Sibal (car)

Sibal (Korean: 시발; Hanja: 始發, IPA: [ɕiːbal]) was a South Korean car brand. It was the first car produced in South Korea, from May 1955 to August 1963. The word Sibal means 'inception' or 'beginning'.[1]

Sibal
A replica Sibal constructed by the Samsung Transportation Museum from the original blueprints.
Overview
Production1955-1963
AssemblyEuljiro, South Korea
Jongno, South Korea
Yongsan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Body style2 door Jeep
RelatedWillys Jeep
Nissan Patrol (4W60)
Powertrain
Engine1.3 L 1322 cc 4-cylinder
TransmissionADV 3 only go back to the 1st MT

The first Sibal was hand-built by brothers Choi Mu-seong, Choi Hae-seong and Choi Soon-seong, based on the famous Willys Jeep. Initial demands for Sibal were low. However, after winning a presidential award, production began to flourish.[2]

Overview

A replica Sibal constructed by an unknown museum.

First produced in 1955, the Sibal was initially hand-built using mostly imported parts, and a body shell made from old oil drums. Based on the Willys Jeep, production was slow until the vehicle gained a presidential award, whereupon it became a relatively popular choice for Korean taxi firms.

In 1962 the Korean government instigated The Automobile Industry Protection Act, forcing foreign manufacturers to create partnerships with existing automotive companies. As a result early versions of companies such as Kia, SsangYong and others gained cheap inroads to Korea, and the Sibal was discontinued in 1963.

See also

Notes

  1. "Sibal (1955–63)". Autocade. 2010-03-06. Retrieved 2011-12-06.
  2. "Meet the first ever Korean car". TopGear. Retrieved 2015-08-21.


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