A rare Suzuki Cara mid-engine supercar with gullwing doors recently appeared for sale on the U.S. auction site Bring a Trailer.
The appearance of the vehicle highlights the growing international interest in limited-production Japanese "kei" cars, which often feature unconventional designs and niche engineering.
Suzuki produced only 533 examples [1] of the Cara. The vehicle is a twin to the Mazda Autozam AZ-1 [1]. Despite its supercar styling and mid-engine layout, the car is powered by an engine producing just 64 hp [2].
"Suzuki’s tiny mid-engine supercar has gullwing doors and just 64 hp," CarScoops said [2]. The design emphasizes a compact footprint while maintaining the aesthetic of a high-performance vehicle—a rarity for cars of its size.
Because so few units were ever manufactured, the Cara remains a collector's item. The limited production run of 533 units [1] ensures that few of these vehicles leave the Japanese market. The recent listing on Bring a Trailer marks a notable instance of the car reaching U.S.-based enthusiasts.
MSN Autos said that the Cara is a twin to Mazda's Autozam AZ-1 [1]. This partnership allowed both manufacturers to produce a highly specialized vehicle without the full cost of independent development. The resulting car combines a mid-engine configuration, and the signature gullwing doors that are typically reserved for far more expensive luxury supercars.
Collectors often seek these vehicles for their historical value and unique engineering. The Cara represents a specific era of Japanese automotive experimentation where manufacturers pushed the boundaries of the kei car class.
“Suzuki built only 533 examples of the Cara”
The emergence of the Suzuki Cara on a U.S. auction platform signals a broadening appetite for vintage Japanese micro-cars. While the 64 hp output is modest by modern standards, the car's rarity and distinct gullwing design make it a significant specimen of automotive history, shifting the focus from raw performance to design and exclusivity.
