The Legendary 1992 Mazda Autozam AZ-1 Import

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Trevor Wayne - 1992 Mazda Autozam AZ-1

Instagram: @trevorjonwayne @wrongsidemotors

Photographer: Marvin Recinos

Instagram: @mr2mivin

Meet Trevor Jon Wayne and WrongSide Motors

I’m Trevor Jon Wayne, the founder of WrongSide Motors, a California-based operation that specializes in importing and selling rare, right-hand-drive Japanese vehicles. I’ve been a car enthusiast for as long as I can remember, and I have a soft spot for boxy '90s vans, turbo kei cars, and all the quirky JDM oddities that spark spontaneous conversations at gas stations. After spending years living in Japan, I built strong relationships with trusted exporters and developed a keen eye for cars that blend charm, utility, and personality.

Back in Southern California, I fuse Japanese car culture with a laid-back surf-town lifestyle—whether I’m cruising the coast in a retro Toyota HiAce or wrenching on my quirky Autozam AZ-1 in the driveway. My background in media, including time as a producer for TMZ, gives me a unique perspective on storytelling and visual flair that I bring to every import I touch. Through WrongSide Motors, I’m not just selling cars; I’m importing nostalgia, one rad ride at a time.

The Spark That Ignited My Passion

For me, it all started with a combination of the original The Fast and the Furious movie and MTV’s iconic True Life episode “I’m a Street Racer.” That episode, featuring Greg Leone and his Honda CRX, totally mesmerized me. There was something about that car's presence and the way it sounded, as well as how it fit into that underground world—it really stuck with me. The influence was even stronger knowing that a lot of it was filmed in my hometown of San Diego. I must have watched that episode 200 times.

Naturally, a CRX became my first car. My dad was thrilled, mostly because it was dirt cheap—but for me, it was the beginning of a deep obsession with cars, culture, and character.

My Iconic 1992 Autozam AZ-1

A Kei Car Legend

Who doesn’t love a turbo kei car? My 1992 Autozam AZ-1 is a kei car legend through and through. It’s fitted with a full Mazdaspeed body kit and some ultra-rare M2 1015 parts that are nearly impossible to find. Finished in silver and lowered just right on Navic fully adjustable coilovers, it’s perfectly stanced on 15-inch gold Watanabe wheels that bring serious old-school JDM flair.

The details make it even more special—starting with the extremely rare bonnet (or hood) up front, which is a hybrid customization that integrates the M2 1015-style yellow fog lights while retaining the rounded headlights of the Mazdaspeed instead of the squared-off top found on the M2. It’s a serious wow factor! There are also rare blue seat covers and a DVD player tucked into the dash, which comes in surprisingly handy when you’re crawling through Southern California traffic. The rare Lamco gauge pod is a fun, functional interior detail. Out back, it sports a set of rare rear window louvers and door-mounted window scoops that give it an extra dose of mini-supercar attitude, complemented by a Mazdaspeed exhaust that purrs to let everyone know you’ve arrived.

And of course, the factory gullwing doors are the pièce de résistance—impossibly cool and perfect for making an entrance. It’s equal parts go-kart, spaceship, and collector’s dream. Every drive feels like a miniature event, and pulling into a gas station turns into a Q&A session nine times out of ten. This car doesn’t just get looks—it starts conversations.

Rarity and Driving Experience

What makes my Autozam AZ-1 unique is how rare it is—only about 4,500 were ever made, including the super-rare limited edition Suzuki Cara models, which number around 500. Owning it feels like being one of the cool kids in school, especially when I pull up to a Cars and Coffee event; people just can’t get enough of it.

Driving the AZ-1 is an unbelievably unique experience. Crawling into the cockpit feels like strapping into a fighter jet, and starting it up unleashes a symphony of sounds that never gets old. On paper, it boasts a mere 64 hp, but let me tell you, that’s not what it feels like at all in real life! With its mid-rear engine, three-cylinder turbo, and five-speed manual rear-wheel drive setup, this little beast feels like it’s got a whole lot more oomph than those numbers suggest. At just 1,587 pounds, it handles like a dream, and the power-to-weight ratio is absolutely perfect, making every drive an exhilarating adventure—especially when you hear that blow-off valve!

Build List

The engine of my Autozam AZ-1 is stock, except for an aftermarket air filter that helps it breathe a little better. Inside, the interior is all factory, aside from the rare blue seat covers and a DVD player nestled in the dash for those long SoCal traffic jams. The car features a smaller-diameter Momo sport steering wheel, which provides more legroom for taller Westerners, making it much more comfortable. We also installed an adapter on the steering column to position the wheel slightly higher and to the right, creating a game-changing gap between your leg and the shifter.

The car sits on 15-inch gold Watanabe wheels, complete with matching lug nuts that perfectly complement its classic JDM style. For suspension, I’ve opted for the Navic adjustable Street coilovers, giving it a great stance and handling while maintaining comfort. As for the brakes, they remain factory, providing reliable stopping power for this lightweight beauty.

Aside from the Navic coilovers and the steering column adapter, I didn’t have to do anything else to this car. I originally bought it as part of my inventory to sell through WrongSide Motors, but as soon as I sat in it, I knew I could never let her go. I believe it was a one-owner car, and the previous owner really took care of it.

It came from the Fukushima Prefecture in Japan, which is a meaningful detail for me. To be honest, I’m very happy that it passed the radiation test that all cars must undergo when being exported from Japan. The catastrophic tsunami in 2011 had a significant impact on Fukushima, and many cars from that area were heavily affected by radiation. Knowing my AZ-1 is in the clear just adds to my appreciation for this unique little gem.

Future Plans for the AZ-1

In terms of future plans, I’d love to get my hands on an N1 ECU. It’s a rare upgrade, but I know they’re out there, and it absolutely transforms the AZ-1 into a little monster. A buddy of mine has one, and after driving his, I felt like the fenders were going to fly off! I honestly felt like I was driving a completely different car. It was almost too much power for the weight, but that’s never a bad thing in my book. I can’t wait to experience that level of performance and driving fun for myself!

Acknowledgments

I want to give a shout-out to @mr2mivin, Marvin Recinos, my favorite automotive photographer. I literally wouldn't be here right now, typing this out if it wasn't for him. He makes photos look like movies and he's an absolute joy to be around. Thank you, papa.

Also, a huge thank you to @baixue0929, Yuki, for being there from the beginning with my first import, her friend in Japan's 1991 Nissan Sunny Truck. From there, she encouraged me to buy more cars, and it changed my life. Just a couple of years later, I now own WrongSide Motors.

Thanks to my mom and dad for their massive support and encouragement. A big thanks to all my friends for their support, and last but definitely not least, my clients and buyers. Without your trust, patience, and the opportunity to fulfill your orders, I wouldn't be living the life I live. Cheers to you all.

Dream Car Aspirations

It always changes. I feel like I get to drive my dream car already with the AZ-1. However, I would love a modest Porsche GT3 or a Honda NSX. Yet a while back, I laid eyes on the 1992 Venturi 400 Trophy, aka the supercar you've never heard of, and I’ve been fantasizing about it ever since. What a beaut!

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UKTM no: UK00003572459