Ever wonder how the Diahatsu Rocky got its name? Sure, like its cousin the Rugged it probably alludes to the type of terrain its creators intended for it to conquer. Still, I like to think it’s a nod to its cinematic namesake from my own hometown of Philadelphia, and a tribute to his indomitable underdog spirit… yeah probably not, and Mr. Balboa probably wouldn’t have been caught dead in one. Still, this 1990 Rocky looks to be in nice shape and might make a decent alternative to a Samurai for a compact city vehicle or a fun trail rider. You can find it on craigslist here for sale in Charlotte, NC with an asking price of $3,450.
Like a surprising number of Rockys currently for sale, this one is LHD so presumably not a recent import. Seat covers aren’t usually an indication of good upholstery underneath, but you never know, they may be there just to protect from muddy trail hijinks. Exterior condition seems to be mostly good, aside from the mismatched hood that was replaced for… reasons? And a bit of bumper rash, but you were going to scrape it up a bit on the trail anyway, right?
Parts availability for these little 4×4’s is not the best, and you’re unlikely to find one to pick off of in your local pull-a-part. Thankfully these still enjoy a loyal following in the UK where they were known as the Sportrak; there are several vendors there that specialize in hard to find parts.
Sure, at $3450 the price may land a little on the high side for these but they don’t pop up too often and they seller claims this to be a turnkey example needing no work. Plus, new tires are always a bonus. If you’re looking for a fun, summertime wheeler with a removable top this Rocky looks like a champ!
The really cool version of these are the BMW engined ones made by Bertone for sale in Italy and France. They were sold as Bertone Freeclimber.
Really cool version of these? LOL
That’s a good one!
https://petrolicious.com/marketplace/1990-bertone-freeclimber
I don’t know… I’m into it.
Don’t know about that Bertone, looks like a country hick trying a little too hard to look suave and sophisticated.
But the dressed down Freeclimber seems like a nicer version.
Yo, Adrian. Gonna fly now.
My granddad bought one ca. 10 years old. A Diesel. He always had transmisson problems.
What a POS. At that time i had a Nissan Patrol 1987 with 3,3 turbo d.
He had used mine often, so why a Rocky, i realy dont know.
Even for free, i would pass.
Well, if you need spare parts, there’s this offer in VA. https://harrisonburg.craigslist.org/cto/d/rare-two-1992-rocky-diahatsu/6635577008.html
I don’t know why you wouldn’t expect LHD. These were sold and marketed in the US when they were new.
Granted, Diahatsu’s stay in the US market was very brief.
I’ll never understand how one misspells the name of a vehicle when there are pictures of the badge.
looks like a dedicated transfer case so I’d B interested.
2 me, the smaller the 4WD the better (just so as not designed ‘tippy’). A ‘personal car’ U can get thru the smaller trails (most of what’s found here, back east). A larger tire for more grnd clearence? -good ta go-
Also known as Fourtrak in EU