The Autozam AZ-1 is a automobile that even many die laborious automobile guys have by no means heard of, largely as a result of it was solely ever provided within the Japanese home market.
Initially developed within the Nineteen Eighties, the Autozam AZ-1 carries styling cues from the period – like Ferrari Testarossa-inspired aspect strakes, DeLorean DMC-12-inspired gullwing doorways and sectioned aspect home windows, a aspect profile not completely in contrast to the Fiat X1/9, and the 2 tone coloration scheme of the Ferrari 512BB.
Quick Info – The Autozam AZ-1
- The early prototypes of the Autozam AZ-1 have been developed by Suzuki, the undertaking was taken over by Mazda when Suzuki determined to focus on their Cappuccino Kei automobile.
- The event work on the AZ-1 was led by Toshihiko Hirai who additionally developed the unique Mazda MX-5 (generally known as the Miata in some markets).
- The mid-engined AZ-1 is powered by a turbocharged inline-three cylinder engine with a displacement of 657cc producing 66 hp, energy is shipped to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed guide transmission.
- By the point the automobile was launched in early 1992 a recession was sweeping Japan, because of this fewer than 4,400 examples of the AZ-1 have been constructed over three years, with manufacturing ending in 1994.
Nearly A Suzuki: Autozam AZ-1 Growth
Again within the mid-Nineteen Eighties Suzuki developed a small mid-engined sports activities automobile referred to as the Suzuki RS/1 to satisfy Japan’s Kei class laws. Kei class automobiles all should be constructed to a sure measurement and there are strict limits on engine measurement and energy – in flip they’re less expensive to tax and insure.
The diminutive measurement of the Autozam AZ-1 was designed to suit the automobile with Japan’s Kei automobile class, which resulted in decrease taxes and working prices.
Suzuki displayed a fully-functional and nearly manufacturing prepared model of the RS/1 on the Tokyo Motor Present, a few years later in 1987 they showcased the RS/3 earlier than abandoning the undertaking and as an alternative focussing on the automobile that will change into the Suzuki Cappuccino.
Later within the Nineteen Eighties a Mazda design workforce led by Toshihiko Hirai, the daddy of the MX-5, took over the undertaking. Hirai and his workforce gave the automobile a tubular metal body, the flooring and the bulkhead have been made out of aluminum honeycomb, and the physique was constructed from fiberglass.
By the point of the 1989 Tokyo Motor Present there have been three prototypes prepared for public show, they have been referred to as the Sort A, Sort B, and Sort C respectively. Every had the identical elementary underpinnings with distinctive our bodies and interiors, and so they have been launched below Mazda’s Autozam sub-brand.
In the end it could be the Sort A that will get the inexperienced gentle for manufacturing, the chassis was additional up to date as was the physique and inside, with manufacturing commencing three years later in 1992.
The Autozam AZ-1
When the Autozam AZ-1 entered the Japanese market in 1992 it provided sports activities automobile thrills on a finances for native consumers, as a Kei automobile the taxes and insurance coverage on it have been each markedly extra inexpensive, and it provided wonderful gasoline economic system in addition.
When you open the gullwing doorways you’d discover seating for 2 inside, with a 5-speed guide transmission, a Sparco steering wheel, white confronted gauges, and even air-con.
With curb weight of simply 720 kilograms (1,587 lbs) and 66 bhp from its turbocharged inline-three cylinder 657cc engine the Autozam AZ-1 was a spritely performer.
Energy was despatched from the mid-mounted engine to the rear wheels by way of a 5-speed guide transaxle.
The first rivals for the AZ-1 have been the Suzuki Cappuccino and the Honda Beat – each Kei automobiles and each barely cheaper than the Autozam. This mixed with the Japanese financial recession that hit the economic system on the identical time led to restricted demand for the automobile.
Regardless of optimistic preliminary predictions of 800 AZ-1s being constructed every month Mazda would produce simply 4,392 between 1992 and 1994 when the mannequin was cancelled. That is significantly lower than the 28,010 Cappuccinos and 33,600 Beats that have been produced.
Energy is offered by a turbocharged inline-three cylinder 657cc engine producing 66bhp at 6,500 rpm and 63 ft lbs of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Immediately the Autozam AZ-1 is likely one of the rarest and most fascinating Kei class sports activities automobiles of its time, and due to their JDM standing they’re wanted in lots of world markets outdoors Japan – notably within the USA and Europe.
The Autozam AZ-1 Proven Right here
The automobile you see right here is an Autozam AZ-1 from 1992 – the primary 12 months of manufacturing. It’s completed in crimson over black and crimson upholstery and it’s been fitted with a rear wing, 13″ multi-piece wheels, and a Sparco flat-bottom steering wheel.
Inside you’ll discover air-con and a Kenwood CD participant in addition to conventional wind up home windows and white-faced gauges.
The automobile is now being auctioned reside on-line on Convey a Trailer by a vendor out of Lyndhurst, New Jersey. In case you’d prefer to learn extra about it or register to bid you may go to the itemizing right here.
Photographs courtesy of Convey a Trailer
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