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The Mazda Autozam was a mid engined Kei car built by Suzuki but sold as a Mazda under the "Autozam AZ-1" name from 1992 to 1994 and was most famous for it's unusual gullwing doors. It was powered by a Suzuki 657cc turbocharged engine, similar to the one used in the Mazda Carol, that produced 63HP and 63FT-LBS of torque.
The proposal for the Autozam goes as far back as 1985 when Suzuki created the RS/1 concept car which even made it to the Tokyo Motor Show and was powered by the 1.3 G13A from the Cultus. It was soon followed up by the RS/3 at 1987's TMS, which was designed as a practical sports car, but the project was scrapped in favor of the Cappuccino.
After Suzuki scrapped the idea, Mazda's design team, led by Toshiko Hirai (who designed the MX-5) took over the project with a limited budget. He created 3 concept cars based on the RS/3 concept. His first concept, Autozam Type A, was the car that most resembled the finished product, with pop-up headlights, Testarossa side vents and gullwing doors. He then created Type B, which was designed as a "High-tuned Pure Sports" model with a greenhouse pyramid roof and a race car like interior.
But the most interesting concept was Type C which was far more spartan in comparison to previous concepts. It featured bodywork inspired by Mazda's Group C efforts and also sported a similar colour scheme and the number with which they used to race at Le Mans. It had the biggest air intake and styling cues reminiscent of an endurance racer.
Specifications:
Body: 2 Door Kei Car
Engine: Mazda "F5B" 550cc 3 Cyl
Gearbox: 5 Speed Manual
Power: 63 BHP
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Weight: 720 KG
