Yesterday, we wrote about the Isuzu 117 Coupe, one of Japan’s most prominent cars (which in case you readers forgot or failed to read, holds the distinction of being the first Italian designed car in Japan). Due to its success, Isuzu created a number of vehicles that was inspired by this vehicle. One of its creations was the Isuzu Florian.

Produced from 1967 to 1983, the Isuzu Florian is an intermediate car that shares the same chassis used by the Isuzu 117 Coupe. It carried two types of body styles, the first being a four-door sedan and the second being a four-door station wagon. Upon its creation, the Isuzu Florian replaced the Bellel, another vehicle created by Isuzu.

During its run, the Isuzu Florian was equipped with a number of engine types. These included a1.6 liter PA20 I4 engine, a 1.8 liter PA30 I4, a 1.8 liter PAD20 diesel I4, and a
2.0 L C19 diesel I4 engine. Each one was paired up with a corresponding transmission that ranged from a 3-speed manual, a 4-speed manual, and a 3-speed automatic.

Upon its release, Isuzu marketed the vehicle only in limited markets worldwide. So if you have never seen one in your life, this car may not have reached the area where you’re living in. But despite its limited market, the Isuzu was able to produce a total of 145,836 Florian.

So now that you have an idea as to what makes the Isuzu Florian tick, here’s a little trivia about the car’s name. The name Florian was actually based on a Lippizan white horse that was owned by the Emperor of Austria, a character in the novel “Florian - the Emperor’s Stallion.” The book was also made into a movie in 1940. Even though it’s the name of a stallion, it’s not that actually. After all, Isuzu could’ve settled for using the name of another stallion, Black Beauty. Now that would’ve been more horrendous don’t you think?

Source: Wikipedia