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| Lot number | 26 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £1,800 |
| Description | Suzuki Cappuccino |
| Registration | M660 XEG |
| Year | 1994 |
| Colour | White |
| Engine size | 657 cc |
| Chassis No. | JSAEEA11R00100911 |
| Engine No. | F6A5228345 |
In production from 1993 to 1995, the Cappuccino was a small car specially made by Suzuki to take advantage of the lower taxation rate for cars that met a set of rules known as the ‘Kei specs’. In order to qualify, the car needed to have an engine with a capacity no more than 660cc and conform to certain power, weight and overall size restrictions.
The Cappuccino’s 660cc turbocharged engine developed 63bhp and although top speed was limited to 87mph, with just 725kgs to propel it could sprint to 60mph in 8 seconds. This light weight, combined with a mid-mounted engine, made the car a hoot to drive with go-kart responses and a rev limiter that didn’t kick in until 9,300rpm! Throw in strong brakes and a slick 5-speed gearbox and it offered about as much fun as you could have with your clothes on.
The three-panel targa roof was most ingenious and offered a number of options from fully open to fully closed (the rear screen being made of glass with a built-in heating element) and the whole lot could be stowed neatly in the tiny boot, allowing for mid-journey adjustments as the weather allowed.
At just 4’6” wide, the car could squeeze through the narrowest of gaps in traffic, Jeremy Clarkson using one at the Geneva Motorshow to drive between stands for a Top Gear report, showing off not only its diminutive size but also its ability to accommodate his 6’6” frame. Only 1,100 were officially imported to the UK of which only 635 remain road registered so you are unlikely to see another one coming the other way.
This August 1994 registered example was acquired by the vendor about four years ago to tow behind his motorhome and had already been fitted with the necessary tow hitches and light sockets. He treated the car to over £2,000 of remedial work which included a full respray and a new set of tyres but then sold the camper, hence the reason for sale.
Said to be great fun to drive and due to have a fresh MOT in time for the sale, it looks like a lot of fun for a very modest outlay.
