This Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is said to have only 7,000 km from new and to be in showroom condition. These cars featured a mid-mounted, DOHC, 660 CC,12 valve, turbocharged triple that delivered 63 HP at 8,500 RPM – both displacement and power are the maximums allowed under Japanese Kei (literally “lightweight”) car regulations. These pocket exotics featured lots of innovative engineering, but they’re best known for their two tiny little gullwing doors. Find this one offered here on Car and Classic UK for 12,995 pounds sterling (today ~$19,700) or best offer.

Though designed and engineered by Suzuki, whose Cappuccino Kei roadster shared the same F6A motor, most were sold as Autozam’s, with a smaller share of the car’s production run marketed as the Suzuki Cara. Autozam was a home-market Mazda sub-brand specializing in Kei cars, a Japanese tax break formula that allows many buyers to own a car without prior proof of a parking space, normally a prerequisite to car ownership there. The AZ-1 was part of the early 90s bubble economy Kei sports trinity, whose other members included the previously-mentioned Cappuccino, which was similar to a 3/4 scale Miata, and Honda’s Beat, a mid-engined convertible.

The little turbo triple in these cars is known to be a real gem, with an appetite for revs beyond its 9,000 RPM redline – fuel cutoff was not until 10,000 RPM. Handling is said to be very good, but quite darty – according to Road & Track, you better be on your “A” game to really toss it around. Even by Kei car standards, the interior of these cars is quite small, so no one over six feet tall need apply. Here’s an interesting interview with a Canadian owner, it provides a lot of insight on what the AZ-1’s like to own, drive and work on in a North American context.

These cars frequently show up on Japanese car export market sites like exchange.goo.net for about half of the asking price of this example, but, nearly without exception, they have much higher mileage, poorly-executed or tasteless modifications, and exude a general air of shabbiness – this one, as described, looks near-new. The above interior shot really demonstrates how well-cared for this car appears to be, the only mod visible on the entire car a small-rimmed, flat-bottom steering wheel. While the rally-style straight-ahead marker and suede covering might be a bit much, the general shape, size and style suit the car well – we’d definitely think about re-trimming it in black leather to make the car perfect.

The engine shot included here is not from the car listed for sale, as the seller did not include one, but does represent exactly what you’ll find under the rear lid provided it’s stock, as described. It’s not much to look at, and reportedly a real pain to wrench on, but they are known to be quite reliable and are engineered to take a thrashing, all the while returning at least 35 MPG. 63 HP doesn’t sound much, but AZ-1’s only weigh 1,600 lbs. and their five speeds are geared quite short, allowing 10.0 second 0-100 km/h runs with ease. Though not inexpensive, it’s likely impossible to find another this nice anywhere else in the world. The AZ-1 is one of the coolest, quirkiest and least-known sports cars to ever come out of Japan, and we’d love to own this one.