Isuzu Elf First Generation 1959-1965
| Isuzu Elf / Isuzu N-Series | |
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Isuzu |
| Also called |
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| Production | 1959-present |
| Assembly |
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| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Truck |
| Body style | Truck (standard cab, crew cab) |
| Related |
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| Powertrain | |
| Transmission | (w/diesel engine) 1988-98 Jatco JR403E 4 speed auto 1999+ Aisin AW450-43LE 4 speed auto (w/gas engine) GM Hydramatic 4L80-E 4 speed auto 5/6 speed manual |
The Isuzu Elf (Japanese: いすゞ・エルフ) is a medium duty truck produced by Isuzu since 1959.
Outside Japan it is known as N-series The range was originally mainly available in Japan and other Asian countries Australia was another important market for the Elf and N-Series - to the extent that it was manufactured there from the 1970s using many local components Since the early 1980s, it has also been sold and built in the United States (under the Chevrolet and GMC brand as a W-Series), and also as the Isuzu N-series North America only receives the wide-cab versionFor the common Andinian market (including Chile and Peru), the truck has been assembled in the GM-Colmotores assembling plant in Bogotá, Colombia since 1991, with annual quantities already of 20,000 up to 60,000 units. Local assembly has been increasing because of increasing demand in the Colombian and neighboring markets. It carries "Tecnología Isuzu" (with Isuzu Technology) lettering.
In Indonesia, Philippines and several other countries, the Elf is not only used as trucks, but also converted into microbuses by local body makers. The lighter four-wheeled models are commonly used as an intercity Angkot (share taxi), as a school bus, or as an employee bus.
First generation
The cab-over 2-tonne (4,400 lb) Elf (TL221) was originally introduced in August 1959. It was originally only available with the 1.5 litres (1,491 cc) GL150 petrol engine with 60 PS (44 kW). It had single headlights and rear-hinged doors. A longer wheelbase version, on 2,460 mm (97 in) versus the 2,180 mm (86 in) of the regular version, was also available. This carries the TL251 chassis code.
In March 1960 a 2-liter diesel engine with 52 PS (38 kW) was introduced (TL121/151), a first for the class in Japan - this was soon followed by diesel models from Isuzu's competitors. In 1962 the engines were updated, and now have 72 and 55 PS (53 and 40 kW) respectively. The chassis codes were changed to TL321/351 for the diesel version, reflecting the installation of the all new DL201 engine. A little later, the chassis codes were reorganized and were now TLG10/11 for the petrol models and TLD10/11 for the diesels. In 1964 the long wheelbase model became the standard version. In 1964 the diesel was also upgraded to the larger 2.2-litre C220 with 62 PS (46 kW). In 1965 the front was redesigned, now with twin headlights.
Isuzu ended up offering a very wide variety of bodyworks for the first Elf. There was the original integrated bed, as well as a separate truckbed with dropsides. There was a double-cab version available, as well as special bodywork for dedicated purposes such as a soda truck, a dumper, and a tanker. There was also a "Route Van" model with a glazed rear compartment and seating either three or six, as well as the "Elf Bus" which was available in two models from 1960. The Elf Light Bus has integrated bodywork and the long wheelbase and seats 21 passengers (chassis codes BL171/271 for the diesel/petrol) while the Elf Micro Bus fit into the very narrow slot between the Route Van and the Light Bus. The Micro Bus originally had the Route Van's bodywork but was more passenger oriented (seating 12 or 15). It carried the TL121/151/21/251B chassis codes, and from 1961 it received its own rear bodywork with bigger glazing. The Elf Bus later became its own line, called the Isuzu Journey.