1992 Autozam AZ-1 My Super Tiny Sports Car! Part 1

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In this episode, I'll give you a brief history of the quirky and unique Kei sports car, the 1992 Autozam AZ-1 and then show you all around my recently imported example.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi All, thanks for checking out the video and for your awesome support over the years! If there's something specific you want me to cover about the AZ-1 or questions you have about it, tell me here and I'll do my best to include that in an upcoming video. Oh and the LSx engine will not fit, already did some measuring and it was perfect except for a tiny interference around the front, back, top, bottom and side parts.

[@bandwagon240]

So you don't have to filter through all the comments, how tall are you?

[@aserta]

You scored with this one and after the treatment given, she's a gem.

[@guuuu666]

Tom's Turbo Garage 😝🤜🏻 🤛😡

[@JONNYGEEKMANG]

Tom, this made my day sir. I want one so bad.

[@nicanorsantillan1883]

For reference 6'1" is the safest limit to drive this car, some 6'2" fits.

[@Guardian016]

When I was walking in my neighborhood in Japan, I happened to see a man attending a silver AZ-1 in his small garage. That put a smile on my face.

[@atranas6018]

I want photo of Shaq near the AZ

[@markjmarkjack]

Ancient Wheel Or one of his shoes next to one.

[@jessieb9384]

I want to see him drive it

[@OttomanDrifter91]

they are probably around same size lol

[@charliebardo6255]

Get another one and you can watch him roller skating 😎

[@rickyspanish5326]

I'd like to see him put it in his pocket.

[@fr33rid3r33]

Be careful that motorcycle at 1:28 doesn't run you over. Cool Car.

[@KentBuchla]

Finally, a car reviewer who can actually speak English well, doesn’t misuse the language every 2 sentences, doesn’t overuse hyperbole, and isn’t exigent for attention. Bravo!

[@cemhoysaloglu1567]

8.4 liter v10 viper engine is probably bigger than this thing xd

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Haha, engine and trans combined, it’s probably spans the entire wheelbase

[@payamyazdi7672]

cool car.looks perfect for my living room

[@joe125ful]

Fit*

[@ekdromoi]

it'll fit right in the hotwheel tin.

[@cwatson42785]

Payam yazdi use it for your coffee table. Great conversation piece. Lol

[@user-yn8wq4oi8w]

Payam yazdi fr such a bitch mobile

[@adityagupta101]

Nice one Tom, I really liked how you have preserved and remember car magazines and video games. Today you are buying those very dream cars. Respect.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the kind words sir!

[@IID]

doug demuro needs to see this car

[@ablanuza76]

Nah...

[@joeschmoe2309]

yeah we're good on that

[@nezerac]

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who dislikes that guy. I thought I was a bad person for so long.

[@heikkiaho6605]

why do you dislike him? :( he might be a bit weird but he shows all kinds of interesting stuff found in exotic cars and such

[@danielfuller10]

@@heikkiaho6605 he gets a ton of info wrong for one. He seems like a nice guy but I would rather watch an owner go over their vehicles as they know ALL of the ins and outs. It's difficult watching one of his reviews and cringing at information he gets wrong. He does more good then bad but still, some of his reviews are rough given how eccentric he can be.

[@noonerofl]

This video makes me love my NA miata. I had an automated search on craigslist for a few years and finally found a 1.6 L NA with factory hardtop unmodified from the original owner, I told him I'd keep it as long as I could, maintain it myself, and keep it stock. The miata is likely larger, but still tiny if you drive it up and down 95, but at least they placed the steering wheel on the correct side 😅.

[@WhatnotSoforth]

I love that little bastard! I'm so glad you get to enjoy her. That car is one of the few I'd love to own in America, maybe the Honda S600 too? I'd be quite happy with just a Lada Niva. But that's such a sweet little ride. Take care of her and treat her right! Kei cars and trucks rock!

