Does the Mazda Autozam AZ-1 really have gullwing doors?

Yes — the gullwing doors are the AZ-1's signature feature, genuinely rare on a kei car and a big part of its collector appeal.

Is the AZ-1 mid-engine?

Yes. The AZ-1 places its turbocharged 657cc F6A engine amidships, driving the rear wheels — a true mini mid-engine sports car layout.

What's the difference between the Autozam AZ-1 and Suzuki Cara?

They're essentially the same car. Suzuki built the AZ-1 and also sold it under its own brand as the Cara. The Mazda Autozam version is more widely recognized.

Is the Mazda AZ-1 a good investment?

Values have risen sharply thanks to low production and cult status. While we can't predict the market, the AZ-1 is among the most collectible kei cars and clean examples are increasingly scarce.

Is a Mazda Autozam AZ-1 street-legal in the U.S.?

All AZ-1s are 25+ years old and import legally under the federal age exemption. As a kei vehicle, on-road registration depends on your state — see our state import guides.

← Import guide overview

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 · Kei sports import

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 import guide

Mid-engine · gullwing doors · 660cc turbo

The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is the wildest of the 1990s 'Kei Sports' trio — a mid-engine, gullwing-door micro supercar with a turbocharged 660cc engine. Rare, characterful, and rising fast in value, it's one of the most collectible kei cars you can import.

Mid-engine layout
Gullwing doors
F6A turbo

View Autozam AZ-1 inventory Source one from Japan

At a glance

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 quick facts

Type: Kei sports car
Engine: 657cc Suzuki F6A turbo, mid-mounted
Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Doors: Gullwing
Production: 1992–1995 (low volume)
Import eligibility: All examples are 25+ years old — fully eligible

Overview

Why import a Mazda Autozam AZ-1

The AZ-1 is a genuine mid-engine sports car shrunk to kei dimensions, with dramatic gullwing doors and a fiberglass body over a steel frame. Built by Suzuki and sold under Mazda's Autozam brand, it used the same turbocharged F6A engine as the Cappuccino.

Low production and a cult following make the AZ-1 one of the most collectible kei cars. It drives like a tiny exotic — light, eager, and unlike anything else on the road.

True mid-engine, rear-drive layout
Iconic gullwing doors
Turbocharged 657cc F6A engine
Rare and strongly appreciating

Variants

AZ-1 variants & the Suzuki Cara

Produced only from 1992 to 1995 in small numbers, the AZ-1 was also sold by Suzuki as the nearly identical Cara. Special editions and a handful of factory and dealer options exist, but all examples are now well past the 25-year threshold.

Autozam AZ-1 — Mazda's badge, the better-known version
Suzuki Cara — mechanically identical sibling
Mazdaspeed and period accessories on some cars
All model years fully import-eligible

Buyer notes

What to look for at auction

Gullwing-door hinge and seal condition (known wear point)
Fiberglass body cracks and prior repairs
F6A turbo health and cooling-system condition
Originality — unmolested cars command big premiums
Auction grade and overall rarity-adjusted pricing

Importing

Importing an AZ-1 to the U.S.

Every AZ-1 was built from 1992 to 1995, so all examples are comfortably past the 25-year mark and fully import-eligible today.

Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.

As a kei vehicle, on-road registration depends on your state — confirm local rules before buying.

Keep exploring

Related import guides

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Kei sports

Mid-engine kei convertible — naturally aspirated, high-revving, pure analog fun.

Suzuki Cappuccino

Kei sports

Front-engine, turbo, rear-drive kei roadster with near 50:50 balance and a removable hardtop.

Nissan Silvia

JDM sports

The quintessential drift car — S13/S14/S15 with the legendary SR20DET turbo.

FAQ

Mazda Autozam AZ-1 import — common questions

Does the Mazda Autozam AZ-1 really have gullwing doors?: Yes — the gullwing doors are the AZ-1's signature feature, genuinely rare on a kei car and a big part of its collector appeal.
Is the AZ-1 mid-engine?: Yes. The AZ-1 places its turbocharged 657cc F6A engine amidships, driving the rear wheels — a true mini mid-engine sports car layout.
What's the difference between the Autozam AZ-1 and Suzuki Cara?: They're essentially the same car. Suzuki built the AZ-1 and also sold it under its own brand as the Cara. The Mazda Autozam version is more widely recognized.
Is the Mazda AZ-1 a good investment?: Values have risen sharply thanks to low production and cult status. While we can't predict the market, the AZ-1 is among the most collectible kei cars and clean examples are increasingly scarce.
Is a Mazda Autozam AZ-1 street-legal in the U.S.?: All AZ-1s are 25+ years old and import legally under the federal age exemption. As a kei vehicle, on-road registration depends on your state — see our state import guides.

Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.

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