In order to understand the Toyota Publica, or many other Japanese cars of its type, you need to understand the concept of the “national car” as outlined by the Japanese government, specifically the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The MITI called for the design of a people’s car that could go at least 100 km/h, could go to 100,000 kilometers without needing major repairs, weight below 400kg, and fuel consumption not exceeding 30 km/L at the average speed of 60 km/h.
With a 790cc engine which produced 36 horsepower/26kW, the Toyota Publica certainly fit the bill of the MITI for the national car.
