Super Rare Mazdaspeed AZ-1 Listed for Less Than a New Mazda Miata
Table of Contents
The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) scene continues to attract enthusiasts across the United States, and rare imports are becoming easier to access as more vehicles cross the 25 year import threshold. One of the latest examples is an extremely rare Mazdaspeed Autozam AZ-1 that has appeared for sale in New Hampshire.
What makes this particular kei sports car special is not just its famous gullwing doors or tiny dimensions. It is one of the rare Mazdaspeed versions, with only around 150 units believed to have been produced.
A Tiny Kei Car With Supercar Looks
The Autozam AZ-1 remains one of the most recognizable kei cars ever built. Despite its compact size, it looks like a miniature exotic car thanks to its mid engine layout, dramatic styling, and roof hinged gullwing doors.
Interestingly, the project originally started at Suzuki. During the 1980s, Suzuki developed a series of concept cars that eventually evolved into what became the AZ-1. However, Suzuki decided to focus on the Cappuccino roadster instead. The AZ-1 project was then handed over to Mazda, which completed development and sold it through its Japanese market Autozam brand.
Autozam AZ-1 Production Numbers
The Autozam AZ-1 was produced between 1992 and 1994.
Production figures include:
| Model | Units Produced |
|---|---|
| Autozam AZ-1 Total Production | Approximately 4,500 |
| Suzuki Cara (Rebadged Version) | 531 |
| Mazdaspeed AZ-1 | Around 150 |
Those numbers make the Mazdaspeed variant one of the rarest factory tuned kei sports cars from the 1990s.
What Makes the Mazdaspeed AZ-1 Different?
The standard AZ-1 was already unique, but Mazdaspeed added several upgrades aimed at improving handling and visual appeal.
Key Mazdaspeed features included:
- Aggressive body kit
- Large hood scoop
- Tall rear wing
- Coilover suspension
- Limited slip differential
- Mazdaspeed air filter
- Mazdaspeed exhaust system
Many of these components were available individually through Mazdaspeed’s parts catalog, which may explain why relatively few buyers selected the complete Mazdaspeed package.
Engine and Performance
Despite its sporty appearance, the AZ-1 still had to comply with Japan’s kei car regulations.
Power comes from a Suzuki sourced turbocharged three cylinder engine with a displacement of just 657 cc.
Engine Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Turbocharged 3-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 657 cc |
| Power Output | 63 Horsepower |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Layout | Mid-Engine |
The performance figures may not sound impressive by modern standards, but that is not really the point of the AZ-1. The appeal comes from its lightweight design, manual gearbox, compact dimensions, and the experience of driving something that looks like a scaled down supercar.
And honestly, few cars at any price attract attention quite like a kei car with gullwing doors.
Current Asking Price
The example currently listed by Northeast Auto Imports has approximately 60,000 miles on the odometer and carries an asking price of $26,500.
To put that into perspective:
- A Mazdaspeed AZ-1 with 86,000 miles sold for $27,250 in 2023.
- Another example with 98,000 miles sold for $18,100 in 2024.
Based on those recent sales, the current asking price appears to be in line with the market, especially considering the lower mileage.
Cheaper Than a New Miata
One of the most interesting facts about this rare Mazdaspeed AZ-1 is its price. At $26,500, it costs less than a brand new Mazda Miata in the United States.
For buyers looking for something unusual, collectible, and increasingly difficult to find, the Mazdaspeed AZ-1 offers a level of exclusivity that few modern sports cars can match.
Final Thoughts
The Autozam AZ-1 was already one of the most distinctive kei cars ever produced. The Mazdaspeed version takes that formula a step further with factory performance upgrades and significantly lower production numbers.
With only around 150 examples believed to have been built, finding one for sale is uncommon. Finding one priced below a new Miata is even more unusual. For JDM collectors and kei car enthusiasts, this tiny gullwing sports car remains one of the most interesting imports from Japan’s golden era of small performance cars.
Sources and References
Official Mazda History & Brand Sources
Mazda Global
Mazda Global Official Website
Small description: Official Mazda corporate website with company history, brand information, and vehicle heritage.
Mazda USA
Mazda USA
Small description: Official Mazda website for the United States market.
Autozam AZ-1 History & Specifications
Autozam AZ-1 Wikipedia
Autozam AZ-1 History and Specifications
Small description: Detailed production history, specifications, development background, and Mazdaspeed variant information.
Autozam Brand History
Autozam Brand Overview
Small description: Explains Mazda’s Autozam sub brand and its role in the AZ-1 story.
Market Values & Auction Results
Bring a Trailer Autozam AZ-1 Auctions
Bring a Trailer AZ-1 Auction Results
Small description: Historical auction listings, sale prices, photos, and collector market trends for the AZ-1.
Automotive Editorial Sources
The Drive
The Drive Article on Mazdaspeed AZ-1
Small description: News coverage of the rare Mazdaspeed AZ-1 currently listed for sale in the United States.
Car and Driver
Car and Driver Autozam AZ-1 Feature
Small description: In depth overview of the AZ-1’s history, engineering, and collector appeal.
Mazdaspeed AZ-1
What is the Mazdaspeed Autozam AZ-1?
The Mazdaspeed Autozam AZ-1 is a rare factory tuned version of Mazda's tiny kei sports car. It keeps the AZ-1's gullwing doors and mid engine layout, but adds Mazdaspeed upgrades for handling and style.
How rare is the Mazdaspeed AZ-1?
It is extremely rare. The article notes that only around 150 Mazdaspeed AZ-1 models were believed to have been produced, which makes it one of the rarest variants in the AZ-1 lineup.
How many Autozam AZ-1 cars were built in total?
The Autozam AZ-1 was produced from 1992 to 1994, with approximately 4,500 examples built in total. A further 531 were sold as the Suzuki Cara rebadged version.
What makes the Mazdaspeed version different from the standard AZ-1?
Mazdaspeed added an aggressive body kit, a large hood scoop, a tall rear wing, coilover suspension, a limited slip differential, plus a Mazdaspeed air filter and exhaust system.
What engine does the AZ-1 use?
It uses a Suzuki sourced turbocharged three cylinder engine with a displacement of 657 cc. The output is 63 horsepower, and the car comes with a 5 speed manual transmission.
Why does the AZ-1 get so much attention?
Because it looks like a miniature supercar. The gullwing doors, compact size, mid engine layout, and unusual styling make it stand out immediately, even before you talk about rarity.
How much is the listed example asking for?
The example mentioned in the article has around 60,000 miles and an asking price of $26,500. That puts it below the price of a brand new Mazda Miata in the United States.
Why do collectors care about this car?
Collectors like it because it is rare, unusual, and tied to the golden era of Japanese kei cars. The Mazdaspeed version adds even more appeal because so few were made.
