If you're into lightweight Japanese hot hatches – and let's face it, if you're on Petrolblog, you probably are – then this 1989 Suzuki Swift GTi might just make your week. It’s a gloriously preserved slice of JDM goodness with just 37,000 miles on the clock and no reserve at auction.
This little tearaway is one of those rare survivors that’s avoided the usual fate of being thrashed to bits or modified into oblivion. Instead, it has spent most of its life in dry storage on the Isle of Man, looked after by just two previous owners before being imported to the UK in 2023.
Since arriving on the mainland, it’s had only two UK keepers and covered a mere 20 miles in the past two years. The current owner has kept it indoors and even treated it to a full professional detail. The wheels have been subtly upgraded but suit the car’s clean, period aesthetic.
For the uninitiated, the Swift GTi was a bit of a cult hero in the late ’80s and early ’90s. With its 1298cc twin-cam engine producing 101bhp, and kerb weight that wouldn’t trouble a tea tray, it was a genuine rival to the likes of the Peugeot 205 XS and Citroën AX GT – even if it never got the same press attention.
Testing the car in March 1989, Autocar & Motor said: ‘It is clear that Suzuki has noted the shortcomings of the old Swift GTi and attempted to rectify them in the new model. Results are mixed. Angular and unadventurous styling has been replaced by a far smoother look. Independent rear suspension replaces the beam axle, but handling, while safe and predictable, lacks suppleness and the flair that an all-independent set-up might have brought.
‘On the other hand, the new gearbox is superb and gets better the harder it is used. There was never much wrong with the engine which remains the car's greatest asset. Its excellent spread of power, instant response and wonderful note are pure joy to the enthusiastic driver.’
A price tag of £7299 in 1989 (£19,500 today) was competitive in a playground of junior upstarts, including the Citroën AX GT (£7003), Daihatsu Charade GTti (£8199), MG Metro 1300 (£7610), Peugeot 205 XS (£7575) and Vauxhall Nova SR (£7279). With a 0-60mph time of 8.7 seconds, it was one of the quickest cars in its class, but few could keep up with the Charade GTti (7.9 seconds).
The fact that this Swift GTi has survived in such original condition is remarkable. The fact that it’s being sold without reserve makes it even more tempting.
It goes under the hammer tomorrow (27 July), so if you fancy something a bit different for your next Sunday dawn raid – or you’re just tired of seeing Mk2 Golfs with fantasy mileage and fantasy prices – this might be the unicorn you've been waiting for.
More photos and details available via the Hampson Auctions website.