[@catjudo1]

I get how your AZ-1 brings a smile every time you see it. My daily driver is an NB2 Miata that has been well cared for, and every time I have to go to the store, I see the car and I just light up inside. It's always fun to drive.

[@GeekTherapyRadio]

I've got a Delorean and MR2 Spyder, the AZ1 is definitely on my bucket list as well!

[@chickenlittle567]

Geek Therapy Radio you have a twin below you

[@lucasrem]

Geek Therapy Radio bucket list, that old, ready to go now? Suzuki Cappuccino too, UK cars only?

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

If you think about it, it's almost like the MR-2 and DeLorean had a bastard child.

[@blakeriley6690]

delorean and 78 lotus esprit series 2 here now. Daily is 90 miata but now i wanna swap out my daily for an autozam wtf

[@Cosigner22]

I'm seeing a theme in your automobiles.

[@TheCarPassionChannel]

Awesome video Tom!! You're living the dream buying cars that we all learned about in Gran Turismo 2 😍

[@raM3.54]

TheCarPassionChannel Craig!!

[@Nasonix2]

:D hashTCPC

[@Almighty_cornholio]

Hi Greg

[@Nebbia_affaraccimiei]

how long for the bmw trans install???

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir, can't wait to see your awesome Miata back in action!

[@WagonDrifter]

I just bought an AZ-1 and cannot wait to go pick it up. Your example is absolutely pristine. I'm going to be spending a bit of time here!

[@gerekappo]

Oh man... I cannot wait for future videos! happy to hear from you again,happy for your new car too! thanks for sharing!

[@briangreen6602]

As rare as a Project Binky video, and just as welcome to brighten my day.

[@Grimm-Gaming]

Brian Green may be i can import a Celia gt4 to thr states before they finish that thing

[@aserta]

Hello fellow Binky! Have a great day.

[@2s2bs]

PROJECT BINKY IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITES, but you know, the project is as old as some of their fans' children, hahahah

[@r2kool4u]

Make the noise

[@2s2bs]

I developed a healthy tea addiction

[@19chucki74]

Love those Kei cars, trucks and vans! The AZ-1 is one amazing sport coupe. I'd like to have one of those cab forward JDM vans though.

[@cjoe1950]

nice...i'll get one of this and put it on my car's dashboard.

[@sed8181]

tried to put a hula gril on my dash, but my car is so small she had to sit in the passenger seat and wear a seat belt.

[@ArsenicTheLegend]

When you mentioned how difficult it is to import Japanese cars like the Autozam I said to myself, “Too bad he doesn’t know about Duncan Imports.” Lo and behold! It really is a must-see for car enthusiasts. They’ve got Japanese hearses, tons of kei cars including utility vehicles like fire trucks and what seems like a hundred examples of the Nissan Figaro, even some right hand drive sports cars like the 300ZX or Mazda FD. And the best part is most are for sale!

[@fmitterb]

OMG ... 05:50 ... that really puts it into scale :)

[@MultiWalrus1]

It's funny because with no other visual reference it really does look like a normal-size car.

[@Selendryle]

by itself it looks like an RC car or something

[@biaggiwins]

Woah, that's crazy small.

[@Prime.Era.]

Surprisingly modern looking inside

[@fernandgauthier7895]

TheHK2127 if you drive a kia or a hyundai accent it look like a new car interior .

[@Threewulphmoon]

all new generation 90's era mazda share that. 1993 mx3, mx5, rx7 have that interior coupe styling.

[@cooliodiablo6117]

...well it's only from the 90's so duh.

[@automisery484]

Ok, you're one of my new favorites. No weird quirks and features, no fleets of cars, no Lambos, and no autotrader links. I am still amazed at your editing skills. I spend most my time on my channel editing. And you are only one state away so let me borrow your AZ-1 and I'll let you drive the Porsche.

[@pete5534]

Such a cherry example. I adore these little gems.

[@AnthonyGarcia-kd9mx]

My friend has a AZ1 and he took out the limiter and it's goes around 130mph and turns are crazy we where going like 50 mph on a right turn at the light

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Sounds fun!

