If you’re a hard-core enthusiast, or even just a casual fan, of Isuzus, the the new book A History of Isuzu Passenger Cars by Setsuo Toma should be in your library. As the title implies, it spans the entire run of non-commercial Isuzus, from the company’s founding in 1916 as the oldest automaker in Japan to the end of its passenger car production in 2002.
The first edition of the book was published in 2017 after Isuzu’s 100th anniversary as Isuzu Passenger Car History 1922-2002, but this second edition expands to include more content. It begins with the 1916 merging of Tokyo Ishikawajima Shipbuilding & Engineering Company with Tokyo Gas & Electric, then delves into its partnership with Wolseley, the official founding of Isuzu Motors in 1949, and beyond.
The book contains more than 600 color images, made available with the help of Isuzu Motors. About a third is dedicated to the detailed history of each model. There’s even a section about the export-spec Gemini and Piazza branded as Holdens and assembled in Australia.
Though Isuzu’s story as a carmaker ends on a sad note, the book concludes with a nostalgic uplift, the construction of the Isuzu Plaza museum and its opening in 2017. Of course, it’s all in Japanese, but the photos, gathered mostly from contemporary promotional materials, are worth the price of admission themselves. For a much less in-depth account of Isuzu, you can read our own (English!) history published on the occasion of Isuzu’s 100th anniversary. The book retails for ¥3800 and is available at Japanese booksellers.
For the Isuzu enthusiast, would you say it is the piazza de resistance?
Definitely not an Impulse buy.
Isuzu has always fascinated me with not only with their cars but their commercial vehicles and engines for other applications, equipment, marine, etc… My first introduction to cross marque application was a LUV pickup I owned in the 70’s with the a super reliable Isuzu 4 cylinder. Later, I would find those engines in airport ramp equipment and even boats. The 1969 Isuzu Bellett MX1600 concept designed by Ghia coachworks was anything but a airport ramploader. The Piazza was first penned as the Asso di Fiori by Ital design’s Giugiaro as a follow up to his Isuzu 117 Coupé. Another beautiful car with classic lines. Would I buy a Vehicross? Yes I would!
This was a beautiful car, it’s successor, not so much. But what always struck me about these cars were the stickers that said “handling by Lotus.” Could you imagine a Fiat with a sticker saying “timing belt, by Ferrari.” I mean, what do you do with that?
Well that was stupid. Lotus is well known for suspension and engineering work for other companies and the timing belt remark is of pure ignorance.