The 1969 Isuzu Bellett R6 is unique in automotive history as a 'what could have been' phenomenon. The prototype race car, the Bellet R6, was developed by a Japanese company, Isuzu Motors, to compete in the then prestigious Japanese Grand Prix. This endeavor marked Isuzu's ambitious foray into national motorsport during the late 1960s.
While the Isuzu Bellet R6 never fulfilled its competitive destiny, it showed what Isuzu wanted to achieve with its cars in the late 1960s. Isuzu had previously been active in touring car racing with factory-supported vehicles. However, this attempted foray into prototype racing was a brand-new venture for the small company.
Rear shot of the Isuzu Bellett R6
The Bellet R6 was powered by the G161W engine, a 1.6-liter, twin-cam, inline-four sourced from Isuzu's 117 Coupé. This engine choice aligned with the regulations and competitive standards of the Japanese Grand Prix during that period.
Credit: Fastestlaps.com
Isuzu Bellett R6 going sideways at a 1960s version of Suzuka.
The Bellet R6's chassis and fiberglass shell shape were reminiscent of its then-competition, the Porsche 906, and Japanese compatriots, the Nissan R380 and Daihatsu P5.
The front wheel arches come halfway up the windscreen!
During practice for the 1969 Japanese Grand Prix, driver Yonemura encountered bearing failure, necessitating an emergency engine swap. Unfortunately, both cars experienced repeated mechanical troubles in the race, preventing them from achieving their intended performance, which was a big disappointment for Isuzu. Credit: Pasta2000
Today, the 1969 Isuzu Bellett R6 is rarely remembered and included in the prototype class of racing chatter. It was a testament to Isuzu's brief but ambitious involvement in prototype racing. While it did not succeed in competition, the R6 remains a symbol of the innovative engineering that characterized Isuzu's approach to Japanese national motorsport during the 1960s.
Image: Pasta2000
This car can race against broad competition; a perfect match would be the Daihatsu P5 mentioned above, which is available for free right here on OverTake.gg! The Bellett R6 is best enjoyed with an H-pattern shifter and clutch pedal, being a 4-speed manual, but if you lack either of those, fear not! The car is great fun to drive and still a real challenge on sequential stick or paddle shift.
What do you think about the new Isuzu Bellet R6 mod for Assetto Corsa? Let us know in the comments down below!
While the Isuzu Bellet R6 never fulfilled its competitive destiny, it showed what Isuzu wanted to achieve with its cars in the late 1960s. Isuzu had previously been active in touring car racing with factory-supported vehicles. However, this attempted foray into prototype racing was a brand-new venture for the small company.
Rear shot of the Isuzu Bellett R6
Development and Design
The Bellett R6 was constructed on a tubular monocoque chassis, adorned with a well-sculpted fiberglass body with advanced aerodynamics for the 1960s. The lightweight characteristics of the Bellet R6 helped immensely to bury the worry of a lack of power from the 1.6 inline-four engine. This design choice was indicative of Isuzu's newfound presence in the racing world, creating a competitive race car that could rival the company's much bigger rivals at the company's eventual goal, the Japanese Grand Prix.The Bellet R6 was powered by the G161W engine, a 1.6-liter, twin-cam, inline-four sourced from Isuzu's 117 Coupé. This engine choice aligned with the regulations and competitive standards of the Japanese Grand Prix during that period.
| Engine type | Inline 4 |
| Displacement | 1600 L (98 ci) |
| Power | 122 ps (120 bhp / 89 kw) @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 142 Nm (105 lb-ft) @ 4600 rpm |
| Power/liter | 76 ps (75 hp) |
| Power/weight | 243 ps (240 bhp) / t |
| Torque/weight | 284 Nm (209 lb-ft) / t |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Layout | Mid-engined, rear wheel drive |
Isuzu Bellett R6 going sideways at a 1960s version of Suzuka.
The Bellet R6's chassis and fiberglass shell shape were reminiscent of its then-competition, the Porsche 906, and Japanese compatriots, the Nissan R380 and Daihatsu P5.
Racing Intentions and Legacy
The Bellett R6 was developed with the specific goal of competing in the Japanese Grand Prix. Isuzu's participation in this event was part of a broader strategy to establish a presence in the racing community and showcase its engineering capabilities. However, despite the R6's promising design and engineering, it did not succeed significantly on the racetrack. The challenges of competing against more established manufacturers and the evolving landscape of motorsports led to the R6 remaining a prototype with limited racing exposure.The front wheel arches come halfway up the windscreen!
During practice for the 1969 Japanese Grand Prix, driver Yonemura encountered bearing failure, necessitating an emergency engine swap. Unfortunately, both cars experienced repeated mechanical troubles in the race, preventing them from achieving their intended performance, which was a big disappointment for Isuzu. Credit: Pasta2000
Today, the 1969 Isuzu Bellett R6 is rarely remembered and included in the prototype class of racing chatter. It was a testament to Isuzu's brief but ambitious involvement in prototype racing. While it did not succeed in competition, the R6 remains a symbol of the innovative engineering that characterized Isuzu's approach to Japanese national motorsport during the 1960s.
Assetto Corsa
The Bellet R6 is not a new player in the world of Assetto Corsa mods. However, this version certainly is. Created by @Pasta2000, this free mod is currently in v0.9. That said, it is more than drivable and is fantastic fun to chuck around period correct circuits!Image: Pasta2000
This car can race against broad competition; a perfect match would be the Daihatsu P5 mentioned above, which is available for free right here on OverTake.gg! The Bellett R6 is best enjoyed with an H-pattern shifter and clutch pedal, being a 4-speed manual, but if you lack either of those, fear not! The car is great fun to drive and still a real challenge on sequential stick or paddle shift.
What do you think about the new Isuzu Bellet R6 mod for Assetto Corsa? Let us know in the comments down below!