[@sharifsircar]

omggg this just turned into my dream car, totally subing!

[@sad6549775]

lol...here you are.

[@sharifsircar]

Saad Sircar Heyyy, this car is fantastic 😂

[@onetouchheroyt731]

Out of every car you could have chosen to be your dream car, why is it this one?

[@yungaj.zofficial1357]

@@onetouchheroyt731 it just looks cool dude

[@shanegarcia7057]

But why?

[@boogeyratt]

"64 angry horsepower". Hahaha. That made me laugh out loud at work. Good job.

[@tdeloriea]

KZbin thought I'd be interested some how. What do you know. I watched all the episodes on the big screen this Sunday morning having my coffee. Cathartic...

[@Goodezilla]

Very cool man! I imported my R32 GTR myself, so I know what you mean about the roller coaster! lol...but hey, it was worth it in the end! Very cool 2nd JDM car you've got there, Tom!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir and love your videos man! Glad you're enjoying the heck out of your beast!!

[@Goodezilla]

Tom's Turbo Garage hey thank you man! I'm hoping to get it dyno tuned here very soon!

[@rusted-iron4360]

5:37 Oh! look an RC car xD with that giant antenna on the top xD

[@Zerofightervi]

Subscribed! Great example you've got yourself, I've seen these at various shows around the UK but rarely on the road. Someone locally drives a bright yellow Honda Beat, it always brings a smile to my face.

[@asriazmi]

most comprehensive autozam review ever. Thumbs up

[@BikesNThings]

Been looking forward to this.

[@2stroketurbo]

oh I LOVE these Autozams !

[@MovieMike1969]

It looks small when you first see it, but when you stand beside it, wow it looks tiny. Very cool.

[@ruready4adventure743]

Great video & great example of the AZ-1! Thx for sharing.

[@El_Rey_LLC]

Wow, that thing is CLEAN! O.O

[@Brock_Landers]

I would REALLY like to see a 13B in this car...even in stock trim this car would be crazy.

[@felixli4306]

Boosted B Series EK seriously? U would engine swap a car which have less than a thousand production unit? Also will it fit??

[@veganpotterthevegan]

felix li it'll fit in an RC car 🤣. It'll totally fit in this car. This car is about ridiculousness and a 13b would be great

[@TheRealBleach]

Boosted B Series EK That would be cool but I’d leave the engine how it is

[@KamenKachev]

You can check out the tuned versions of this car. It can produce up to 150hp from the stock motor. Doesn't sound like a lot but consider it is just 720kg...

[@nicolas6820]

There's a japanese video were the tuners made 200awhp from a suzuki alto works (Same engine) so.. i dont think ruin such a rare and original vehicle worth it. Those little engines are beasts and revs as high as rotarys tho.

[@TC_Connection]

So shiny and well conserved... I can't believe that is a 26 years old car!

[@NicholasMaietta]

You are a true car enthusiast. So glad you get to experience enjoy one of these.

[@somedude1119]

Due to the nature of the engine being a Suzuki, I'm sure it revs up very quickly. That being said, it is also very easy to increase the power in this motor. I would love to see some slight internal engine modifications and a new exhaust to help keep this baby road worthy. While you're at it, get a larger throttle body/bore out the intake manifold. Even a simple bump from 64 to about 100 hp would be a huge improvement for a car of this weight and size. As per the usual, great video Tom. I always look forward to seeing what's new with you!

[@82f100swb]

Some Dude Arctic Cat used this same engine in the T660 Turbo snowmobiles, at 110hp. So 100hp should be very doable.

[@JoeWrenches]

Great video Tom! Very well done. That 4500 rpm cruising engine speed makes an Evo seem pretty relaxed on the interstate!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you Joe! Yes now that you mention it, it's not too terrible on the highway. YOU NEED ONE!

