The Bellett was a routine subcompact car built by Isuzu in Japan from 1963 to 1973. A few of them were imported to the U.S. West Coast in the mid-1960s, but by an importer rather than Isuzu itself (which wouldn’t start doing so in earnest until the 1980s). Because the seller’s 1967 Bellett is right-hand drive, we assume it came to the U.S. through other channels. Located in Hartland, Wisconsin, this garage find is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,900. A nod goes to barn finder “MisterLou” for this odd duck tip.
Isuzu’s first big exposure to the U.S. market probably came in the early 1970s. General Motors had acquired a stake in the company and began bringing in the Chevrolet LUV pickups (whose name was an acronym for Light Utility Vehicle as a small, rebadged Isuzu truck). In Japan, the Bellett replaced a version of the Hillman Minx that Isuzu had been producing under license.
Two and four-door sedans were the most common iterations of the Bellett, and a small inline-4 produced enough power for most driving situations. Though rarely seen in the U.S. nowadays, Isuzu built more than 170,000 of them in 11 years. Little information is imparted about this unit by the seller, who may simply not know much of its history. The mileage is said to be 100,000 miles (placeholder?), and a manual transmission is present (4-speed?).
We’re told the little engine in this automobile will turn (by hand?), but the car hasn’t run in years. The body may be okay, although some corrosion is trying to work its way into the lower extremities. The interior may be okay, and – if you can get the Bellett going again – its RHD layout would surely turn a few heads at Cars & Coffee.
A manual and Rear Wheel Drive? In a sub compact? Count me in but not at that price. Don’t know much about these but if the handling is any good it could be like a 2002 or another sporty subcompact sedan of the era. Are those skis laying along the center of the car inside? It’s like something I would do.
Pretty skinny skis….
Nice looking car. I’ve heard of the Isuzu Bellett. I don’t recall whether they were ever imported to the USA. I know I’ve never seen one.
If things had gone to plan it could have been the Studebaker Bellett.
https://www.hemmings.com/stories/the-studebaker-bellet/
I remember seeing some in Canada, but never in the States. The four door version reminded me a bit of the FB Series Vauxhall Victor.
Dual overhead cams… two BIG Weber (looking) side draft carbs… In 1967?… What the heck is going on here Isuzu? Tryin’ to win races or something? Very cool car!
The engine looks like it’s from a GT-R model, good for 120 PS. That’s the only DOHC engine of that era. Only 1400 were made apparently.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Bellett#GT-R
We had these in Rhodesia back in the day and they were Lotus Cortina eaters.
Here’s one. PR91 should be the code for GT-R and twin cam engine.
https://carfromjapan.com/cheap-used-isuzu-bellet-for-sale?position=Header
Early LHD Isuzu Bellets were sold in the US in limited numbers, but only the more basic models. Domestically known as the “Japanese Alfa,” the top line GT-R models were impressive with Isuzu’s own side draft twin-cam engine (1600 or 1800cc), 5 speed transmission, and IRS. The car being featured is an early two head light JDM 1967 Bellett GT with interesting modifications including the later GT-R twin-cam engine (likely with a 5 speed) and later year tail lamps. In Japan, there is a big following & support for the sporting models.
At half the price, this would be very tempting. Belletts were well screwed together, reliable and a good drive.
I seem to remember reading about these.I believe
it was Pete Brock,of BRE fame,raced a pair of these.
There was some footage of these taken in(I think) Tillamook,Oregon.
Before the Datsuns, Brock raced the rear engined Hino Contessa. Google Pete Brock Hino Contessa & you’ll find a great article about it from Hagerty.