Suzuki Mighty Boy

Mighty Boy SS40T
Overview
Production	02.1983–01.1988
Assembly	Kosai Assembly Plant, Hamana-gun, Shizuoka, Japan
Body and chassis
Body style	2-seater, 2 door coupé utility
Layout	FF, transversely mounted
Powertrain
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
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,150 mm
Length	3,195 mm
Width	1,395 mm
Height	1,290 mm
Curb weight	530-550kg

The Suzuki Mighty Boy is an automobile which was produced by Japanese automaker Suzuki from 1983 to 1988. It was the only "bonnet type" pick up (or coupé utility) ever sold in the 550 cc era of the Kei class. 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 restricted. While the Mighty Boy was not a runaway success and was never replaced in the Suzuki lineup, the car still has a dedicated following in Japan.

History

Front view of facelifted Mighty Boy PS-L

The rear-engined Suzuki Cervo SS40, a small sports coupé (or "Personal Car"), had been replaced by a new, front-wheel drive version based on the recently updated Alto/Fronte in June 1982. Suzuki then surprised everybody by developing a small Coupé Utility version based on the sporty Cervo. Based on the principles and regulations of the Japanese keijidōsha class of vehicles, the Mighty Boy was released in February 1983. While retaining the look of the Cervo with its wide B-pillars, the Mighty Boy had its own rear design. A small flat bed of no more than 600 mm length was only of limited utility, but the low slung driving position was both more comfortable and completely unlike any of the cab forward pickups in the Japanese micro truck market. The (comparatively) spacious cabin also offered sliding and reclining seats, and a reasonably large luggage area behind the seats.

The Mighty Boy 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 four-speed manual or optional two-speed automatic gearbox, the single-carb F5A motor delivered 28 PS (21 kW) JIS at 6,000 rpm (22.7 kW or 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, used cheaper round sealed-beam units. A feature unique to the Mighty Boy were the seats, which although still similar to those featured in the Cervo CS/G, featured a customised embossed "Mighty Boy" logo.

The 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 first generation Mighty Boy and was available with a four-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 a two-speed automatic or a five-speed manual gearbox was offered, and rectangular headlights were fitted.

By January 1988, a new Cervo had been presented and the SS40C was discontinued, bringing with it the end of the Mighty Boy.

Export markets

Australian market Mighty Boy with luggage rails

The only regular export markets for the Suzuki Mighty Boy were Australia and Cyprus between 1985 and 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, it did not include such items as a tachometer or the five-speed manual gearbox. The manual version sold for A$5,795 when introduced to Australia, the cheapest automobile available there at the time.^[1]

About 2,800 were imported, but only 300 to 400 now exist.

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. Brown, Jeff (November 1985). "The Mighty Boy might look like a toy, but it's practical, and sometimes it's even fun". Modern Motor.

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.
• Kazuo Ozeki, Suzuki Story: Small Cars, Big Ambitions. Miki Press: 2007. ISBN 978-4-89522-503-8
• Schaefers, Martin. "History of Suzuki Kei Jidosha". Far East Auto Literature. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08.
• "U's Station On the Net - Short Catalog by Model". Suzuki Motor Corporation. Archived from the original on 2010-07-05.

External links

• Team MightyBoy - An Australian-based MightyBoy enthusiast group