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

Tom's Turbo Garage I might buy one, tune it and put a diff gear in it that drops the highway rev to 3100

[@ben41281]

You know it's small, when you are looking UP at motorcycles!

[@Cosigner22]

This was a really good video, and the interior on that thing is top notch as far as I'm concerned. It's actually BAD ASS! The first thing I noticed about it was the side half- windows like my old '92 Subaru SVX!

[@seansamurai1981]

Ford Sierra RS cosworth unobtainable in the US. HAHAHA they were ten to a penny in the UK. Bloody expensive for a good one now though but oh so awesome.

[@ubayyd]

Would be *lovely* to see some exterior shots when it's rolling

[@bigdav8]

Wow i love it the older cars have so much character.

[@Emppu_T.]

Fantastic Autozam ! All the little kei-jidosha sporty tiny cars are so cool! I see Duncan has a Honda Z !

[@strawloki7133]

HE's back! We missed you.

[@timreeper1295]

thats a badass car my friend !!

[@HLF20]

Awesome piece of car history! Keep it warm and clean 😉

[@JoyconJames]

0:42 Geez that's the Texas Giant on fire! Six Flags over Texas is right next to my house so I recognize this ride and the Titan behind it right away...The Texas Giant has always had issues but damn!

[@duckbob100]

Yesssssss! Finally!

[@rookietoprobuildz]

5:45 ! Wow that is very small , definitely a head turner in todays standards

[@LeadFootash23]

This thing is super cool, always remember these from Gran Turismo. Despite constantly going to car shows I've never actually seen one in the flesh.

[@TheRetroRoadshow]

I've never heard of this car before, and now my life is incomplete without one :-) / :-(

[@Mr.M1STER]

5:10 Such a shame the final car did not have those pop up headlights.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Yeah looks much much better imho

[@TheSighphiguy]

91 isnt "waaaaay before the internet". its the EXACT year it started.

[@aberratic]

The internet wasn't widely adopted for another 10 years

[@Ralph2]

I'm UK based and like you I always get interested in cars I can't have (unless as a grey import) or are shunned by the majority. I have loved the Autozam for a quarter of a century, but unlike you I have not been able to buy one..... and now they are way out of my price range. Thank you for showing yours to me

[@vubevube]

the F40 body is hilarious..but in a way i would drive it every day to see people smile :D

[@mr.y.mysterious.video1]

As a former Daihatsu copen owner I’d love to own one of these but their cost is crazy when imported to the uk

[@drd6416]

mr y mysterious video there's a few Knocking about if you look... And the Toyota sera is quite common now too...

[@godwindracing6056]

2:25 a recap of C&D’s Unobtainables: Toyota Sera BMW Z1 Mitsubishi Minica Dangan ZZ Ford Sierra Sapphire Cosworth Mercedes-Benz Gelandewagen Nissan Pao and S-Cargo Nissan Skyline GT-R

[@letstalkabouttv1784]

Thank you the Z1 stuck out as he was talking lmao and as I was reading

[@keeperofeurobeat8421]

We can get the R32 and the R33 in America as of 2018. :D

[@seancain7305]

Great... can't wait to see more of this wee gem

[@williamedstrom5681]

Never seen one before, but I'm excited to see what life is like in this weird, cool, quirky little thing

[@CarswithNash]

Awesome car Tom! The interior looks really modern for a ‘92 & all the unique little features, plus it seems to be in amazing condition with every desirable option, well done! I lived in the Philippines for a year & owned a Suzuki “multi cab” there, that is the little dropside pickup, it had a 660 overhead cam 3cylinder as well, probably the same as what is in your car. That little truck was zippy, it was great fun in tight city traffic. I really got a laugh out of your gas station story, sounds like something that would happen to me lol!

[@nicanorsantillan1883]

It's the same bottom end as the Suzuki Carry, but the top end is completely different. DOHC + turbo. Tranny is alot different as well.

[@82f100swb]

Nicanor Santillan Sounds like the same version of the engine that Arctic Cat used in the T660 Turbo snowmobiles. It was 110hp stock in sled form.

