A number of a long time in the past, we have been frightened concerning the Russians coming. At the moment, it appears the Japanese are coming — that’s, JDM imports. The Japanese market had all types of neat automobiles that have been by no means imported to the States, a lot of that are beginning to seem on our shores for collectors. A kind of is our Choose of the Day: 1992 Autozam AZ-1. It’s on the market on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Christiansburg, Virginia. (Click on the hyperlink to view the itemizing)

There are two tales inside this automobile. Let’s begin first with the concept of a kei-class automobile. It’s a selected class in Japan for the smallest passenger automobiles which are allowed on Japanese highways. To a Western fanatic, “metropolis automobile” is probably not a foul technique to characterize it. Rules specify the utmost dimension, engine capability, and energy output to maintain it inside a specific tax and insurance coverage bracket.

The second story is about Autozam, which is a model that doesn’t fall on a Westerner’s radar. The CliffsNotes model is that Mazda created the model as a subsidiary for selling its smaller automobiles, plus a number of Suzuki fashions and even imported Italians from Lancia and Autobianchi.

For all intents and functions, the Autozam AZ-1 was a mid-engined kei-class Mazda obtainable from 1992-94. This two-seater was powered by a turbocharged Suzuki 657cc inline-three. Nonetheless, what made this little commuter stand out was its gullwing doorways. Obtainable in blue or crimson with silver decrease cladding, they offered poorly in a recessionary market that most popular worth over kicks. By the point the mannequin was killed, 4,392 have been constructed, plus an extra 531 offered because the Suzuki Cara.

There additionally was a Mazdaspeed model of the AZ-1, imagine it or not. Tweaks included a monochromatic physique equipment that featured a extra aggressive hood with extra pronounced headlights, particular entrance facia, and tall rear spoiler. Suspension and exhaust tweaks have been additionally a part of the bundle.

The vendor of this 1992 Autozam AZ-1 leaves lots to the creativeness as a result of the one factor listed within the description is “96,096 kilometers,” which interprets to a hair underneath 60,000 miles. The monochromatic paint and physique items recommend this can be a Mazdaspeed model, however anybody can add a equipment to a automobile so we’d recommend you attain out to the seller to get the thin on this kei automobile. If the considered the final word commuter automobile is fascinating to you, then $29,710 is your price of entry to the world of gullwings.

To view this itemizing on ClassicCars.com, see Choose of the Day.