Isuzu Bellett - Japan's first GT

[dbizzle]

I'd never heard of the Isuzu Bellett before last weekend, when one randomly popped up in the second-hand bargain bin in Gran Turismo 4...





...so I did a little investigating to find out what it was all about.
Built from 1963-73, you could get one as a 2- or 4-door sedan, an estate called the Bellett Express or a pickup called the Wasp.

The Bellet GT was a twin-carbed 2-door coupe launched in '64, apparently the first Japanese car ever to adopt the GT moniker, while the GT-R (as in pics above) was a special racing version of the GT, offered with power brakes, the engine from the 117 coupe and, best of all, a black bonnet.

Some more pics...

[jnoiles]

I initially read this as the Isuzu Bellend and I thought 'that's a bit harsh'. I quite like it. The Isuzu that is, not the bell end.

[mercmad]

The Isuzu bellet was common in New Zealand but i am sure the Prince Skyline GT was introduced before the Bellet.

[dbizzle]

Feb 22, 2010 12:20:26 GMT mercmad said:

I am sure the Prince Skyline GT was introduced before the Bellet.

Prince Skyline GT was launched in mid-'64, so it's a close call...

[scoobypete]

nniiice...i like it......the wasp pickup sounds interesting too ;D

[dbizzle]

[alolympic]

Thanks for posting!
I like them a lot, unusual and seem to lower nicely too!

[dbizzle]

They sound pretty awesome too.

[RetroMat]

very pretty cars those Belletts, especially that slammed white one

[WillCarter]

Any more info on that 'rally' one Mat?

[Siert]

This Finnish one with FIA Historic Rally papers has been for sale for a long, long time: www.nettiauto.com/isuzu/bellett/2616688

[JohnnySomersett]

Love these things... sadly, the chances of finding & owning one are so slim Ive decided its best not to torture myself

[RetroMat]

Feb 22, 2010 18:51:29 GMT WillCarter said:

Any more info on that 'rally' one Mat?

no sorry, other than it was in My Pictures; isuzu file!











www.isuzuownersclub.com/en/?fid=2

[luckygti]

Well, I really rather like that. Looks like a really nice shape, right wheel drive, could definitely go for one of those

[nigelbickle]

There's at least one in the UK....

Here's mine, being collected from Southampton docks last year!

[dbizzle]

Cool! How's she looking now?

[nigelbickle]

Ooopss sorry!

[Oldbus]

Hi Nige,

just fixed that pic for you.

Nice one, must have a nose around your barn next time i´m local

[nigelbickle]

'Bout the same. Sorted the brakes,myriad running issues, completed half thewelding.One corner still to do.
Of all the cars I've imported from the southern hemisphere-this is the only rusty one-too date.
Luck of thedrawer-I guess.

[sunbeammadd]

Isuzu was partnered with Rootes in the 60s. The Bellett's engine was heavily based on the Minx's. I'd love to get hold of one of the rare DOHC Bellett motors and put it in my Sunbeam Alpine.