A never ending search for a survivor first-gen Dodge D50-Plymouth Arrow Sport pickup truck combined with creative keywording of a local classified advertisements has unearthed another sort of captive import. Like the Dodge and Plymouth pickups, this 1974 Jeep is actually a Mitsubishi. Technically a Mitsubishi H-J58, the Mitsu-Jeep is a very near clone of its Willys cousin Jeep CJ3B. Mitsubishi manufactured all sorts of Jeeps under license from the Willys Jeep Corporation from 1953 to 1998. A 45-year run! Under the hood of this ’74 model is an early 2000 cc gasoline version of the mighty Astron series of Mitsubishi engines. The 4G52 cranks two or four wheels, and ran like a champ when we went to take a ride in the Mitsu-Jeep with current owner Steve Kopito over in Chatsworth, California. Steve is the proprietor of Owens Export Service, which has exported boatloads of American Jeeps worldwide, and imported quite a few Japanese automobiles back stateside.
The Mitsubishi Jeeps were manufactured in Japan and sold globally. With a 45 year production run there are probably still quite a few chugging along on and off the road. This particular H-J58 is all stock except for the spoked wheels and seat upgrade. Steve told us that these Mitsu-Jeeps were produced not only in great numbers, but also in multiple configurations such as the J32 Fire Engine Mitsu-Jeep. Some of the most sought after models are the Willys Wagon-style versions, which were equipped with three and four-speed gearboxes and column shift! Mitsu-Jeep powerplant choices evolved over the years from a version of the original Willys engine into Mitsubishi gas, diesel, and turbodiesel mills. This ’74 came to Steve along with a diesel equipped version in trade for a right hand drive Honda. While the diesel-powered Mitsubishi CJ3B has been sold, this 1974 Astron-powered beauty could be yours.
Find Steve Kopito over at Owens Export Service or see the classified advert on Craigslist Los Angeles.
Here is my rusty Tomica Mitsubishi jeep. It even has a flat plastic tire. How did that happen?
http://karakullake.blogspot.com/2009/11/tomicas-off-roaders.html
Wow, my head exploded and left a crater! When I lived in Japan ten years ago I saw quite a few vehicles that confused / astounded / horrified / amazed me. The closest analog to this Jeep is a Harley Davidson i encountered at the local cinema. From a distance it was a genuine Harley panhead, complete with oil leaks and a patina of constant use. Up close viewing revealed it to be a Honda copy from back in the day when trademark infringement didn’t mean anything.