The Daihatsu Copen was shown to the world in 1999 as a concept car
The crowd subsequently went wild, and Daihatsu put it into production
Unbelievably, the Daihatsu Copen went from concept car to production car relatively unchanged.
As you can see by scrolling to the bottom of this page, the concept car that debuted in 1999 looks exactly like the production car does.
That’s quite a mean feat for a small car brand to achieve. The production car you see here for sale also features an electric folding hardtop, making it the first-ever Kei car to feature this type of convertible roof.
The hardtop makes it quieter inside and much more tolerable to drive with the roof up. The roof’s actuation is atypically Japanese in that it’s reliable, fast and doesn’t leak.
Trainspotters will notice its roof latches – and some other parts – have been directly lifted from the Mazda MX-5. This example was Australian-delivered new and is in well above average condition for its age.
Its turbo engine sings along nicely; and for the money, it’s a rare treat that looks the part and won’t cost you the world.
The car pictured – 2004 Daihatsu Copen
This Daihatsu Copen was built in 2004 and was delivered new to Australia.
Its exterior colour of “pure white” is uncommon. It features a 660cc turbocharged engine, five-speed manual transmission and is also front-wheel drive.
The electric hardtop works excellently, and the overall roof mechanism is known to be simple and reliable. It features power steering, power windows, air conditioning, a double-din stereo with Bluetooth connectivity, a factory clear plastic windbreaker and power mirrors.
Aside from some stone chips on its front mask consummate with its age, the rest of the vehicle is in above-average condition. Its window rubbers and door moulds are in great shape, and it looks to have been garaged for the majority of its life.
Quick facts
- 2004 Daihatsu Copen
- Australian-delivered new
- Turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Five-speed manual
- Rare white paint
- Electric hardtop convertible
- Double-din stereo with Bluetooth connectivity
- Power windows, power steering, power mirrors
- Dual airbags
- Original and in above average condition
- Some log book service history
- Recent engine oil and transmission oil change
- NSW registration until February 2025
- Remote central locking
- Two keys
If you’re on a budget and up for a blast, then there’s not much that can touch the Copen on the value for money frontCar.co.uk, Daihatsu Copen review 02 May 2007
