*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance loss in 10/2017 ***
Highlights
- Completely standard vehicle with only 35,454 miles
- Same owner from 1994 to 2017
- Well maintained and ready to drive
- Garage kept and excellently cared for
- Current MOT with no advisories
The Appeal
Equipped with a 657cc turbocharged double overhead cam three-cylinder engine – this Japanese Kei class vehicle’s personality is bigger than it may appear. Thanks to a miniscule weight of right around 700kg, performance is still surprising and some may say measurably exciting despite the modest power output.
It’s at its best on winding roads where the low weight lends itself to a very nimble and agile handling characteristic in combination with its precise and sharp steering. The narrow body allows you to pick your desired line within your own lane – which can’t be said for most larger vehicles.
It’s at its best on winding roads where the low weight lends itself to a very nimble and agile handling characteristic in combination with its precise and sharp steering. The narrow body allows you to pick your desired line within your own lane – which can’t be said for most larger vehicles.
This particular example, being one of 1100-or-so units which were sold by Suzuki UK and not being an imported grey market vehicle, makes it a very rare car indeed. While it is in fact category N, this is only due to a non-structural impact affecting only the front driver’s side wing. Due to the part’s age and rarity, it caused the category to change; see photo of previous damage, which has been repaired by the current owner to a high standard.
While it is not in showroom condition for its age, it is a great base for a mild restoration project, or can be driven as-is with no fuss.
While it is not in showroom condition for its age, it is a great base for a mild restoration project, or can be driven as-is with no fuss.
The History and Paperwork
- Current V5 present
- Current MOT expires 28 April, 2023
- No advisories on current MOT
- Previous advisories and faults on MOT inspections have all been rectified
- No welding done on the car other than exhaust fix for MOT inspection
- Maintenance up to date
- Current owner states it has been the same owner from 1994 to 2017
- Owner states original Suzuki UK car, not grey market import
The Interior
- Overall interior in good condition, but does show its age
- Dashboard in good condition, but some marks and unknown seemingly permanent spills or stains around the gauge cluster and driver’s vent
- Owner states all electronics, switches, buttons, and gauges work as they should other than air conditioning does not blow cold and would need a recharge at the minimum
- Some stains or marks on the door cards, potentially non-permanent
- Interior space belies its small size; surprisingly roomy
- Steering wheel in terrific condition
- Carpets in used condition with no tears visible, but would benefit from a deep clean
- Interior roof in good condition, with all latches in good shape
- Seats showing very little signs of use, with no visible rips or tears, could benefit from treatment and deep clean
- Boot in very good condition with jack and spare tire present
The Exterior
- Exterior in good condition, with some paint bubbling and marks here and there, but overall straight body and bright paintwork
- Trim, rubbers and seals are showing some age and some perishing, but for the majority still functional; owner reports no leaks
- Some screws tapped into driver’s side rear roof body trim; trim broken apart
- Convertible top shows some paint peeling, marks, paint bubbling, and touch up paint drips
- Light lenses in good usable condition, headlights show some signs of fading from age
- Glass in overall great condition, without any cracking or seen damage larger than small marks from normal road use
- Wheels in usable condition, but would benefit from a refurbishment as the finish is peeling and there is some slight kerb damage
- 4 matching tires in great condition with plenty of life left
- Category N marked vehicle due to driver’s wing damage, but repair has been done to a high standard
- Underside in excellent condition, very little signs of corrosion and no visible problem areas
- Owner states no welding has been needed in the past, other than a repaired exhaust system
The Mechanics
- Owner states vehicle is in excellent overall working condition
- Visual condition of the engine bay is overall better than expected for the age, just needs a deep clean
- 657cc turbocharged double overhead cam three-cylinder Kei-class engine starts on a button and sounds healthy with plenty of life
- Vehicle came without power steering from factory
- Owner states there are no known issues to report concerning the mechanics of the vehicle, everything performs as to be expected or better other than the air conditioning may need recharge at a minimum as it functions but does not blow cold
Summary
This little Cappuccino as a big enough personality to steal your heart. It’s a great opportunity to own an original UK Kei car, one of only a handful of Cappuccinos that aren’t grey market imports. While its not in showroom condition, it’s a solid low mileage example of a very versatile and surprisingly practical sports car.
With its removable top that can be stored in the boot, you’ll never be caught out in the rain but will always have the option to put the top down and enjoy the sun while it’s out. It can be driven as-is without any worries, but is also a great opportunity to grab one of these special little cars, clean it up, and make it your own as a mild restoration project.
With its removable top that can be stored in the boot, you’ll never be caught out in the rain but will always have the option to put the top down and enjoy the sun while it’s out. It can be driven as-is without any worries, but is also a great opportunity to grab one of these special little cars, clean it up, and make it your own as a mild restoration project.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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