[@user-px8ym6ww5j]

春日部ナンバーかー・・・The place written on registration plate, "春日部(Kasukabe)" is the stage of japanese famous animations, such as "Lucky Star" and "Crayon Shin-chan."

[@iwanhaniyoto]

Like your video, like your tiny car, like your effort to have this rare cars. Maintenance dan service this cars have a lot a effort too, but if you love them, it's all paid off.

[@ScuzzySera]

Ha, I just had to laugh when I saw the "Unobtainables" with a Sera in my garage. Great video, the AZ-1 is an amazing little car.

[@alexe5683]

Commenting before watching! Love ya tom! Everytime i see a new video i get so excited. Update: now I'm half way in an can say i truly love the research you do. The memories you share. The love for automobiles. Brings me inspiration and joy. Everyone needs to like, share and subscribe.

[@XBlockAcah]

In Japan the car is considered as small, but it the US, it TINY

[@bradlemmond]

In the US, most people would make a comment about it not being a real car.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

It's tiny in Japan too. It's not like seeing tons of these things is normal. And yes, I've been to Japan.

[@thejohn6912]

Brad Lemmond “I can fit that in the bed of my truck”

[@MrWhoevr]

I wouldn’t want to drive it on the highway. Someone might not notice it and run it over.

[@nataliakruschev5078]

"They were unlike anything I could ever imagine driving through the streets of my small hometown." Yeah. That's it. That's what I felt. And then, once, I saw an R32 GTR in my hometown. And I was brimming with joy as I took pictures.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Sounds so cool, I would've died seeing a car like this in my town as a kid.

[@nataliakruschev5078]

@@TomsTurboGarage Yeah, it was right when I started getting into JDM cars besides RX7's and Supra's. I thought the R34 was always cool, but overhyped. I started getting into R32's at that time, and voila, there one was. Thanks for reading, Tom!

[@jgregoryj1]

I've never seen this car in real life and even I have to admit it made me smile looking at it too

[@RoadandRacetv]

Been waiting for this one! Perfection as always Tom. Loved "Story Time". Can't wait for the next episode. Between you and me I've just bought a bit of JDM exotica too....

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you sir and OOOH! Can't wait to see that!!

[@murilocruz7752]

I. WANT. ONE.

[@Binx75075]

I liked the trance music playing in the background in the 1st part of the video! Also, VERY cool car!!

[@mbchannel1037]

Mclaren F1 window style + Testarossa door vent + Pagani door + porsche headlight +F40 rear + Nsx engine hood + Diablo tail light= Mini supercars 😀😀

[@ciaranmacdonald9691]

If I see a small Japanese version of an rs200 in Greeneville TN, I’ll know who it is : )

[@ElCachorro97]

Hayabusa engine swap?

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

Doctor Notbu no doubt it is only a matter of time.

[@Rambogner]

Nah. Think big. LS3 or 2JZ ;)

[@Neojhun]

Wonder if you could fit a AMG A45 2.0L in there? www.leblogauto.com/zenphoto/mercedes-benz/2012/a45-amg-developpement/10-amg-a45-spy.jpg

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

Neojhun with an idea like that I say if it doesn't fit just make holes in the bodywork and let it all hang out.

[@GripAttack777]

I'd rather see someone do something with the motor already in it tbh.. This is coming from a guy who loves seeing everything get LS swapped too.

[@alejoer22]

I'm looking foward to those videos! Loved it!

[@dumyjobby]

i absolutely adore small sportscars like theese, build to be cheap to buy and mentain and super fun to drive. I want one of theese soo badly

[@oliverdodic756]

So CoOl

[@Frankovelli]

At first I thought it was called the 1992 Autism AZ-1

[@kevinlind4640]

I love how this car has an engine comparable to most motorbikes!

[@Juanknes]

It's a gorgeous car. Look a bit like a baby NSX. Awesome!

