Evolution of Mitsubishi Motors

Wantagh Mitsubishi, part of the Mack Markowitz Family of Dealerships, has been helping customers find their passion since 1925.  To honor over 85 years of excellence, we wanted to give our customers a brief history lesson on Mitsubishi Motors.

Automotive Innovation Since 1917

Mitsubishi Motors, Originally Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd., introduced Japan's first series-production passenger automobile.  The model A was build to rival the American and European mass-produced cars, but was discontinued in 1921 because of its high cost.

In 1934, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding merged with the Mitsubishi Aircraft Co., creating the largest private company in Japan.  The first Japanese passenger car with four-wheel drive was introduced as a prototype.  The PX33 was mainly build for military use, but the technology would later return nearly fifty years later.

Car Highlight:  Mitsubishi Model A

4-door sedan, seated 7

Front mounted 26kW, 2.8 litre straight-4 engine driving rear wheels

Speeds up to 20 miles per hour (32 km/h)

Only 22 built between 1917 and 1921

Built entirely by hand

Post Second World War

With the World War II coming to an end, the Japanese automobile industry began to change.  The production of passenger vehicles stopped, and the development of the Bus/Cargo/Scooter era began.  Now in 1946, Mitsubishi developed a three-wheels cargo carrier, named “Mizushima”, restarted production of the Fuso bus, and established a scooter, the “Silver Pigeon”.

Car Highlight:  Mitsubishi Mizushima

Three-wheeled cargo carriers

400 kg carrying capacity

Equipped with folding canvas covering windshield

 The 1960's – Family Motoring

As the 1960's rolled around, Japan's economy was at an all time high and growing.  Japanese culture was shifting towards more family oriented.  Mitsubishi brought to the market in 1953 the Mitsubishi 500, which was a mass-produced sedan to fit with the changing consumers.  Later followed the Minica kei car in 1962 and the Colt 1000 in 1963, adding to the line of family cars.

Car Highlight:  Mitsubishi 500

Compact Car, 2-door sedan

Cost 390,000 in 1960

Rear mounted, air-cooled 493 cc two-cylinder engine, 21 metric horsepower at 5,000 rpm.

3-speed manual transmission

Could reach 100 km/h

 The 1970's & 1980's – International Rallying Success

Now that Mitsubishi was a staple in the family consumer market, they focused their attention to performance.  The Japanese auto makers began developing new automotive technology and building award winning vehicles.  International rally success was due to the incredible performance of the Galants and Lancers, which are still manufactured today.

Car Highlight:  Mitsubishi Lacer (A70)

2-door or 4-door sedans, 12 models were launched (1973-1976)

Known Rally car

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog series highlighting Mitsubishi Motors from the Early 1990's through today.

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