The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The ultimate italian coachbuilder site
The Daihatsu Compagno designed by Vignale.
The Daihatsu Compagno, designed by the renowned Italian design house Vignale, was a milestone in Daihatsu’s history, blending Japanese reliability with Italian flair. Produced from 1963 to 1970, the Compagno was a versatile and stylish model lineup, with 120,000 units built during its successful run. The journey began in April 1963 with the debut of the Compagno Light Van (F30V), a practical light commercial vehicle tailored for business needs. Available in Standard and Deluxe trims, it offered reliability and functionality. Just two months later, the Compagno Wagon (F30) followed, introducing a more passenger-focused option. With enhanced comfort and features, the Wagon was Daihatsu’s first foray into passenger cars, priced around 20% higher than the Standard Light Van and signaling the brand’s ambitions in the family car market. In November 1963, the lineup expanded further with the Compagno Berlina, a sleek two-door saloon built on the F40 chassis. Available in Standard and Deluxe trims, the Berlina brought style and sophistication to the lineup. The Deluxe version, in particular, showcased Vignale’s influence with a European-inspired dashboard, luxurious detailing, and a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, making it a standout choice for those seeking elegance and functionality. The Compagno’s variety of models allowed Daihatsu to cater to a broad audience, from businesses needing a dependable commercial vehicle to families and individuals looking for an affordable, stylish car. The Italian-inspired design touches added an air of refinement that set the Compagno apart from its competition, showing the potential of international collaboration in car design. Over its seven years of production, the Compagno not only brought success to Daihatsu but also established a solid foundation for the company’s future in the passenger car market. It remains a shining example of how thoughtful design and versatility can create a car that appeals to both practical and aesthetic sensibilities.
The story of Carrozzeria Vignale represents one of the many somewhat forgotten success stories born against the backdrop of an Italy that was torn apart by the Second World War and which, starting from the end of the 1950s, was able to recover enough to know a real miracle. economical just a few years later.
