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Daihatsu New Line: 1963–1968 pickups and vans
Daihatsu New Line — 1963–1968 m. Daihatsu-built compact pickups and vans, created on the Hijet platform but slightly larger and sturdier. We briefly look at their history and what collectors should know.
New Line briefly
The Daihatsu New Line was a compact series of pickups and vans produced from 1963 to 1968. It was based on the first-generation Hijet 'keitora' and microbuses but was slightly larger and more robust.
Unlike the Hijet with its 356 cm³ two-stroke engine, the New Line featured a 797 cm³ four-cylinder engine, also used in the Daihatsu Compagno. These vehicles are rarely seen in Lithuania.
Two generations
The first generation (L50) debuted in January 1963. It was a pickup with a traditional layout: engine up front, rear-wheel drive, and the driver seated behind the engine. It was 350 mm longer than the Hijet and could carry around 500 kg.
The second generation (S50, S50T) was offered from February 1966 as the 'New-Line Cab' with a cab-over-engine design. It replaced the L50 and was produced until March 1968, after which it was succeeded by the larger Daihatsu Delta 750.
Engine and tech
The first-generation L50 had an 800 cm³ engine with around 41 PS and a top speed of about 95 km/h with low gears. The cargo bed was practical — around 1,405 mm long, compared to the Hijet's approximately 1,075 mm.
The engine was shared with the Daihatsu Compagno, so some parts and technical solutions were common. The gearbox was manual.
What to check when buying a New Line
Authenticity is key, along with the condition of the body and chassis. These cars were often driven hard and left to rust, so check the floors, sills, and boot.
Parts are rare, so it's crucial to find out if they can be sourced from Japan or collectors. Reach out to Daihatsu specialists.
Trim levels
This model didn't have modern trim structures; versions differed by generation and body style.
New Line pikapas ir furgonas
1963–1968Compact utility vehicles with a 797 cm3 engine.
- 797 cm3 four-cylinder petrol engine
- Pickup and van body styles
- Often — basic trim
Comparing New Line generations
| L50 (1963–1966) | S50 Cab (1966–1968) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For fans of classic pickup styling | For those who love cab-over-engine designs |
| Body style overview | Engine at the front, driver behind it | Cab over engine |
| Engine | 797 cc, around 41 PS | Around 800 cc |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | € | € |
Both New Line generations are for collectors only. Choose based on the body style you like and the car's condition.
Pros
- Simple and sturdy construction
- Interesting piece of Daihatsu history
- Practical pickup body
- Rare collector's car
Cons
- Very limited supply
- Parts are almost impossible to find
- Old model with a high risk of rust
Frequently asked questions
When was the Daihatsu New Line produced?
1963–1968 models
How does the New Line differ from the Hijet?
It's larger and sturdier, with a 797 cm³ four-cylinder engine instead of a small two-cylinder.
What replaced the New Line?
The second time around, it was superseded by the larger Daihatsu Delta 750.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
