Kurogane Baby History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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The Kurogane Baby was developed out of technology inherited when Kurogane assumed operations of Ohta Jidosha in 1957. Introduced in April 1959, it was a kei-class vehicle — complying with Japan's light-vehicle regulations — available in van ('Light Van'), enclosed cab ('Commercial'), canvas-top wagon ('Canvas Wagon'), and open pickup ('Carrier') body styles.
Power came from a rear-mounted 356 cc water-cooled overhead-valve two-cylinder engine producing 18 PS, driving the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual gearbox. The van weighed approximately 540 kg and measured 2,990 mm long. Despite covering the bases of Japan's nascent microvan market, the Baby was undercut on price by the Subaru Sambar and Suzuki Carry, and production ended in January 1961 — a commercial life of under two years.
Body styles
- Van
- Pickup truck
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