Mitsubishi ‘Model A’ recognised by JAHFA

Designed in the Kobe shipyard of the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company (forerunner of the modern Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), the Mitsubishi ‘Model A’ was first produced in prototype form in 1917 and completed as a production model in November, 1918.

Said to be inspired by the Fiat Tipo 3, the Model A was built almost entirely by hand. Powered by a 2.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 35hp (26kW), the Model A featured a lacquered timber body and seat trim in wool cloth imported from England.

Intended as a luxury model for the Japanese elite, the Model A’s high price against British and American imports of the period meant that only 22 examples were produced to 1921. Despite its low total production, its series production status was what the JAHFA noted in inducting the Mitsubishi into the Hall of Fame.

Of the 22 Model As originally built, none survive, but a replica was built in the ‘70s, as well as a curious hybrid-engined ‘tribute’ in 2017.

The Mitsubishi Model A joins other JAHFA inductees in the Honda Civic, Toyota Sports 800, Subaru 360 and Mazda Cosmo 1100S.