dealer fees.
However, the buyer is kindly asked to cover the pro-rated automobile tax (annual amount: ¥12,900) and the recycling deposit fee (¥3,100).
Transportation arrangements, including shipping, should also be made by the buyer. That said, the seller—through their own professional company—offers classic car transport services using in-house flatbed vehicles. If you’re interested, please feel free to inquire for details.

[About This Listing]

This vehicle is featured on the cross-border classic and collectible car platform
Estate Sale Supremacy®︎ — Japan’s own adaptation of the North American “Estate Sale” culture.

What is an “Estate Sale Supremacy®︎”?

More than just a sale, it’s a respectful handover.
Estate Sale Supremacy®︎ offers a dignified and thoughtful way to pass on cars with personal significance from one generation to the next—through in-depth interviews, written articles, and video features.
Unlike hasty lowball offers or impersonal bulk sales, we aim to preserve both memories and value by carefully curating the owner’s story and the car’s legacy.

We conduct detailed interviews with current owners, including history of repairs and maintenance, and verify accident records. If a car has a significant accident history or the current owner’s tenure is too brief to provide clarity, we decline coverage to ensure peace of mind for potential buyers.

This article was written based on an interview with the owner conducted on May 5, 2025 (Monday), under clear skies between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM.
Please note that due to the limited inspection time, this article may not reflect 100% of the vehicle’s current condition. Furthermore, while every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, some subjective impressions and condition assessments are based on the author’s personal observations during the shoot.

For inquiries or to request a viewing, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page.
As this is a private sale, vehicle viewings are limited to those who are seriously considering a purchase—thank you for your understanding.

We sincerely look forward to your inquiry and thank you for your thoughtful consideration.