Sibal (car)

Sibal
A replica Sibal constructed by the Samsung Transportation Museum from the original blueprints.
Overview
Production 1955-1963
Assembly Euljiro, South Korea
Jongno, South Korea
Yongsan, South Korea
Body and chassis
Related Willys Jeep
Nissan Patrol (4W60)
Powertrain
Engine 1.3 L 1322 cc 4-cylinder
Transmission ADV 3 only go back to the 1st MT

Sibal (Hangul: 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]

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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