Sell Your Suzuki

Cappuccino: the kei-car roadster with a big personality

The Suzuki Cappuccino (1991-1998, EA11R and EA21R) is a unique presence in automotive history. A kei-car roadster with turbocharged 657cc three-cylinder, rear-wheel drive, and a removable roof in three configurations (fully open, T-bar, or closed coupé). Only around 28,000 were built, of which a fraction reached Europe as JDM imports. The difference between an early EA11R (1991-1994) with 657cc F6A turbo and a later EA21R (1995-1998) with K6A turbo matters to connoisseurs: different gearbox options, different chassis components, different servicing needs.

On classic markets Cappuccinos are often undervalued because the subtler differences between early and late specifications are not known to every buyer. The auction format brings together collectors who recognise these details. A Cappuccino in original colour (Pearl White, Pearl Blue, Pearl Red, or the rare Pearl Aqua) with proven JDM import documentation and low mileage is highly attractive to collectors.

Jimny: from LJ80 to JB64

The Suzuki Jimny lineage began in 1970 with the LJ10 and has developed through four generations: LJ80 (1976-1981), SJ410/SJ413 (1981-1998), JB23 (1998-2018), and the modern JB64 (from 2018). Each generation has its own collector market. The early LJ80 and LJ81 (the first Jimnys in Europe) are rare to classic collectors. The SJ413 in coupé form is increasingly valued as an off-road classic. The modern JB64 (since 2018, with the most characterful styling) already holds 'instant classic' status with waiting lists in Europe.

For sellers of a classic Jimny, documentation of originality is crucial: factory specification, original colour scheme, unmodified interior, and complete service history. For the modern JB64, low mileage and factory-installed accessories matter most. A classic SJ413 in original condition with proven provenance has a growing collector market.

Swift Sport, Vitara, and the unusual Suzukis

The Suzuki Swift Sport (from 2005, three generations to the present) is an underrated hot hatch. The early ZC31S (2005-2010) with 1.6 four-cylinder making 125 hp, the ZC32S (2011-2017) with 136 hp, and the modern ZC33S (2017+) with 1.4 turbo making 140 hp each have their own collector markets. The Vitara V6 of the nineties was an underrated SUV with the Cami-shared 2.0 V6 engine. The rare Swift GTI of the eighties (M13A engine variant) is a true JDM rarity.

For Octane, international buyer reach brings essential value to these JDM-specific models. A Swift Sport ZC31S in original condition with low mileage, or a Vitara V6 1995 with proven original specification, can attract international collectors who value the specific specification.

Rust and bodywork by model

Suzukis have model-specific rust problems. On Cappuccino, the wheel arches, sills, and frame rails under the doors are known spots. On early LJ80 and SJ Jimnys, the chassis rails, body mounts, and wheel arches are critical. On Swift Sport (especially ZC31S), wing roots and the A-pillar are points of attention. On Vitara V6, the wheel arches and structural rails matter. For JDM imports, body work condition is often considerably better than European-market versions. A Suzuki with provably panel-free history and JEVIC report can attract a premium.

Engine and mechanicals by model

• F6A turbo (early Cappuccino EA11R): 657cc DOHC three-cylinder with turbocharger, 64 hp. Points of attention: turbo rebuild, timing chain guide, and the unique aluminium exhaust manifold condition.
• K6A turbo (later Cappuccino EA21R): 658cc DOHC three-cylinder with revised turbo, 64 hp (limited by kei-car regulation). Robust when maintained. Document turbo rebuild and valve clearances.
• SJ413 1.3 four-cylinder: 1.3 SOHC four-cylinder with carburettors (early) or injection (later). Simple and reliable when maintained. Ask about gearbox condition (especially 4WD system).
• JB64 K15B four-cylinder: 1.5 four-cylinder, naturally aspirated, 102 hp. Modern and reliable when serviced at Suzuki.
• M16A and M13A (Swift Sport ZC31S, ZC32S): 1.6 four-cylinder without turbo. Ask about timing chain condition and original exhaust configuration.
• K14C BoosterJet (Swift Sport ZC33S): 1.4 turbo four-cylinder. Modern and reliable when serviced on schedule at Suzuki.
• H20A V6 (Vitara V6): 2.0 V6 with 134 hp, shared with Daihatsu Cami. Ask about head gasket history and originality of the exhaust setup.

Originality, JDM spec, and factory specification

For sporting Suzukis, JDM versus Europe is often decisive. A JDM Cappuccino in factory Pearl Aqua or Pearl White with proven low mileage and unmodified interior is worth far more to collectors than a European version. For classic Jimnys, an SJ413 in original factory colour with factory hardtop and unmodified suspension is a strong selling point. For modern JB64, edition numbering within Netherlands production allocation and factory-installed accessories (Pro specification, roof racks, snow chain bundling) matter.

JEVIC report and Suzuki Heritage

For JDM import Suzukis, the JEVIC report is essential: it confirms year, original mileage at export, and factory specification. For regular models (Cappuccino, Jimny SJ series), JDM import documentation is an important selling point. Suzuki Motor Corporation provides factory records on request for specific models based on the chassis number; for collectors of Cappuccinos and rare Vitara V6s this document is valuable.