In 1987, Suzuki pulled the wraps off its ‘Project Car’ at the Tokyo Motor Show. The two-door sports car was billed as an image-changer for the brand, which was better known for its 4x4s.
The concept car was designed to ‘Kei Car’ spec, which meant it had to be less than 3.3-metres long, no more than 1.4 metres wide and have an engine size of less than 0.66-litres. It was a cool thing, with a three-stage roof that could either be coupé, targa or full convertible.
Production of the Cappuccino started in October 1991 at Suzuki’s Kosai Plant, with no plans to export it. But such was the media reception of the car in the UK that the brand’s British importer opened discussions with Japan to bring a limited number over here.
After 18 months of negotiation and technical co-operation between Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki GB, the Suzuki Cappuccino was type-approved and homologated, with 23 adaptations required for the vehicle to conform to British regulations. The work was performed at the Kosai Plant and at the Suzuki Import Centre in the UK.
In October 1992, the Cappuccinos first public viewing outside Japan occurred at the British International Motor Show, where it won two IBCAM Design awards: Best Sports Car Under £20,000 and Best Car of the Show. In October 1993, the Cappuccino was officially launched in the UK, priced at £11,995. A total of 1500 cars were imported, 1200 red and 300 silver.
This example arrived in the UK in 1995 and is well-known to the Owners’ Register.
N674 GCW was supplied by Riding and Kok Suzuki in Preston, Lancs, and was owned until 2004 by its first keeper, who lived on Anglesey. It was serviced annually despite covering only 10,000 miles in this entire period, the first two services at the main dealer and after that by Pentraeth Garage in Menai Bridge.
In 2005, it changed hands and in 2007 it was bought from the second owner by the vendor, who is well known among the Cappuccino Owners Register and who has owned other Cappuccinos previously.
He loves the car and has enjoyed it for 14 years, but a major house building project, which would leave the Suzuki without garage storage, means he has reluctantly decided to sell.
Here’s the astonishing bit. As well as the original book pack, service book and an A4 folder full of receipts, bills, MOTs, tax discs and other paperwork from the car’s life, the Cappuccino comes with an astonishing collection of related paraphernalia.
The star item must be the original dealer-issue Cappuccino umbrella, still stored in its postage tube, while other highlights include a selection of pewter, diecast and plastic models, brochures, key rings, accessories. It’s an amazing collection and for a proper Cappuccino enthusiast it’s really quite special.
Also with the car are a V5 in the name of the vendor and an MOT valid until March 2022.
The vendor had the Cappuccino resprayed a few years ago as the original red paint had faded to pink in places.
It still looks really good and retains a great shine, while there is no sign whatsoever of any corrosion, nor has it ever had any rust advisories on its previous MOTs. The wheels are in good order, but some new rear tyres may be of benefit soon as they’re slightly perished on the sides.
There are also a couple of scuffs on the front bumper where the owner accidentally let the Cappuccino roll into a fence. The damage is superficial and there are no cracks or warps in the plastic bumper, so some localised paint or even smart repairs would put it back to A1 condition, like the rest of the car.
It’s a wonderfully cute thing, whichever set-up you have it in. The glass roof give it full coupé style, but is removable in three light and easy sections which are then stored in their own bag. Remove the panels and you have a targa-top, which is equally adorable.
But the party trick is the rear window, which sits on a hinge mechanism and can simply be retracted out of the way to make it a full convertible. It’s very, very cool.
Originally, the Cappuccino would have had black leather trim, door cards and carpets, but the owner decided to get this car some pretty special treatment.
As a result, it now has beige nappa leather seats and door cards with red stitching, which were done by hand by an Aston Martin trimmer who is a friend of the vendor. To match the leather, the cabin and inner door tops are trimmed in beige suede, while the three-spoke leather-rimmed steering wheel has also been done to match. It’s all in fabulous order and looks really good.
Another neat touch is an internal boot release lever in the glovebox, which wasn’t there when new but is a conversion carried out by the owner for added convenience.
Under the bonnet, the car hasn’t been over-prepared and it has an honest appearance, with no evidence of any fluid leaks or previous problems.
The 657cc turbocharged engine is eager and sounds terrific, firing up on the first flick of the key. The seller has owned the car for 14 years and completed many long journeys in it. He reports that it drives absolutely spot-on, and there are no running concerns that he is aware of.
The Cappuccino is a fascinating car. The first of Japan’s ‘Kei Cars’ to be officially exported and an absolute hoot to drive.
This example is a genuine low-mileage car that has been loved for all of its life, and is being sold very reluctantly by an owner who truly cherishes it, as you can no doubt tell from all of the Cappuccino-related automobilia he’s acquired over the years.
It’s a gorgeous little car and it deserves to be loved just as much by its next lucky owner.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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