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They are both really small and really Japanese, and that is about all these two have in common.
This edition of Auction Dilemma is all about JDM. Specifically, we're looking at two right-hand-drive Kei cars that are unique on any American road. "Kei," which comes from keijidosha--Japanese for light automobile, refers to the smallest highway-legal category of vehicles in Japan. Let's explore a 1994 Autozam AZ-1 and 1991 Nissan Figaro ; both are up for auction on Doug DeMuro's carsandbids.com.
Looking like the illegitimate offspring of a Toyota MR2 and Tesla Model X, this white 1994 Autozam AZ-1 is striking because of its tiny size and gullwing doors. Autozam was a youth-oriented Mazda sub-brand (like Scion was for Toyota). This AZ-1, built by Suzuki, is a rare M2 1015 variant: one of 25 made that features hood-mounted fog lights and a large rear wing. This car's uniqueness outweighs its problems, which the seller reports to include worn piston rings, exterior finish issues, worn front tires, and a cracked front splitter. The listing details that this Kei car was imported from Japan last year and shows about 103,500 kilometers (64,400) miles on the odometer. This AZ-1 is registered in Maryland.
A 657 cc turbocharged 3-cylinder engine was factory rated for 63 hp and 63 lb-ft of torque. These seemingly unimpressive numbers are offset by a mid-engine design and vehicle that only weighs about 1,600 lbs. A five-speed manual transfers power to the rear wheels.
Inside, factory equipment includes black MazdaSpeed seats, Momo steering wheel, and air conditioning. An aftermarket Kenwood CD audio provides tunes.
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Unlike the stubby, streamlined looks of the Autozam AZ-1, the Nissan Figaro was launched in 1991 with a retro style that appears right out of the 1960s. Based on the Nissan Micra platform, the automaker originally produced 8,000 Figaros. Demand was so strong that the company built another 12,000 and had to offer them via a lottery. This listing highlights a mostly clean, Pennsylvania-registered 1991 Nissan Figaro with 68,000 kilometers (about 42,000 miles) imported into the U.S. in 2019. The retractable fabric roof of this Topaz Mist-paint Figaro adds to its cuteness and functionality. The 2+2 cabin layout may appear to offer practicality, but those back seats are best left to packages and pets.
This Figaro is powered by a 987 cc turbocharged inline-4, originally rated for 75 hp and 78 lb-ft of torque. A three-speed automatic manages the power going to the front wheels. Weighing less than 1,800 lbs, the Figaro driving experience is better than the modest engine output numbers would seem to offer. In a video, automotive YouTuber Tedward reports on the microcar as " It doesn't take much speed to feel like you're going fast." He adds that the Figaro is the car version of the Vespa scooter.
Other than some wear on the ivory leather upholstery, the near-perfect interior features chrome interior trim, Bakelite-style controls, power windows, and air conditioning.
Buyers looking for a tiny and unique ride can look no further than one of these Kei cars. The Autozam AZ-1 has a $6,200 high bid with five days left on the auction as of this writing. The Nissan Figaro auction has four days remaining and a $10,000 high bid.
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Dave Goldberg is a lifelong auto enthusiast and holds a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University. While he leans towards European wheels for his personal driving, Dave gets excited about everything from Acura to Zagato.