Suzuki Mighty Boy

Mighty Boy SS40T

Production	02.1983–01.1988
Body style	2-seater, 2dr Pickup
Layout	FF, transversely mounted
Engine	F5A inline 3, 543 cc 28 PS (21 kW) at 6,000 rpm, 41 Nm at 4,000 rpm 31 PS (23 kW) at 6,000 rpm, 44 Nm at 4,000 rpm
Transmission	4/5 speed manual, 2 speed automatic
Wheelbase	2150 mm
Length	3195 mm
Width	1395 mm
Height	1290 mm
Curb weight	530-550kg

The Suzuki Mighty Boy was a small ute produced by Suzuki, a member of the Japanese Kei car family. It was classified as a commercial vehicle in Japan (and in Australia) so as to benefit from lower taxes for such vehicles, but its utilitarian values were certainly limited.

History

Based on the principles and regulations of the Japanese keijidōsha class of vehicles, the Mighty Boy is a Coupé utility variation of the second generation, two-door fastback coupé Suzuki Cervo. Released in February 1983, it was equipped with a 543 cc, SOHC three-cylinder transversely mounted engine (F5A). However, unlike its cousin the Cervo, no turbo was available for the Mighty Boy.

Driving the front wheels through a 4-speed manual or optional 2-speed automatic gearbox, the F5A motor delivered 28 PS (21 kW) JIS at 6,000 rpm (22.7 kW/30.9 PS and 43.1 Nm at 3,500 rpm was claimed in Australia)^[1] of power at the flywheel. Model designation for the Suzuki MightyBoy is "SS40T".

First generation Mighty Boys were fitted with 10" wheels, and sported a horizontally finned grille, identical to the Cervo. While the Cervo used rectangular headlights, the Mighty Boy, as befitting the cheapest automobile available in Japan, cheaper round sealed-beam units. A feature unique to the Mighty Boy was the seats, which although still similar to those featured in the Cervo CS/G, featured a customised embossed "Mighty Boy" logo.

Second generation Mighty Boys received minor cosmetic upgrades, including a restyled front grille and mirrors. In addition, the range was extended to two variants:

• PS-A - This 'base' model carried over the 10" wheels from the 1st generation Mighty Boy and was available with a 4-speed manual transmission only.
• PS-L and PS-QL - This model was equipped with bucket seats, larger 12" wheels, chrome roof/tie-down rails, and a tachometer. In contrast to the base model, a choice of 2-speed automatic or 5-speed manual gearbox was offered, and rectangular headlights were fitted.

Export Markets

Australian market Mighty Boy with luggage rails

The only export markets for the Suzuki Mighty Boy were Australia and Cyprus between 1985-1988. Imported through Suzuki/Ateco, Australia received a hybrid of the Japanese PS-A and PS/QL second generation Mighty Boy that included chrome roof rails, bucket seats and 12" wheels, however did not include such items as a tachometer or 5-speed manual gearbox. The manual version sold for AU$5795 when introduced to Australia, the cheapest automobile available there at the time.^[1]

About 2,800 were imported^{[citation needed]}, but only 300-400 now exist, and the price of Mighty Boys has increased dramatically recently due to their rarity.

Specifications

Model designation: SS40T
Engine model: F5A
Bore x Stroke (mm): 62x60
Capacity: 543 cc
Power output: 28 PS (21 kW) JIS at 6,000 rpm Compression ratio: 8.5:1

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} Brown, Jeff (November 1985). "The Mighty Boy might look like a toy, but it’s practical, and sometimes it’s even fun". Modern Motor. http://www.teammightyboy.com/media-files/34-magazine-articles/53-modernmotor85. 

References

• Car Graphic: Car Archives Vol. 11, '80s Japanese Cars. Nigensha: 2007. ISBN 978-4-544-91018-6
• "マイティーボーイ (Mighty Boy)". Garage Cervo. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. http://www.geocities.jp/sironinja/cervo/history/mighty.html. 
• Kazuo Ozeki, Suzuki Story: Small Cars, Big Ambitions. Miki Press: 2007. ISBN 978-4-89522-503-8
• Martin Schaefers. "History of Suzuki Kei Jidosha". Far East Auto Literature. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. http://www.xs4all.nl/~mjs/suzukik.html. 
• "U's Station On the Net - Short Catalog by Model". Suzuki Motor Corporation. Archived from the original on 2010-07-05. http://www.suzuki-w.co.jp/history2/mightyboy/migkeifu.html. 

External links

• Team MightyBoy - An Australian-based MightyBoy enthusiast group