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The
13th Tokyo Motor Show (1966
. 10/26 - 11/8)
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The 13th Tokyo Motor Show Poster |
This motor show fell in the first year of "My Car Days."
Nissan Sunny and Toyota Corolla, which gave powerful impetus
to motorization, appeared together with ambitious 800-1000cc
works from each other automaker. Thus, the show turned
out to be the real dawn of "My Car" days. Another characteristic
of this show was the revival of the midget vehicles popularity.
The Honda 360, with an air-cooled 4-cycle 2-cylinder 31
hp. engine appeared in the show for the first time. It
made full use of motorcycle technology. In the Daihatsu
corner, the "prism-cut" Fellow was exhibited. The debut
of these two cars led people to reconsider midget vehicles,
and fueled a new boom. Other exhibits worthy of notice
were the fast cars: the Isuzu 117 Sports designed by Italian
Ghia; the Daihatsu prototype P3 which won the Japan Grand
Prix; the Mitsubishi Colt Formula IIIA which could exceed
200 km per hour; and the Nissan Bluebird, which won Class
B of the 14th Safari Rally.
This year saw the tumultuous restructuring of the auto
industry against approaching capital liberalization. First
came the merger between Nissan and Prince. As a result,
the Nissan Prince Royal, specially developed for use by
the royal family was exhibited at the show. Viewers were
astounded by the limousine, which was over 6 meters long
and boasted a 6,373cc engine.
What was new about this show was an "Owners hall"(until
the 18th show) In Hall No.5, where viewers were allowed
to handle passenger cars, and the outdoor performance
by a popular folk music group. Both places attracted a
crowd everyday of the show.
The second show after import liberalization was visited
by 24,000 foreigners. The total number of visitors was
1,502,300, averaging 107,300 per day. This was a record,
and reflected the first year of "My car days." The Rendevous
Area was crowded with lost children. The confusion was
such that at one time 150 children were lost and 750 names
were called out during the show period.
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