1979 Suzuki SC100

Background:

Kei cars are a uniquely Japanese concoction – small-capacity, small-dimensioned vehicles designed for crowded Japanese cities and roads. Over a third of Japanese domestic car manufacture is still dedicated to these miniature machines, which enjoy lower tax and insurance rates among other benefits.

Suzuki was the first manufacturer to introduce a kei car, in 1955. In a break from the standard boxy style of most examples, in 1971 the company introduced the Fronte Coupé, a mini-GT designed by Giugiaro, with a rear-mounted 359cc two-stroke engine, which was discontinued in 1976, with the advent of stricter emissions regulations.

Suzuki returned to the kei sports coupe market with the Cervo in October the following year. For export markets the SC100, as it was known, had its rather gutless Japanese-spec 550cc triple replaced by a 970cc four-cylinder unit which developed a more healthy 47hp. That translated to a top speed of 85mph and 0-60mph in 16.5 seconds in a vehicle that only weighs 655kg. With entertaining handling, a handy glass hatchback tailgate and distinctive styling it was a breath of fresh air in the UK car market.

In the UK it was only available as the lavishly-appointed SC100 GX and was sold for just three years, as the ‘Whizzkid’. Demand always outstripped supply in the UK, with importer Heron Suzuki selling 4,696 of their tiny buzz-bombs, making them a once-familiar sight on British roads.

The car:

The Whizzkid has always attracted a loyal and dedicated fan base, not least the legendary motoring journalist, the late LJK Setright, who lauded his example in period. Sadly, the British climate and particularly our salted roads have laid waste to most of the near-5,000 examples which hit our shores and precious few of these charming kei sports coupes remain.

All of which makes any survivor a real rarity and this Whizzkid is one of only a few left running in the UK. First registered in 1979, this UK-supplied example has lived in recent times as a showpiece in a private collection, today showing just 18,772 miles.

The diminutive charmer is finished in arguably the best colour - Pillar Box red - and features a well-appointed cream interior. Truly representing the kei ethic, there are no fancy alloy wheels, rather it sits on silver 12-inch steel wheels, as it would have landed in the UK, more than three decades ago.

There isn’t much paperwork supplied with the vehicle but it is accompanied by a sales brochure - perhaps as rare as the car itself - and will have an oil and filter service prior to sale.

Summary:

As entertaining to drive as it is rare, this delightful little survivor is sure to attract a lot of attention from Whizzkid enthusiasts – and rightly so… it’s a low-mileage gem.

Location: Shropshire
Seller: Trade
Photos: Professional