PH 100

In 1956 Rootes UK introduced the new, modern styled Minx, codenamed Audax (which is Latin for "Bold"). This was a completely new body, but did carry over the new overhead valve engine from the Mark VIII. Isuzu released its version of the Audax Minx - the PH100 model, on 19 September 1956. The P100 had 46 horsepower and was rated to carry 5 people. Shortly before the PH100, Isuzu had localised production of the engine and gearbox and local content reached 50%. In the next 12 months they localised production of the body, and soon local content reached 100%. The first all-Japanese Minx (a PH100) rolled off the production line on 28 October 1957, just 4 years after the first PH10.
The PH100 model saw Isuzu begin to take the car in their own direction. In January 1958 they released a new model, the Super Deluxe, better equipped and at a higher price than the existing Minx. Then in March 1958 came the Standard model (a very basic car) at a lower price than the Minx.
The PH100 model saw Isuzu begin to take the car in their own direction. In January 1958 they released a new model, the Super Deluxe, better equipped and at a higher price than the existing Minx. Then in March 1958 came the Standard model (a very basic car) at a lower price than the Minx.
PH 200

The PH200 model resembled the UK Hillman Minx Series 2. Power of the Standard car was up from 46 to 50 horsepower, and the Super Deluxe was up to 55 horsepower. Seating capacity was now rated at 6. Standard and Super Deluxe seemed to be the only options so it appears the mid-range Minx was quietly dropped around this time.
PH 300

In October 1959 Isuzu released the PH300 model, facelifted to resemble the Series 3 UK Hillman Minx. With the facelift came the larger 1494 cc motor as in the UK Minx. The Standard car now had 60 HP and the Super Deluxe had 62.
PH 400

The PH 400 model was released in October 1960. It was almost the equivalent of the UK Series 3A facelift, except that the Isuzu model retained the smaller windscreen fitted to earlier models (whereas in the UK and other markets a larger (deeper) windscreen was adopted. Isuzu released revised versions of the PH 400 in October 1961, October 1962 and April 1963. However the body remained essentially unchanged and the model continued to be called the PH 400 until June 1964, when production ceased. The photo here is of a 1964 Super Deluxe model.
While the Standard model remained quite basic in specification, the Super Deluxe became a very well equipped car for its day. It had much more comprehensive instrumentation than the UK Hillman Minxes, with ammeter and oil pressure gauges and a clock. Radio and heater were standard and later models even had little touches like a handbrake warning light and self-dipping headlights (this was a deliberate feature, not the accidental result of having Lucas electrics). Fancy two-tone upholstery set off the interior.
Information that has just come to light suggests that in this period Isuzu offered disc brakes and a floor shift as an option on some cars, using parts imported from Rootes in the UK
While the Standard model remained quite basic in specification, the Super Deluxe became a very well equipped car for its day. It had much more comprehensive instrumentation than the UK Hillman Minxes, with ammeter and oil pressure gauges and a clock. Radio and heater were standard and later models even had little touches like a handbrake warning light and self-dipping headlights (this was a deliberate feature, not the accidental result of having Lucas electrics). Fancy two-tone upholstery set off the interior.
Information that has just come to light suggests that in this period Isuzu offered disc brakes and a floor shift as an option on some cars, using parts imported from Rootes in the UK