紅極一時 – Model 1 Isuzu NHR 1987
繼推出1993年第五代版本Isuzu ELF (NHR)後，品牌食髓知咪推出1987年第四代版本，硬朗線條及方燈造型依今仍然為人所熟悉。
第四代NHR早於1984年面世，87年2月，五十鈴對NHR進行重要改款，前水箱護罩從原有五個方形孔改為兩個長方形設計，車頭燈組同步採用矩形配置。該年份NHR搭載經典4JB1自然吸氣柴油引擎，2.8升排量輸出87匹馬力，最大扭力172Nm/2,200rpm。這一代NHR亦開始國產化，生產的企業包括廣州五十鈴、江鈴等，亦衍生一眾魔改版本。
筆者對第四代NHR的印象主要來自小時候，內地親戚駕駛雙排版本去火車站接車，當年應該係慢慢由電單車升級到輕型卡車的時候，基本整條街都是Isuzu NHR，分別在於軟頂還是硬頂，算是小小的童年回憶。Model 1自推出雙排版NHR起便叫好叫座，側鏡、分件頭燈、可開啟貨斗尾門、車底結構及可排式「軟篷」等都讓這台不到$90的1/64小車增加賣點。
Classic Revival – Model 1 Isuzu NHR 1987
Following the release of the 1993 fifth-generation Isuzu ELF (NHR), the brand capitalized on success by launching the 1987 fourth-generation version, whose robust lines and square headlight design remain familiar to this day.
The fourth-generation NHR debuted as early as 1984. In February 1987, Isuzu implemented a significant facelift to the NHR, changing the front grille from the original five square openings to a two-rectangle design, while the headlight assemblies simultaneously adopted rectangular configurations. This model year’s NHR featured the classic 4JB1 naturally-aspirated diesel engine, with a 2.8-liter displacement producing 87 horsepower and peak torque of 172 Nm at 2,200 rpm. This generation of NHR also began localization production, with manufacturers including Guangzhou Isuzu and Jiangling Motors, spawning numerous modified variants.
My impression of the fourth-generation NHR primarily stems from childhood memories when mainland relatives drove the crew cab version to pick up passengers at train stations. That was during the gradual transition from motorcycles to light trucks, when basically entire streets were filled with Isuzu NHRs, differentiated only by soft-top or hard-top configurations – a small childhood memory. Model 1’s crew cab NHR has been well-received since launch, with features like side mirrors, separate headlights, openable cargo tailgate, chassis structure, and removable “soft canopy” adding selling points to this sub-$90 HKD 1/64 scale vehicle.
