・Just 30,000 miles from new

・Solid original condition

・Rare UK market example

The Suzuki Cappuccino was produced from 1991 to 1998 and was an example of the Japanese ‘Kei car’ which had small engines, low weight and diminutive dimensions in order to qualify for lower home market tax and insurance. It was a popular machine thanks to its cool looks, removable hardtop, turbocharged twin cam three-cylinder engine and its rear-wheel drive layout.

While the vast majority of sales were in Japan Suzuki GB negotiated with its parent company to bring some examples to the UK and in order to streamline production the UK cars were available in either red or silver. Between 1992 and 1995 Suzuki UK sold 1,110 examples and today they are swiftly becoming a sought-after machine. The Cappuccino on offer here is one of those UK market cars dating from 1995 and presents in good original order having covered just 30,000 miles from new.

This Cappuccino was first registered early in 1995 although within its history file is the car’s pre-delivery inspection sheet which dates from late August in 1994. Prior to its current keeper it has had just four owners with three of those being in the first few years of its life. It then came into the hands of its fourth owner who loved and cherished it for 20 years or so.

However, the car’s low-slung nature eventually became impractical as the owner increased in years and as it was being used infrequently the owner decided to move it on to its next custodian. In its 26 years it’s covered just 30,402 miles and has a virtually complete MoT history to verify the incredibly low mileage. 

Originally registered M450HVV it has had a couple of private plates during its life (as detailed on the MoT certificates) but it has recently been returned to its original number plate. The current owner purchased the car relatively recently to enjoy some roof down summer days and has enjoyed his time with the car, but its diminutive size and a lack of storage space means that it is now being offered for sale to another Kei car enthusiast.

 

Accompanying the Cappuccino are 21 MoT certificates to verify its mileage and the current test certificate doesn’t expire until July 2022. It’s obvious that the Suzuki has been well cared for during its life as its only MoT failures according to the online checker have related to a bulb, a wiper blade, a tyre and an exhaust leak.

There are a selection of old invoices relating to various services along with handwritten notes denoting the car’s service history and a cambelt replacement at 26,969 miles. There is the original owner’s handbook along with the UK supplement and a V5C in the owner’s name.

Given the Cappuccinos overall modest dimensions you might expect the cockpit to feel rather cramped but in reality there’s plenty of room for two. It’s a little snug but the low-slung seating position puts you right at the heart of the action and the sports seats keep you well anchored.

Overall, the interior is in good shape for a car that’s over 25 years old and the seats are in excellent condition with no visible nicks or cuts to their surfaces and remarkably little in the way of bolster wear. The carpets present well and feel dry which should indicate that the roof is still watertight. The dash all looks to be in good order as does all the switchgear although things would no doubt be improved by a thorough detail which would bring the interior back to looking virtually as it was when it left the factory. There’s the odd scuff to the plastics here and there but given its age it’s in remarkably fine fettle.

The boot area is unmarked and its grey carpet is unblemished. The original pouches to store the roof panels are present and correct and in good condition.

Externally the Cappuccino looks very tidy although closer inspection does reveal a few minor flaws to its paintwork. When the current owner purchased the car the rear valance had some peeling paint so that has been resprayed but the owner believes the rest of the body to be as it was when it was delivered in 1995. The shut lines are good and the doors, boot and bonnet all open and close easily and have a solid feel to them.

There are a few stone chips, some of which have been touched in, on the front bumper and there are a couple of minor imperfections to be found around the car. None of these is particularly serious and they don’t detract from the way the Suzuki presents – it appears to be a very honest car that exhibits a few minor marks as do most vehicles of this age. The current owner did toy with the idea of attending to these small areas but felt that it was better for the next owner to see the car in its original state.

Some of the seals on the roof panel are beginning to look a little tired but the roof itself appears to be in good order and can be removed in a matter of minutes. The alloy wheels have a few minor scuffs and are shod in Dunlop tyres which all have a decent tread depth.

Underneath the Suzuki appears to be in good solid order with some minor surface corrosion on some components.

It might only have a 657cc engine but it’s a twin cam and turbocharged and in combination with its 725kg kerb weight the Cappuccino feels very sprightly on the road. It starts on the button hot or cold and idles smoothly. As far as the owner knows it has no mechanical maladies. As mentioned the cambelt was replaced in the past and while it was less than 5,000 miles ago it may be prudent for the next owner to replace the belt on a time-based basis as its last replacement was around 10 years ago.

On the road the Cappuccino feels very tight and rattle free and its three-cylinder engine feels particularly healthy, pulling strongly through the gears. The previous owner had the air conditioning regassed prior to its sale and it blows cold in operation.

The old ‘good things come in small packages’ adage could well have been written about the Suzuki Cappuccino. It might be small but it’s perfectly formed and packs quite the performance punch and could be viewed as a modern-day interpretation of the MG Midget or Austin-Healey Sprite. It’s great fun as a convertible but also has the added benefit of feeling like a coupe when the roof is fitted making it a true all seasons sports car.

The Cappuccino is also becoming quite a rare beast these days with the howmanyleft website suggesting that there are less than 650 left in the UK and of those there are less than 200 currently on the road. As a fun car that looks good, is a joy to drive and will draw plenty of admiring glances the little Suzuki is an excellent choice. This example has a very low mileage and presents in a very solid and usable condition – hop in and enjoy the drive!

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