Used car buying guide: Suzuki SC100

In truth, you need those pills if you’re to drive it anywhere, or even sometimes slowly. 

Experimentation with the tyre pressures and the camber adjustments built into the front suspension mean the SC100 can feel eager, up to a point, but it takes time to learn to drive around its not unexpected dynamic flaws. 

In short, its ride and handling are pretty much what you would expect of a tiny rear-engined car with a rearward weight bias of 58% and a fairly high pitching moment. 

It’s pretty unstable under heavy braking, too, such that I once managed to spin my first example through nearly 360deg on the curved approach to a suburban (and luckily deserted) roundabout, which didn’t please my two passengers. 

British sales came to an end in 1982, after nearly 4700 cars had been sold. Now there are just 21 left on the road and 81 SORN, according to DVLA data. Many Cervos have been personally imported over the years, though.

In either form, it’s eminently collectable and highly prized among a small band of enthusiasts who can still see the immensely likeable virtues of a delightfully analogue little Suzuki. 

What we said then 

8 March 1980: “It can keep up in town and entertain in the country, providing one keeps off motorways. The steering is light and gives plenty of feel. Handling is the biggest entertainer. It doesn’t roll much, and it’s easy to induce a back-wheel slide. Inside, it is a little too low. If crisp handling and eager response are paramount, there is just as much entertainment to be had from a Mini.”

An owner’s view

Alastair Clements: “I first saw a Whizzkid when I was 13, and desperately wanted to buy it to do up, but my dad was having none of it. So when I was looking for an economical runabout a decade later, I got one. I loved that car and only sold it to buy an engagement ring. I missed it terribly but realised I had made the right decision when my new wife gave me another as a wedding present. I’ve still got it, 18 years later. It’s like a back-to-front Mini Cooper with even better steering. I’ve hillclimbed and rallied it, but since stopping the usual rampant rot, I’ve retired it to gentler duties. I’ve had four now and can’t see myself ever being without one.”

Buyer beware

Engine: This engine is hardy and very reliable if properly maintained. Condition is king, so ask how much work has been done on the engine and listen carefully for any unwanted noises. Check the ancillaries carefully, too, as these will be of a good age, especially the cambelt. Fuel pumps need careful maintenance. Exhaust manifolds and back boxes can cause trouble: the only access is through a small panel behind the rear seat and they are no longer available. Take any potential buy for a drive to make sure it doesn’t overheat or pump out blue smoke. 

Transmission: This manual isn’t the most pleasant to use, although you can polybush the linkage, which helps. It’s known to be fairly strong, although clutches can wear quickly and are relatively pricey. 

Brakes: These likewise can be problematic and cost a lot relatively to fix. Discs corrode and are no longer available and the unservoed brakes, handbrake and rear-wheel cylinders can seize. Kits for the drums are hard to find. Check the hoses. Make sure the car doesn’t pull to one side under braking. 

Electrics: Although strong when new and of high quality, these can cause trouble now, due to the car’s immense age. Fires are rare but have been known. 

Bodywork: Rust could be the SC100’s middle name, alas. It can be a huge and toxic and terminal issue, noticeably around the sills, floorpan (check under the rear seats) and rear pillars, which are extremely difficult and expensive to repair. Also check the rear arches, front subframe mounts and door edges. Rear wings cost up to £2000, although Mk1 Ford Fiesta arches can be used, because the profile is similar.