Pininfarina's Rare Masterpiece Based on the Autozam AZ-1

Styled Obsession - The kei car, a hallmark of Japanese automotive ingenuity, stands out as one of the most beloved and iconic vehicle categories in Japan. Compact in size and efficient in design, these cars are celebrated for their practicality and affordability. With an engine capacity averaging 660 cc, kei cars exemplify the art of making the most of limited resources. Their diminutive stature is part of their charm, but occasionally, a model emerges that redefines what a kei car can be. Among these, the Autozam AZ-1 holds a special place, blending small car sensibilities with a distinctly European sports car flair.

The Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' was commissioned by Japanese Abarth enthusiast Shiro Kosaka and built by Pininfarina in 1996. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

The Autozam AZ-1, a product of Mazda's Autozam brand, already boasted a unique design, but its story took an even more intriguing turn in the mid-1990s. A Japanese Abarth enthusiast, Shiro Kosaka, envisioned something extraordinary and reached out to the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina to bring his dream to life. This collaboration resulted in a striking transformation of the AZ-1, creating a model that stood apart in the kei car world.

The Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' by Pininfarina retains its gull-wing doors, and complemented with headlights from a 2nd gen Honda Today. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

While details about the design process remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, it is widely believed that Pierangelo Andreani, a freelancer associated with Pininfarina, spearheaded the design under the guidance of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, then head of the design firm. This partnership blended Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, culminating in a vehicle that was as rare as it was captivating. The project was managed with a meticulous approach, highlighting the international collaboration that brought the design to fruition.

The Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' by Pininfarina attended at the Sakura Morning Cruise event on November 3rd, 2024. (Picture from: @Comingsoon2112 On X)

The redesigned AZ-1, often referred to as the Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' by Pininfarina (though not officially named as such), featured an eye-catching body kit. Produced by Saburo Japan, this kit bore hallmarks of European styling, including headlights from the second-generation Honda Today and taillights from the Fiat Coupe. These components lent the vehicle an exotic and dynamic appearance, setting it apart from traditional kei cars. 

The intake pipes are painted red with crystal paint and have the Pininfarina lettering on them. (Picture from: @Eeyore1015 On X)

The rear bumper came in two variations, accommodating different exhaust setups, and the overall aesthetic evoked the aggressive lines of a high-performance sports car. However, this transformation came at a cost. The kit itself was priced at JPN ¥1 million, with an additional JPN ¥1 million required for fitting and painting. This totaled JPN ¥2 million—substantially more than the cost of the original AZ-1. 

During Japan’s economic recession, such pricing placed the car firmly in the realm of exclusivity. The limited production run of fewer than 5,000 units for the AZ-1 only added to the rarity, and the high cost of the upgrade, combined with its polarizing design, meant that only a handful of these kits were ever sold.

The Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' by Pininfarina is widely believed to have been designed by freelancer Pierangelo Andreani, under the guidance of Lorenzo Ramaciotti, then head of the design firm. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

Despite its limited commercial success, the Pininfarina-designed AZ-1 remains a fascinating example of cross-cultural automotive experimentation. Its unique design continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors, serving as a reminder of what happens when passion and creativity converge. Each detail of the car tells a story: the choice of components, the collaboration between cultures, and the audacity to dream beyond conventional boundaries.

The Autozam AZ-1 'Scorpione' by Pininfarina features taillights from the Fiat Coupe, with the reverse light on the right and the fog light on the left, a common European design. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

The Autozam AZ-1’s journey, culminating in the unofficially Japanese version's Abarth Scorpione transformation, is a testament to the boldness of automotive design. Though niche in appeal, it exemplifies how cars can transcend mere functionality to become artistic expressions. This rare fusion of Japanese engineering and Italian design artistry underscores the importance of innovation and collaboration in creating something truly exceptional.

The Pininfarina-designed AZ-1 (far right) is displayed alongside the Bertone-crafted version, highlighting the distinct design approaches of both renowned Italian coachbuilders. (Picture from: AnythingWheeled)

Whether admired for its aesthetics, its backstory, or its audacity, the Autozam AZ-1 and its Pininfarina-designed iteration stand as an emblem of what is possible when visionaries dare to think differently. As the automotive world continues to evolve, stories like this remind us of the enduring allure of creativity and the timeless appeal of vehicles that dare to be unique. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | @EEYORE1015 ON X | MINKARA.CARVIEW.CO.JP | ANYTHINGWHEELED.COM | WIKIPEDIA ]

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