Imported ’80s and ’90s JDM cars are HOT right now! Be it a R32 or R33 Skyline GT-R, AE86 Toyota or even the car you’re looking at here, the Autozam AZ-1. Built in the early ’90s as a sporty Japanese Kei car (K, but not like the Chrysler version), it filled a niche in the market that is now coveted in the United States.
At least one of them has made it onto our shores, and in this case, is owned by Mechanical Engineer, Ashley DeLuca. Ashley was once living in Japan for a job she had, and purchased the AZ-1 as a way to get around. Once her job assignment was completed and she was ready to head home to The States, she shipped the car home with her. It weighs 1500 pounds, and packs 64 horses from its tiny, turbocharged 657cc powerplant.
It’s a mid-engine, 2-seater sports car with limited performance attributes, but is a ton of fun to drive. Apparently the governed top speed was 84mph, but Ashley removed the governor and the car should top at around 100mph.
Jay Leno has a somewhat limited familiarity with these cars, and walks Ashely though the stats, providing as much technical info as possible, for not only his own educational purposes but for those watching at home. For those unfamiliar or very familiar with the AZ-1, it’s definitely worth the watch!
Rick Seitz is the owner and founder of AutoCentric Media, and has a true love and passion for all vehicles; GM, Ford, Dodge, imports, trucks — you name it! When he isn’t clacking away on his keyboard, he’s building, tuning, driving or testing his current crop of personal projects!