[@hobioxhobio]

I comment from Japan. It is AZ - 1 with good condition! It is rare in Japan. I think that it feels to a non-powerful engine to American people. In Japan, you can enjoy a lot of mountain roads and narrow streets, but enough ... I feel power shortage on highway and long uphill. I think that it will become comfortable if 1000cc ~ 1200cc engine is installed. I think that the engine such as Hayabusa Suzuki is the best.

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Thank you for the kind words and I agree, this thing needs more displacement!

[@YouThubez]

It's a Mazda. That's why it's cool.😎

[@Populiervogel]

No, its designed and manufactured by Suzuki but sold by Mazda. :-)

[@YouThubez]

Populier Vogel so, it's a Mazda LOL, 😄

[@davidberl901]

Dude, every time I see your videos I know I'm getting 100% from you , honestly the best on choices for project cars, always!

[@littlecouchgames2239]

You know I'm glad (not really glad though) that I wasn't the only one who felt the roller-coaster when importing my Figaro. I couldn't sleep for days, was sick to my stomach from stress. I did get the car though. Now it's in my garage having fuel pump issues in 110 degree AZ heat. I guess I'll have it running in the fall.

[@wesleynaylor9853]

YYYEEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!!

[@John-yg2rt]

Imagine this with a modern day Yamaha R1 engine swap making around 200hp

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Man, I'd love that!

[@Zodiac730908]

I notice that the biggest issue with superbike motors is their gear ratio. Very long 1st, and then close ratio box. Fine for fun toy, but would be a dog in the traffic, or going slowly. If you wanted any decent top end, you would have to gear it appropriately, but then your idle speed would be very high, and would put a lot of strain on your clutch when pulling off. I would far rather adopt a more docile engine with a better gear ratio from a dual purpose bike. There are 160hp adventure bikes with far more usable gear ratios. Tractability would be a more realistic experience with slightly sacrificed power. Your thoughts on this guys?

[@John-yg2rt]

@@Zodiac730908 Probably a much better idea, I speak from inexperience

[@WhatnotSoforth]

ok, seeing it at 6:00 I really get the scale. I thought it was just a little larger! I bet it drives better than my 84 Fiero, which was already really small and very low-slung; it handled more like a go-kart than a car. At least it had a little trunk space in the back, and you could throw a few things in the front. But I'm still *SOOOOO* jelly of your AZ-1! Also, the stick figures at 10:05 are funny..... they are full scale hahahah! I'd be tickled pink to just see one!

[@Epson5000]

Duncan's warehouse! I was lucky enough to visit him with a work colleague and drive a few of his cars for a magazine story.

[@BucketList22]

Does it have a handle?

[@kevpow56]

Get Doug Demuro to review it!

[@mobiledevto]

THIS. @dougdemuro

[@typedrew]

Please no

[@speedingred3016]

Please yes!

[@godwindracing6056]

He’ll realise that it’s too small for him and spend the entire video complaining about it. It was also too small for Mr. Regular too

[@misteralien9958]

Doug is the type of guy to review this car🤣

[@TheDonkeyworks]

Such a cool little car. Once again great work on the videos. Hope to see another big project soon.

[@Happydazeadventure]

Dude I love the way you introduced yourself to the az1 . Loved how you showed the old magazines and gran turismo 2 game . I’ve been really interested in buying one . Duncan imports always seems to have a few for sale .

[@zahemi914]

Doesnt it remind you of 1st gen. toyota Mr2 ? I mean the middle part

[@shanebep3135]

Haha definitely the crampedness and lack of storage reminds me of my aw11

[@Themadoutbacker]

I'm in on the ground floor with this one.

[@kevinjohnson2123]

Saw your AZ-1 at car's and coffee this morning, Awesome!

[@TomsTurboGarage]

Hi Kevin! Wish I could’ve met ya man, glad you enjoyed the car!

[@lucasblanchard47]

That’s such an awesome little K Car!!! It looks like baby NSX!!!