This Isuzu R6 Spider is one of those racing cars from the late-1960s and early-1970s that punched well above its weight! Let’s honour it with this cutaway drawing by Takashi Jufuku!

Isuzu R6 Spider cutaway drawing by Takashi Jufuku
Isuzu R6 Spider cutaway drawing by Takashi Jufuku

Powered by the same DOHC inline-4 that powered the Isuzu Bellet, it wasn’t a promising combo. The engine featured Solex PHH carburettors and had an output of 180hp in the R6 spider. Magic happened and it managed to qualify as second on the Suzuka 500km and managed to finish 4th.

The spider shouldn't be confused with the 1969 Isuzu R6 coupé
The spider shouldn’t be confused with the 1969 Isuzu R6 coupé

Even though the R6 Spider featured the same engine, it shouldn’t be confused with the 1969 Isuzu R6 coupé. The Spider was an open top development of the coupé.

Isuzu R6 Spider at the 1970 Fuji International 200 miles driven by Shigeaki Asaoka
Isuzu R6 Spider at the 1970 Fuji International 200 miles driven by Shigeaki Asaoka

The R6 Spider did compete in most other Gran Championship races in 1970 before being succeeded by the Isuzu R7 which was powered by a Chevrolet V8. The arm of GM was apparently longer than the Pacific Ocean and it’s a shame the Isuzu inline-4 was ditched in favour of the Chevy V8.