Beschreibung
Grab yourself a slice of nostalgia in the shape of this "Sooty Van" Daihatsu Hi-Jet!
Registered in October 1998 on an 'S'-plate, the car has covered just 65, 000 miles from new.
It is technically a 7-seater, with an extra row of seats. That said, it is also TECHNICALLY a car. And how far you'd actually want to go in it is a different matter....
Especially given the seventh seat isn't really designed for anyone over the age of about seven.
Whilst the engine is eager and willing, and quite willing to rev (as these small Japanese units are inclined to be) and the gearbox is light and positive, it's best described as quite 'floaty' on the suspension. Which, combined with the lack of power steering, makes it quite interesting to drive!
Which is a bit of understatement, really - if I had to summarize the drive in one word, that word would be 'terrifying'.
It is just about as basic as they come, with no rev counter, no clock, no radio, no electric mirrors and keep-fit windows.
In fact, the standard equipment is: engine, gearbox, seats and paint
It does have two - count 'em, TWO - pop-up sunroofs, which may well be after-market ones rather than standard equipment.
Entry and exit from the driving seat isn't exactly elegant, either, owing to the position of the wheel arch.
It had been with the previous keeper since 2002, which may also have been the last time it was cleaned - two hours it took to get it looking presentable. He was a keen amateur musician and we think he used to transport his equipment around.
It's MOT'd until October, and so is pretty well ready to drive away.
Open to serious offers on the car.
It may well make an interesting retro camper conversion, or possibly even coffee van. After all, it's survived this long and so really deserves another chance at life.
Please note that the bumpers are not suffering from mange in the pictures - it had just started to rain while I was taking them.
Inspections welcome - come and have a laugh at it, and see if you're brave enough to try actually driving the thing!You'll love being laughed at, plus the sense of taking your life in your own hands, every time you drive the thing
