[3] The Florian saloon, competing in the intermediate class that included the Toyota Mark II, Mazda Luce, and the Nissan Laurel, was first shown at the 1967 Tokyo Motor Show.
[4] The Florian 1600 Deluxe (PA20) led a somewhat uneasy existence as the top-of-the line Isuzu at the time of introduction, as its single carburetted overhead valve G161 engine was no more than a downtuned version of the unit which lived under the hood of the more affordable Bellett.
In March 1969 the sportier 1600 TS ("Touring Sports") appeared, fitted with the Bellett GT's twin carb engine, producing 90 PS (66 kW) at 5,400 rpm.
[2] Originally fitted with large, single rectangular headlights, the sporting 1600 TS introduced twin round units, a layout which became standard following the Florian's first facelift in October 1970.
The six-light glasshouse is of an unusual shape, with the rear doors being shared with the double-cab Isuzu Faster (KB) pickup truck.
Originally available as a six-seater with a column-mounted three-speed shifter (or automatic), a floor-shifted five-seat model called "Owners DeLuxe" was also marketed in the first year.
[6] The sales gain was short-lived, however, as diesel-engined versions of Nissan's Laurel, Mazda Luce and Toyota's Mark II rivals arrived during 1978 and 1979.
The Florian II also received improved equipment, including a variable-ratio steering gear and heating ducts in the rear seat.
The modified engine, which meets the 1978 emissions standards for gasoline passenger vehicles, also has five extra horsepower for a total of 110 PS (81 kW).