1991 Suzuki Cappuccino
The Suzuki Cappuccino. Is a Kei car. Kei is a special class of cars sold in the Japanese market. In the 1990s Kei cars were limited to 660CC engines with maximum of 63 horsepower. In the bargain Kei cars enjoy lower registration and insurance costs.
Typical Kei cars are boxy people movers. In the 1990s there was a competition between Suzuki, Honda, and Mazda to create sports cars in the specification. The Cappuccino (actually, all three) used three-cylinder DOHC turbocharged engines.
This model is Aoishima Sports Car Series #40. Typical of the series, it is a beautifully executed curbside. Even though a curbside, the chassis and suspension are nicely executed. Top-notch molding and a hoot to build.
The Cappuccino, completes my collection of the A, B, C Kei sportscars.
- A is the Mazda Autozam,
- B is the Honda Beat
- C is the Suzuki Cappuccino.
Grey market cars now make their way to the USA. I would happily have any of them in my garage.
Fantastic model, Ken! Thanks for the info on the type, I didn't know the reason for those lovely cars existence.
Ken, the trio looks amazing. A guy I used to work with had a Beat imported, and would drive it in some days. I got to sit in it, and it was even smaller than I would have expected. Needless to say, from a practicality standpoint, these cars are not well suited for 70mph highways runs.
Anywho, your cars always look great, keep em coming!
A trip to Japan is worth it for any petrol-head, you can see cars that don’t appear anywhere else, this is a great model.
I love that the Beat looked like a miniature NSX. I'd rather have my '90 CRX Si back, but any of those would be fun to have.
Great build of this little car, Ken @kenk
Wasn't aware of these cars either and neither about the reason.
Seem like funny cars to drive during summer.
Happy New Year
The original Honda car back in the early 70s was one of these, I think.
Nice work on the model.
Yes, the original 360cc version. They enlarged the displacement to 600cc to bring it to the US market. Also the Subaru 360.
Ken@kenk - all three look terrific together. You better start making room in your garage for one of these Kei cars in 1:1 scale.
Nice looking build!