1985 Suzuki Alto FX 800cc
(Featured on 27th November 2010)
Make: Suzuki
Model: Alto
Year: 1985
Registration: C379 AAH
Mileage: 14,000
Sellers original description:
If you’re looking for an original, low mileage Alto then here’s a treat - an original Alto FX with the factory ‘newness’ that only comes with a cherished, low-miles car. The Alto was a mini-car that filled a gap in the market that European makers failed to spot. They were popular here because they were great value for a small four-door car, and being an auto were easy to drive. Now, 25 years later rust has claimed nearly all these early cars.
This Suzuki Alto was registered in November 1985 and is in excellent condition, having covered only 14k miles. As you can see this example is in eye catching ‘Francois White’. It has never been welded (or bodged) on the body, sills or underneath. You probably know about early Japanese cars reputation for rust but this one is factory fresh, all the panels are sharp and the usual rust spots – door bottoms, sills, wings, flitch, floors and wheel arches are fine. You can run your fingers round the wheel-arches and there’s no filler or rust. The UK importer, Heron undersealed all vehicles before sale and the black painted sills are original and correct for a UK car.
As you might expect with a Japanese car heated rear window, fog light, reversing lights, interior hatch release, hazards and mud flaps are fitted as standard and there are factory fitted inertia seatbelts in the front. Everything works fine including the original factory pushbutton MW radio. The trim is all very clean and undamaged with no rips or tears and the car has never been smoked in. The rear seats have a split fold for extra practicality.
The 797cc OHC 3 cylinder engine starts easily and runs smoothly and quietly. The auto transmission works perfectly and the kick-down operates correctly. Under the bonnet that's wax not rust. The car is surprisingly nippy and will cruise along at 70 quite happily with a bit in reserve. She is great fun to drive with very light, direct steering and nearly new tyres. Nice touches are the supplying dealer fitted number plates and window stickers.
It comes with the original driver’s handbook and the V5 in my name. There is no service history to prove the mileage but looking at the minimal wear and the condition of the car there's no reason to doubt it. The car has an MOT until 5 May 2011.
This car would make a rare addition to a mini-car collection or could be used as an unusual and economical shopping car. It’s so tiny compared even with a modern Fiesta or Mini it attracts interest and stares wherever you go. It qualifies for low-rate road tax, sips petrol and I have it insured it cheaply on a classic policy.
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