Unique Japanese Kei Car That Even Captivated the US President
Kei cars have a special charm that attracts buyers worldwide, and this list now reaches all the way to President Trump. Among all the Japanese minicars imported into the US, the 1993 Autozam AZ-1 holds a prominent place thanks to its striking presence. Its proportions are reminiscent of a mix between a Ford RS200 and a Ferrari F40, and this particular example could become your next little supercar.
History of Creation and Rarity of the Model
Mazda produced the AZ-1 under the Autozam brand for only two model years. The car featured a mid-engine layout, sent power to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission, and was equipped with gull-wing doors, which was unprecedented for this segment.
Total production amounted to approximately 4,400 units. About 150 of them passed through the Mazdaspeed division, and this car is one of them, making it one of the rarest kei cars ever created and one of the most desirable.
Auction Details and Technical Specifications
Listed on the Bring a Trailer auction in San Rafael, California, this AZ-1 Mazdaspeed was imported into the US last year. Its mileage is only 3,600 km (2,200 miles) since production, indicating that most of its time was spent in a garage.
Mazdaspeed made several improvements to the AZ-1, including a distinctive, more aggressive body kit with a new hood, front bumper, and a fixed rear wing. The car also features front and rear strut braces, a limited-slip differential, and a new stainless steel exhaust system. This example is also fitted with 13-inch alloy wheels.
Interior and Power
Like the exterior, the car’s cabin is finished in red and black tones and is mostly original, although it has been equipped with a modern Kenwood stereo system.
As for power, the AZ-1 relies on a small 657cc (0.6-liter) mid-mounted naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine, which produced 64 hp and 63 lb-ft (85 Nm) of torque when the car was new. While that isn’t much, the tiny rear-wheel-drive sports car weighs only 1,587 lbs (720 kg), so we are sure it is a lot of fun to drive.
According to one BaT user, this same car was sold at a Japanese auction last year for 5,595,000 yen, which is approximately $34,600 at current exchange rates. The auction closes within a week for those ready to add it to their collection.
This Autozam AZ-1 is not just a car, but a true work of Japanese automotive engineering, combining rarity, unique design, and engineering thought. Its appearance on the American market decades after its release speaks to the growing interest in classic Japanese cars, especially unusual models like kei cars. Given its minimal mileage and Mazdaspeed pedigree, this lot stands every chance of becoming the crown jewel of any collection, and its value will likely appreciate significantly in the future, as demand for such unique examples only increases.