This was a model that motorcycle/four-wheel manufacturer Suzuki was serious about

After the oil crisis, when “energy saving” became one of the keywords, many moped car manufacturers were in the fray, and among them, there were some primitive moped cars that simply used components from commercially available moped scooters and covered them with FRP bodies, but this CV1 was a model seriously produced by motorcycle/four-wheel manufacturer However, the CV1 was a model seriously developed by Suzuki, and its level of perfection was extremely high.

After its unveiling at the Tokyo Motor Show, the CV1 went on sale with minor improvements, including the redesign of the single square headlight to a two-lamp round type.

Suzuki had planned to promote it as an all-weather scooter-like vehicle that could be ridden with a moped license, but due to changes in the law, a regular license was required to drive a moped car, and the situations in which it could be used were still limited when compared to mini cars. Despite its enthusiasm, it failed to become a city commuter for the new era.

In the end, Suzuki withdrew from the moped car market with the CV1 as its first and last production moped car. The actual number of units marketed is said to have been around 100 between 1981 and 1985, according to one theory.

CV1 carefully maintained by a collector

Although the Suzuki CV1 rarely appears in used car dealerships or private sales, it is now rarely seen, but it has become a cult favorite among some enthusiasts due to its rarity and as a historical witness to the ‘moped car era’ of today.

The machine we are showing here is also a cherished piece of work owned by Mr Kiyoshi Nakamura, an avid microcar enthusiast. The owner, Mr Nakamura, is a well-known figure in the world of mopeds, having owned many other mopeds in addition to this CV1 and has been interviewed many times by car magazines.

Of course, when we visited him for the interview, there were many other moped cars in his garage besides the CV1, which we will introduce again, along with Mr Nakamura’s episodes.

translated by DeepL