*This is a translation done by a machine.

The common name in Japan is "Yotahachi". In a way, this sports car is symbolic of the dawn of the Japanese automobile industry.

Tatsuo Hasegawa of Toyota, who led the development, was not only a person who brought "The Beginning of Domestic Popular Cars" to the world, such as the first Publica and the first Corolla, but also an engineer who originally designed military combat aircraft for Tachikawa Aircraft.

When I think about it, I can understand the aero design (like a fighter) of Yotahachi with the monocoque body of the Talga top structure. We also focused on weight reduction by using aluminum for the roof, hood and trunk.

In the first place, it was not designed on the premise that it was to be marketed, and during the interval between the start of the next generation model development (first Corolla), he thought he was trying to make a sports car based on Publica. In this era, it was often the case that a car that a good engineer built in such a way was highly evaluated and became a commercial car project. "Study" turned into "excellent work".

It is not an exaggeration to say that this is one of the symbols of the history of Japanese aeronautical engineers, who were not allowed to design airplanes after the war and were all dedicated to the development of domestic automobiles.

The total length is only 3.5m. In short, it's a bit longer than a light car. The width and height are within the standard for light vehicles. The displacement is approximately 800cc, 90cc higher than the air-cooled opposed two-cylinder OHV for the Publica, which is the same as the origin of the name. Although it had more power than the Publica, such as having a SU twin carburetor, it is undeniable that it was weak. But we covered it with a lightweight body and aerodynamics. The fuel efficiency is not within the reach of competitors, and in that sense, I think it is truly a domestic sports car.

Combined with the highly original design, it's no surprise that the car will soon be considered one of Toyota's iconic sports cars alongside the 2000GT (No association with 2000 GT at design time).

The total production is over 3000 units. Production started in 1964 and sales started in 1965. After 1968, it became a later model, and production ended in 1969. The fact that it has been improved almost every year is also typical of sports cars.

It's a car that the current owner enjoyed driving until recently.

Because of this, there are some minus points such as fine cracks around the hinges of the front and the edge of the door, paint floats due to rust on the front and rear bumpers, and cracks on the edge of the dashboard. However, since the paint and rubber are kept in good condition, the overall atmosphere is good.

Even if I check it in the sun, it looks stable and very good. This car have a firm stance. A classic car in poor condition is somewhat out of balance, not ready to run, and just doesn't feel like driving. On that point, Yotahachi made me think "I'd like to drive." the moment I saw it.

I think you can find the reason by looking at the condition of the interior. This is not new car. However, there is an atmosphere that it has been used carefully. Especially the steering wheel and meters are alive. It's proof that it worked until recently.

Judging from the chassis number, it seems to be a car manufactured in the end of 1966 and registered in 1967. In other words, it is the previous period type. The single number of "Iwa 5" is also attractive. I want you to take over this number and ride it.

It's not fast at all, but it's very easy to drive and its light handling gives it a "running pleasure" that modern cars don't have.