Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Petrolicious. Don’t be left out—join the ranks of those who Drive Tastefully.
Already a member? Log in
We're glad you're back.
Not a member yet? Sign up
We'll get you back on track.
Films:
The Toyota Sports 800 Is A Forefather Of Fun
Tremendous vid, and a glorious example too. Having run with more than a few Yotahachi, I can attest to their roominess too – easily larger inside over the Honda S800. What doesn’t come across from the video though – and I suspect because the owner was keeping the rpm down – is the glorious Porsche-like thrum from the flat twin as they wind out… Understandable I suppose as they essentially carry half a 356 up front. Neko.
I was lucky to finally acquire a Sports 800 earlier this year. The video sums up the ownership experience perfectly; it’s a very special car with absolutely no pretense. It looks cool and drives effortlessly. At 6’1″ I fit very comfortably, even with the top on. People absolutely love it, especially those driving giant size (relatively speaking) Camrys, and are generally shocked when they find out it’s a Toyota.
The fact that I get to see this kind of rarities “in the flesh” is one of the main reasons why I love this site. Vintage Japanese cars is probably the field I discovered latest of all. Quite possibly because the interesting ones are almost impossible to get a hold of and many of the really exciting cars never officially left Japan.
Correct me if I’m wrong, but there hasn’t been an actual video of the S500/S600/S800 yet? Other than that, we’ve been blessed with Toyota’s and Datsun’s offerings. If you could make a video of either of the Hondas, I’d be even more grateful, since we’d “have them all”. That is because I suppose that getting hold of a Daihatsu Compagno Spider is more or less impossible.
Now, regarding the car at hand. It surely is beautiful and the work that’s put into it is very commendable. The owner seem like such a nice guy too.
I had to Google the Daihatsu, but came across this story from my own ‘hood:
http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/my-1969-daihatsu-compagno-spider-27108
Maybe if Petrolicious ever ventures to Australia you could look this guy up…
I think of myself as a car person. Been to Monterey Historics many years and seen what seems to be almost every car there is to have ever been. Then I come to Petrolicious and realize I have so very much to still learn about the car hobby. I have never seen or heard of this car before. Thank you Scott for sharing this unique car and to Petrolicious for making this film about it. Anyone that suggests that the weekly videos here at Petrolicious take on a kind of same old same old week after week are (in my humble opinion) mistaken. I learn so much about the car world and the great people that are in it every week just by coming here every week. As always great video Petrolicious, keep up the fine work!
