Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Buyers Guide and Ownership Tips

TL;DR: AZ-1 Essentials

1. The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is one of the rarest Kei cars ever made, with fewer than 4,400 units built between 1992–1994.

2. Known as the “baby supercar,” it features gullwing doors, a mid-engine layout, and a 9,000 RPM turbocharged engine.

3. Collectibility is high, so buyers should expect rising values and must carefully check for rust, parts scarcity, and import paperwork.

Introduction: The Cult of the Baby Supercar

Every now and then, Japan gives us something so wild it feels like a concept car that escaped the factory floor. The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is exactly that. On paper, it shouldn’t exist: a gullwing-doored, mid-engined Kei car with styling cues from exotic supercars, but shrunk to fit within Japan’s strict Kei car regulations.

Today, the AZ-1 has become a cult classic, beloved by enthusiasts worldwide for its design, rarity, and the sheer audacity of its existence. But if you’re thinking of buying one, there are things you need to know before diving in. This buyers guide will walk you through the car’s history, what makes it special, common ownership pitfalls, and whether it’s worth investing in now.

The Origins of the Autozam AZ-1

The story of the AZ-1 starts in the late 1980s bubble economy, when Japanese carmakers were experimenting like never before. Suzuki first developed the platform (called the R/SR prototypes) but lacked the resources to bring it to market. Enter Mazda’s Autozam sub-brand, which specialized in quirky small cars.

By 1992, the AZ-1 was born. It combined:

• Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout

• 657cc turbocharged Suzuki F6A engine (63 hp)

• Gullwing doors like a Mercedes 300SL or DeLorean DMC-12

• Weight: just 720 kg (1,587 lbs)

This made it unlike anything else on the road — and arguably the wildest Kei car ever produced.

For an excellent deep dive into its development history, see this Hemmings feature on Kei cars.

Why Is the AZ-1 So Special?

The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is more than just a Kei car; it’s a design statement. Imagine rolling up to a car meet in a tiny red coupe with gullwing doors. People stop. People ask questions. They assume it’s some obscure Italian exotic until they notice the badge.

• Exclusivity: With only ~4,392 units built, it’s rarer than many Ferraris.

• Design DNA: Styled by Toshiko Hirai (who also worked on the Mazda RX-7).

• Cult Status: Nicknamed the “AZ-1 Ferrari” or “baby supercar.”

Even in Japan, enthusiasts still chase down clean examples, while overseas buyers scramble for imports under the 25-Year Import Rule (source: NHTSA Importing Vehicle Guide).

Buying Guide: What to Look For

If you’re in the market for an AZ-1, you’ll need to keep a sharp eye on a few key areas.

Rust and Chassis Issues

Despite its futuristic looks, the AZ-1 wasn’t immune to rust, especially around the rear arches, sills, and underbody. Many examples were driven year-round in Japan, so finding a rust-free car is harder than it sounds.

Parts Availability

Because of its rarity, OEM parts can be scarce. Certain trim pieces and gullwing door components are especially tricky to source. Some owners rely on custom fabrication or aftermarket support from Japanese suppliers.

Engine & Turbo Health

The Suzuki F6A engine is reliable if maintained, but turbo seals, head gaskets, and cooling systems can be weak points. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil are a must.

Interior Wear

With such a compact cabin, interior plastics and fabrics tend to scuff and fade. Replacement panels are rare, so originality matters when buying.

Ownership Costs

Owning an AZ-1 is surprisingly affordable in terms of running costs compared to bigger JDM legends like the Skyline GT-R. Insurance and fuel are cheap, and the car’s lightweight build means brakes, tires, and suspension components last longer.

But here’s the kicker: purchase price is no longer cheap.

• 2010s: $6,000–$10,000

• Early 2020s: $20,000–$30,000

• 2025 market: Some clean examples now hitting $40,000+

This puts the AZ-1 firmly in the collector territory.

Driving Experience: A Kei Like No Other

Slip behind the wheel of an AZ-1, and you instantly realize it’s not like any other Kei. You sit low, cocooned in a cockpit with gullwing doors framing your view. The turbocharged F6A sings to 9,000 RPM, and while 63 horsepower doesn’t sound like much, the featherweight chassis makes it feel alive.

It’s not about straight-line speed; it’s about the sensation of driving something so unique, so precise, and so unapologetically fun.

Should You Buy an Autozam AZ-1?

If you want practicality, no. If you want comfort, no. But if you want one of the quirkiest, rarest, and most conversation-starting JDM imports, the answer is absolutely yes.

The AZ-1 isn’t just a car — it’s an experience, a piece of art, and a rolling slice of Japanese automotive history.

Where to Learn More

If this story has sparked your Kei curiosity, check out these related reads on Stance Auto:

• Kei Cars Explained: The Tiny JDM Legends

• Top 5 Rare JDM Imports Under 25k

• How to Import a Kei Car Into the USA Step by Step

• The Best Kei Sports Cars You’ve Never Heard Of

And don’t miss our Stance Auto Magazine JDM specials on Amazon:

• Stance Auto Magazine Japanese Classic Cars Vol2

• Stance Auto Magazine July 2025

• The JDM Magazine: Worldwide Modified JDM Car Magazine

Conclusion: A Rare Kei Worth the Hunt

The Mazda Autozam AZ-1 is not just a car — it’s a piece of Japanese design history, a unicorn of the Kei world, and a collector’s dream. If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, it will reward you with not only a thrilling drive but also endless smiles and conversations at every car meet.

The best advice? Buy the cleanest example you can afford, maintain it with care, and enjoy one of the rarest Kei cars to ever hit the road.

Call to Action

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