*INTRODUCTION*

Mira Classic Front ViewMira Classic Rear View

OK Where to start. Ill try on this page to provide general history and information about the Mira Classic as well as associated bits and bobs. The Mira Classic is a retro styled version of the L500 series Daihatsu Mira/Cuore kei cars. In Japan its a forerunner to the mini lookalike Mira Ginos. The limited release in the UK has puzzled me though. Im not sure if its an import or official? Although a full range of parts is available from UK Daihatsu dealers. I wonder if they were brought in as part of an anniversary of Daihatsu as they started out in 1907 and these cars were around 97/98? Since writing that I recently found out (thanks to D Haswell) that around 50 Mira Classics were offered online in the UK only by Daihatsu and the first one had the reg S1 WWW! Still not sure as to the reason tho :) So far i've seen classics on a S and T plate registration.

*JAPANESE HISTORY*

On the Japanese side I found a page covering the Mira Classic on Daihatsus site. It seems like it was available in a range of different engines and interiors. The one that made the UK being the best of the bunch. EF-RL Turbo engine and 4WD. The page doesnt mention the alloy wheels or bonnet vent that grace the UK model (Photo recently found UPPER RIGHT). A 2WD and 4WD was available with the EF-RL Twin Cam 3-Cylinder 12 valve with electronically controlled fuel injection, which is stated as having the largest torque and power of the class. Three choices of colour was available in japan being dark brown mica, silver metallic and black metallic. The main features are stated as followed:

APPEARANCE AND STYLE

INTERIOR

ENGINE

PRIMARY EQUIPMENT

TURBO ONLY EQUIPMENT

The domestic monthly target of production for the classic was 3000 units. The retail price for the top of the range, 5 Door, 4WD Turbo, 5 Speed Manual (E-L510S-GMGZC which is the same Type number on the UK chassis plates) was 1,139 thousand yen??

*ORIGINS AND RELATIONS*

The classic is based on the L501 series Mira (Production 1996 to 1999)(ABOVE LEFT), in standard trim they are usually front wheel drive with normal apirated ED-20 3 cylinder OHC 850cc engine putting out 43 hp at 5600 rpm. Outside the bonnet is standard with a plain front and rear bumper. The interior is solid but nothing special.

The closest relation in Daihatsu terms is the L610S Move SR-XX(ABOVE RIGHT). The Move utilises the same EF-RL engine with 4WD but it is in a small van style people carrier body. If your stuck trying to track down tuning or specialist parts from a far its worth looking under Move L610s rather than the L510s as these seem more common in Japan. Another close relation is the UK Daihatsu Cuore Avanzato TR-XX R4 which is a 3 door L500 series Mira/Cuore with 4WD and a 4 cylinder EB-JL? engine seen further down the page in rally action. The avanzato is more of an out and out sporty performer with sports suspension, sports seats and interior. The 4 cylinder engine can be tuned extremely well too. Its also very handy because a lot of avanzato parts will fit the classic, such as suspension parts etc. :)

The classic influnced bits come from a range of different influcences. Im pretty sure the front indicators and lights are closely (identical really!) based on a Porsche 356A Speedster(ABOVE). Id say the front grille is are similar to a Mini(BELOW RIGHT) or similar 1950s austins? A35? Not sure where the rear lights are based on with a unusual split design for the split design. The design of the front seems to generate a love or hate response but everyone loves the back lights.(BELOW LEFT) :)

UK MIRA CLASSICS

OK! Ill start with the engine and transmission first. Up front theres the IHI Turbo charged EF-RL as mentioned before, other Daihatsu general EF series (I think EF is the block name) engines include:

The intercooler is force fed cold air from the bonnet vent which seals over it. Theres a five speed manual present connected to a four wheel drivetrain. Underneath i spotted on the transfer box there is a knob to select 2WD or 4WD? Havnt tried it but i assume you can choose :) Also to be seen underneath is the fill plug for the gearbox, and the level plug and also the fill plug and level for the transfer. More of which can be seen on the serving and parts page, with interval data gathered from the Move SR-XX.

The 13" Diamond cut alloy wheels (5J x 13) with 155/65 tires on the UK model are the same as fitted the Mira Avanzato TR-XX(SHOWN ABOVE). Behind the front wheels is a pair of vented disc brakes with drums on the rears. Front arches have plastic wheel arch liners and the front wings are bolt on. The whole of the front end is also bolt on. I think it would be possible to fit the front end from a normal Mira or Avanzato as it all seems interchangable. Although the front lights and fittings would also need to be swapped. A puzzling thought is the mirrors. I have read one review saying the mirrors are electric, but I can find nothing to adjust them and also no manual adjuster either. The only way to adjust them is by pushing on the glass. Anyone know any different???

To the rear of the Mira, theres a rear screen washer and wiper. The washer fills from a cap on the right side with the boot open. Theres no rear spoiler fitted like the Avanzato but I have seen Daihatsu rear spoilers available. Also in the boot is a space saver tire and jack etc. Oh and a rear window brake light.

Daihatsu have worked wonders inside. The seats are smartly trimmed in black leather. Up front a sporty wood MOMO steering wheel is fitted from the factory and the dash sports white dials and wood effect trim around the whole dash. Electric windows are fitted front and back. Does anyone have any ideas about the bobble on the dashboard? I presume its for remote unlocking?

Heres some stats and dimensions:

Does anyone know any quoted 0 to 60 times or top speeds?

This part of the site is a work in progress so please email with any ideas, thoughts or suggestions. Thanks! :)