Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Impressions
Date: December 1969
Author: Shotaro Kobayashi

Road testing the Isuzu Bellett 1600GTR

When Paul Frere first came to Japan, he said that his favorite of all the Japanese cars he test drove was the Bellett 1600GT, which had been tuned to be low and stiff. He also suggested that the Bellett GTX, which was active in touring car racing with a twin-cam engine from the 117 Coupe, should be made commercially available. The manufacturer seemed interested in this idea, and almost immediately, the car was released under the name 1600GTR (Tokyo price, 1.16 million yen). The general outline of the GTR, compared to the GT, is that its suspension has been lowered and stiffened to a standard similar to that of Isuzu’s existing Stage I sports kit (for gymkhana), radial tires have been fitted, and it is equipped with the same DOHC four-cylinder engine as the 117 Coupe.

Publication: Car Graphic
Format: Road Test
Date: June 1971
Author: “C/G Test Group” (uncredited)

Summary: The ultimate Bellett GT. In exchange for a stiff ride at low speeds and excessive noise at high speeds, the performance and maneuverability are the best in the class, the steering is unmatched in its quickness, the power-off oversteer from the rear swing axle is moderately suppressed, it is extremely fast and exciting to drive on winding roads, and even with limited space in the back seat, which effectively makes it a 2+2, it is a very good car. The poor ventilation and heating system shows the age of the design.