Ahh the Fronte; join the JDM 70's Kei car extravaganza!

My first experience with a Fronte was about 5 years ago. Although it was not really a Fronte anymore. A mate was given one, completely butchered, huge flares, fats, a V8 in the back and it was chain driven! He had it sitting on a Mezzanine floor in his workshop/house. Never actually went though.

Then I happened across some earlier this year whilst on Oldschool.co.nz
forum. I saw a dude from Palmy with a couple for sale. Advertised as 2
stroke motors, I thought wtf?

Did some internet research and couldn't find jack. I did manage to establish that some Frontes came with 2 stroke motors (either 360cc or 475cc.)

This intrigued me as I am a sucker for all that is different in the
automotive realm. I HAD to have one.

I looked at the ones in Palmy but the owner he had decided to keep road
legal four door. The two door he had although in reasonable condition was in a million pieces. I left disappointed.

I have only seen two models of Fronte in NZ. Well with the rear mounted rear wheel drive two stroke anyway. The earlier model (I had seen in NZ) was established to be the Suzuki Fronte LC50. Slightly less sporty looking and made from 1970-1973.

The other ones I had seen in Palmy and on the Oldschool forum (and better looking ones in my opinion) were known as the Suzuki Fronte CXG. In their homeland of Japan they were known as the Suzuki Cervo SS20. Made from1977-1982.

There can't be too many countries left with two stroke models, they are
pocket polluters and if NZ had emission laws I am sure they would be
extinct.

Then a couple of weeks ago when searching Trademe I found my dream. Bright blue 1973 LC50 Suzuki Fronte. It looked tidy, rebuilt motor, complete, going and registration on hold.

I put a princely bid in and did not expect to win but alas I did! I already
have a C110 Skyline/240K that needs the money but I made an exception.

So I jacked up a transporter to pick it up from Te Puke and it arrived last
Wednesday. I have been stung with buying cars unseen before, but this time I was pleasantly surprised.Good overall condition for a 1973 car. Originally green but completely resprayed blue to a reasonable level.

First time I started it I waited for the sound of the starter motor.
nothing. Just a quiet hum then ring ding ding ding as it kicked into life.
Subsequently I have found out that there is no starter but a generator.

Acceleration was smooth, and rev happy. It sounds like a bike or jetski. The exhaust is a modified car one, looks arse and is sure to be holding her
back. 475cc, air cooled, triple car goodness. I love it! Same feeling as driving a mini because it is soooo small. Gets oodles of looks as it buzzes by too.

Came with a draw bar that can be bolted to the front of the car for towing
as well

Can't wait to go in a convoy of two stroke cars from around NZ.

Gave it a cut and polish (as paint was hard core faded) and a glass clean,
came out looking schmick!

VIDEOS:

triple carb goodness - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4xMIDr4sCo

Walkaround - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbd2QGF4Wlo

Inside look - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyaaib3SGKg

Driving - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9302kmT1tKI

More driving - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaE4iamEFFI

Testing factory equipment - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSdd4LkSdxY

PICS:

Ahh, 70's kei car! I love them. I agree that it is too hard to find info on these cars and that's why I would like to see a history of them in JNC

Your car looks amazing, I'm jealous

You lucky kiwis. That thing is too cool for school. I'm so jealous!

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thanks fellas, am open to sell to you, shipping wont be much, could send about 6 of these in a container

kei cars..
i'm starting to grow a lot of love for them..
i dig that blue paint job

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I LUV JNC

Sign me up for one.. I am down to go in with some guys to get a few here!!!

I love these things

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way cool! funny you look all "head" whist driving her

Well there's a couple of other cars ahead of it on my list but if I win the lotto you'll be the first to know

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What a great car, I love them little Kei cars! It's a shame these weren't sold here, importing one might be a lot of work. They did sell the earlier generation, so maybe there is a way to register this model as well... hmm.

I am however very curious how much a car like this would cost, maybe you could send me a pm?

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1972 Isuzu Florian

Great catch !! And lucky that the car is in such good condition. I believe the model name isn't Fronte 500 but Fronte 71. Indeed only for export Suzuki increased the engine size from 360 to 500.

Comparing with my car the technical parts looks most the same. But the shape is typical 70style; sharp and boxshaped. The early models were more round coca cola bottle shaped. Typical example of Japanese model evolution

When I look close to your car I think you have a 71GT version. The shape of the bonnet headlights indicates that.

On you tube I found this Japanese ad of the 71 model.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i-9jTXK5gw

Again congratulations with the car and keep it running.

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1983 Suzuki SC100GX
1968 Suzuki Fronte SS
1995 Suzuki Cappuccino
1993 Suzuki Cara
1987 Suzuki Works RS-R
1985 Suzuki Swift mk1 cabrio

Nope, in New Zealand was marketed/sold as Suzuki Fronte 500. Hence badging.

I know it was called the 71 in Japan.

There were no options between GT SSS etc in NZ.

Car was sold so I can focus on my Nissan GC110.

Suddenly the Wagon R Stingray makes sense!
http://www.suzuki.co.jp/car/wagonr_stingray/

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