Suzuki’s first-generation Carry, designated the Suzulight Carry FB, featured a midship layout, meaning that the engine sat under the driver’s seat near the middle of the vehicle. While the Suzulight Carry mirrored the design of a cab-over truck, its small hood was similar to front-engined trucks, a layout known as a semi-cabover. In addition to maximizing cargo space, the short hood made the vehicle feel more accessible to drivers used to front-engine models. Debut Carrys contained a two-cylinder two-stroke air-cooled engine delivering 21 horsepower. Drivers also received a 771-lb cargo bed payload. The debut Carry truck was 117.7 inches long, 51 inches wide, and 61 inches high, with a 72.8-inch (185 cm) wheelbase.

In 1964, Suzuki released the glassed FBD Van based on the truck in 1964. This glassed FBD Carry Van kei van featured three doors, a four-passenger seating capacity, a 661-lb rear cargo capacity, and rigid front/rear suspension with leaf springs. This rigid leaf spring suspension, coupled with the model’s robust construction, helped establish the model’s reputation for durability. Suzuki carried over the first-generation Carry truck’s 21-horsepower two-cylinder engine into this van, producing a 47 mph top speed. The FBD would become the blueprint for Suzuki’s Every microvan model, introduced in 1982 and a subsequent staple of the kei van class. 

Suzuki’s first-generation Carry competed with early kei trucks like Subaru’s Sambar, Honda’s Acty, Mitsubishi’s Minicab, and Daihatsu’s Hijet. Despite heavy competition right off the bat during its first generation, the Carry’s design made a large enough impact to spawn several badge-engineered variants and exports sold under brands like Ford, Bedford, Daewoo, and more. This widespread adaptation helped spread Suzuki’s influence throughout the world, along with the benefits of kei truck driving.