Mitsubishi Trucks

Heavy-Duty Bonnet Trucks

A Role in the Economic Success

Japan's post-war era started out in turmoil. Understandably, the economic and industrial sectors were devastated. Chaos ruled the day for the average citizen and getting enough food to subsist on and the search for family members scattered by the turmoils of war was everyone's priority. On the manufacturing front, a willing work force and various industries which were somewhat operational were offset by the scarcity of raw materials, source of power and the almost a non-existent distribution system. For Mitsubishi and many of the pre-war zaibatsu, forced break up of the corporate structure loomed on the horizon. In fact, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was broken down into three separate companies in 1950 which further segmented an already devastated industry.

In 1946, the Japanese government in conjunction with GHQ (General Headquarters) awarded Mitsubishi permission to begin vehicle production to help relieve the severe transportation problem. Within the year, three truck models were being produced at three different manufacturing facilities. The 7-ton, T47 truck adopting one of the first chassis developed solely for truck application was produced in Tokyo. KT1 truck manufactured in Kyoto was based on the 2-ton, YB40 truck which was produced back in 1940 was powered by the 62ps, GB38 gasoline engine. The heavy-duty B1 truck with a 7-ton capacity was produced in Kawasaki and adopted the 100ps, GA gasoline engine. It was built based on the B46 bus chassis produced in the early 30s. In 1948, the B1D, a diesel powered version of the heavy-duty truck and Japan's first post-war diesel truck was introduced.

In 1949, the B1 underwent a model change to be reborn as the 7-ton, B2 truck incorporating the 110ps, DB diesel engine.

In 1951, the T31 bonnet-type heavy-duty truck was launched. It was powered by the 130ps, DB5 engine which was newly developed just the year before. Always with an eye of efficiency, Mitsubishi engineers developed a revolutionary new straight frame truck chassis which was adopted on the 8-ton capacity, T31 truck. In 1952, the T31 truck was exported to Argentina, Mitsubishi's first major truck export market. In 1954, the 7.5-ton, T32 truck was released.

In 1955, the T31 underwent a model change and was renamed the T33. The 8-ton, T33 heavy-duty truck featured a longer wheelbase than the T31and was high acclaimed in the trucking industry for ease of operation over long distances and the efficient loading and unloading of its cargo. It was powered by the 130p, DB7 diesel engine which was designed and developed in 1954. The T33's suspension served as the base for Japan's first truck with an air suspension, the AT33 introduced in 1958.

The T33 continued production until 1960 when it underwent a model change and was renamed the T330 which was also discontinued in 1968. The T31, T33 and T330 accounted for over 10,000 units produced during a seventeen year span.

The T33 also served as the base model for the T35 tractor which was released in 1957. The T35 tractor, which was fitted with air brakes, could pull a 12 to 13-ton semi-trailer. It was produced for less than a year before the T350 came on the scene in 1959 replacing it. The T35 tractor which could pull a 20-ton semi was produced until 1966.

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