In the US we get only a small portion of the models that Japanese manufacturers build for their domestic market. One of those forbidden delights is the Autozam AZ1, a mid-engine, two seat sports coupe and one is for sale here on craigslist in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for $15,500. Thanks for the tip reader Ian C!
The Autozam AZ1 is part of the lowest-taxed class of car in Japan called kei-cars which must conform to a set of regulations that define their overall size, engine displacement and power output. There are a lot of vehicle choices in the kei class including vans, pickup trucks more than a few cars with sporting intentions.
The car offered here is powered by a turbocharged 3 cylinder with a displacement of only 657cc with a power output of 63 horsepower. While that may not sound like a lot of push, keep in mind that the car tips the scales at a shade over three-quarters of a ton.
The seller states that the car in good condition mechanically with a strong running engine and cold air conditioning- a must since the large side glass is fixed with the exception of a small portion that can be opened for toll booths and the like.
Like all domestic Japanese cars it is right hand drive which is not at all difficult to become accustomed to. I drove a right hand drive classic Mini for 12 years without any problem. Your left hand passenger may feel a bit odd, however.
These are wicked fun! I drove one back in ’90 and loved it. You could imagine yourself in a tiny Porsche 917, with the turbo whistling (and the wastegate thunking every time you lifted the throttle) inches behind your head. Rev-happy engine, but a lot of rowing through the gears to keep it up on the fat part of the power curve….
Not sure I could fit in one now. There’s not a lot of space inside, especially when one gets older and less limber. But it would be worth the effort. Despite the toy-like appearance, these were well-built and didn’t feel at all tinny or cheap.
And Rodney is right about the RHD. For one thing, the AZ-1 is so narrow you don’t get the effect of sitting in the “wrong” seat as you would in a, well, “normal” car. So once you get accustomed to shifting with the left hand and using mirror-image control stalks on the steering column, it’s all good.
People stared, though. Not recommended for shy folks!
I’d try to knock the price down a bit. Getting parts would involve a long trek to the nearest Autozam dealer!
How much space is not much? At 6’2″ and a 1/8 of a ton, I’ve always assumed I couldn’t fit in any Kei car, even the Vans. I liked those Kei Vans a couple weeks ago.
I can’t even fit in the new Miata, and really only 1st Gen with the top up.
Gullwing doors, mid-engine AND a turbo!? it couldn’t get any better than this…if I can fit my coffee through that side portal at the drve-thru, put me down for one!
a Suziki made 4 five yrs?
Can’t C Y they call it mid engine (that rear deck protrusion lifts up) but guess the motor’s in frnt of rear axel…
I got stuck in one trying to get back out of it. I’m 6’2″ 200lbs. It is tight, cramped and so small. I got claustrophobic when they closed the door. Apparently, the way for a bigger dude to get in it is to step on the seat and slide down the back. A business in Seattle (SodoMoto) imports these regularly.
Kei cars have a lot of appeal. There’s a real sense of whimsy that give them their charm. I’m still working out how to rejig what I have in the garage to allow me to buy one (I don’t leave vehicles outside, in a climate where rust never sleeps and UV light is pretty intense).
I’m not sure I’d want to drive one in a country filled with SUVs, however…
Having owned left-hand-drive vehicles in a right-hand drive country, one could always keep a steering wheel handy for nervous passengers – I’ve done that on more than one occasion over the last 37+ years. ;-)
Ford RS200 left in the dryer too long?
https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s–UO_Y_z5k–/c_fill,f_auto,fl_progressive,g_center,h_675,q_80,w_1200/18n2onvfu18m6jpg.jpg
That was my original thought too!
I think that it’s a great car for the odd countries that drive on the wrong side of the street, but you might get run over up here in the central north west part of this country! Probably good for city slickers!
So thankful that I’m 5’9”/160lbs!