The little yellow Suzuki was not quite Swift enough..

Saw this poor little thing at the wreckers the other week - a 1985 AA51S Suzuki Swift 1.3 3dr...

First generation of Swift (Cultus) sold in Australia from 1985 through to 1988. This model was also sold here as a Holden Barina in 5door form.
Both are very rare nowadays, and I just about never see a 3door - which makes it such a shame to see this one here. It was relatively solid and complete, but just worthless.. and likely still only has a very small fan-base.
Its day will probably come one day; but no doubt too late for this poor little yellow example..

This model seemed fairly high specced; with a 1.3litre, 5spd, spoiler, skirts, etc..
Neat little Suzuki-branded mudflaps there, and a rear wiper is fairly deluxe for an inexpensive commuter in 1985.

 Those multi-piece skirts. Neat.

Period(..ish) 13" Australian alloy wheels, replacing what would have been basic 12 or 13" steel wheels. These were made by a company called Delta from memory?

Bit of junk in here, but otherwise all seems rather complete and repairable. Relatively modern looking dash looks around 5 years newer than the car; while the large, un-sporting, two-spoke wheel about 5 years older!
Again, 5speed manual is a bonus, as is the tacho-equipped analogue cluster.


Loved this detail, which was something I had embarrassingly never known!

The Suzuki badge on the bonnet...

..push..

..releases the bonnet catch! Urgh, such a nice detail.

Under that bonnet; the G13A 1.3litre four. This single-cam, 8valve unit produced ~50kw, driving the front wheels.
Mightn't seem like a lot, but then remembering the kerb weight is likely around 700kg..


Done.


Its no GTi; but could have been a nice project (different, solid base, good colour, nice spec, etc). Sadly that ship has likely sailed for this one...