Overlandia: Canadians Embrace Japan’s Stealthy Adventure Veh

[Island Hopper]

Hi all,
Nice to see an article in Adventure Journal about our Delica's.

http://www.adventure-journal.com/2014/0 ... is-delica/

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"Blumel’s description of his Delica seems perfect for the dirtbag demographic who purchase them: “These vans are slow, simple, have 4×4 and high clearance, but are very gutless"

What a charming description of Delicas and their owners....

I think I'll stick to Overland Journal.

[Big-Bird]

Let's be fair he was only singling out the L300 in the article. Not the Spacegear.

But dirtbag is a strong word word, certainly would not be my choice in any article I write.....and I did that game for 10 years!

[patriceboivin]

"But there is the tiny issue of driving an underpowered vehicle with the steering wheel on the wrong side (a chore that’s complicated if you have to operate a standard stick-shift)."

I don't find that at all, though mine is an automatic -- I drove my Delica off the Autoport lot without any prior practice driving RHD, it came naturally to me and I discovered it's actually easier to drive RHD than the other way because you're closer to the curb. The curb is a more reliable point of reference than those half-faded, often crooked lines city crews paint on the road.

It seems safer to me too -- I am nowhere near all the oncoming traffic; the Delica is not as wide as many vehicles; it's easy to ensure you stay closer to the right, giving more clearance to people in the passing lanes (when I"m not passing others, that is). There is no visibility problem at all, I can even see the top of the roof of 95% of the vehicles on the road, including vans and pickup trucks. And the hood is so short that I can see the road right in front of me; no worries there.

One funny thing I have seen a few times is people driving along, then they realize there is no driver in the left hand side, and they are distracted because they are so insular that they had no idea that RHD vehicles exist. (Oh and I did look up the definition of "insular" )

[Big-Bird]

The article was only partly right.

the other stuff was way off the mark and his dirtbag comment was offensive.

Ah the power of free speech.....dum-a$$ writer.

Look at this posting on their own forum board...HA HA!

Rather(not), Dan May 8, 2014

A question for the writer of this article:

What exactly did you mean by this line? “Blumel’s description of his Delica seems perfect for the dirtbag demographic who purchase them:”

To use the literary paintbrush and label current owners and prospective buyers of Delicas, or any vehicle for that matter, with the term DirtBag Demographic is harsh and frankly offensive.

While many owners of Delica’s around the world enjoy their rides I highly doubt any of them would agree with this label let alone emulate it.

Part of what you wrote about the Delica L300 is true, they are slower and underpowered compared to other vehicles of this type and weight. The attraction factor is also true.

What your narrow point of view fails to capture is that the Delica platform comes in numerous sizes and 5 distinct body styles…..3 of which are available to import into Canada. The available options list is long and would rival most auto makers even today. Your article is skewed to align with one type of delica and one type of owner.

I wonder if Blumel liked your reference to dirtbag demographic?

[yojimbo]

Maybe he likes Wheatus....

Or thinks it appeals to that 'crowd', or white kids with dreadlocks...

Dunno, clearly someone that doesnt know car people, get a few enthusiasts together and you soon realise they come from _every_ demographic.

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It seems like the author spoke to one person about their particular van and did the rest of their research online. There's this weird Canadian Delica owners club website that has a boatload of info and experienced owners YEARNING to chat to anyone about their van!! I know I am anyways, every time someone gives me a funny look in a parking lot I think "C'mon, ask me something so I can talk cars for even a few seconds...Please!!"