Isuzu 810: the heavy truck that became the Giga

The Isuzu 810 is a heavy-duty truck that Isuzu introduced in August 1983 as the successor to its New Power range. It was sold outside Japan as the C and E series, where C stood for rigid trucks and E for semi-tractors, and it stayed in production until the Giga took over in 1994–1995.

Isuzu 810 at a glance

based on one source (English Wikipedia)

History of the Isuzu 810

Launch in 1983

The 810 arrived in August 1983 as the replacement for the New Power line. Although it came later than some rivals to a full model change, it brought several novelties: an Engine One-Key System that controlled preheating and running from the ignition key alone, a multi-use seat and bed arrangement that folded the passenger and centre seats into a sleeping space, and early cars with round four-headlamp styling, fog lamps and distinctive step and fender designs. The range was organised by drive type: CX and CV models were rigid trucks and EX models were tractor units. In September 1983 Isuzu added more tractors, with V10- and V12-engined semi-tractors and full tractors available only with the V12, marked out by special front badging.

810 Super

In February 1986 the truck was updated and renamed the 810 Super. The changes met stricter Japanese noise regulations but also brought rectangular headlights, cleaner and straighter body lines, a steering lock and the new 6SD1 turbocharged engine. From September 1986 Isuzu offered its own NAVi 6 automated manual transmission as an option, an early step towards automatic operation of heavy trucks. In July 1987 came air-suspended cargo trucks with a levelling valve that kept ride height constant whatever the load, and the intercooled turbo 6RB1 engine on the CXG model.

810 Super II and 810EX

The September 1989 Super II update redesigned the grille, added protective rubber to the bumper and revised the Isuzu emblem and its position, while the cab took on a black-based colour scheme and the interior became fully trimmed. A permanent-magnet retarder was optional, and the range was revised for the new Japanese emissions rules. In 1991 the retarder appeared on selected models, anti-lock brakes became standard on all tractors, and air-suspension seats with automatic weight adjustment were made standard on semi-tractors. The last facelift came in July 1992 as the 810EX, with a new logo, front mask and headlights shared with the Elf and Forward, integrated fog lamps, the 6WA1 24-valve overhead-cam diesel and, on some models, hill start assist. The Giga appeared in November 1994 as a rigid truck, and the last 810s were built in mid-1995.

Design and features

• Engine One-Key System: preheating and starting from the ignition key, without separate relays and switches.
• Cab that sleeps: a multi-use seat and bed system for long-distance drivers.
• NAVi 6: Isuzu’s automated manual gearbox, optional from 1986.
• Air suspension: cargo trucks with a levelling valve from 1987.
• Safety kit: retarders, anti-lock brakes on tractors and hill start assist on the 810EX.

Isuzu 810 versions

• 810 (1983–1986): round headlights, CX/CV rigids and EX tractors.
• 810 Super (1986–1989): rectangular lights, 6SD1 turbo and optional NAVi 6.
• 810 Super II (1989–1992): new grille, black-based cab and emissions updates.
• 810EX (1992–1995): new front end, 6WA1 engine and hill start assist.
• Export C and E series: C for rigid trucks, E for semi-tractors.

The 810 was replaced by the Giga; its headlights were shared with the Elf and Forward. More trucks are in the Isuzu collection.

Video: 1990 Isuzu 810 CVR14 Startup

Video by AlcoreX22 on YouTube.

Sources

• Isuzu 810, English Wikipedia: history, updates, model lineup