“It’s not just a car; it’s a story.” This is the most important lesson I’ve learned through years of Speedhunting and immersing myself in car culture.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Domenic and Sarah’s 1991 Suzuki Cappuccino. An impressive build in its own right, this kei-class roadster is packed with attitude, but its significance runs deeper.
While most people view cars as ordinary objects, people like you and I understand their true potential. We can reshape and rebuild them to our liking, yet sometimes, they bring out the reflections of our lives and the people we share them with.
When sizing things up, Suzuki’s tiny Cappuccino hardly weighs much. But this featherweight coupe hits with the force of a heavyweight boxer, earning its place in the hearts of JDM performance car enthusiasts.
Weaved into the restoration of this Cappuccino is a tale of love, legacy, and the pursuit of dreams -quite a lot to pack into just 725kg!
A Pocket-Sized Dream
Sarah’s journey with the Cappuccino began as a dream she harboured since her teens. It was a dream that seemed distant until a friend, Benny from BCW, decided to sell her this treasure in her time of need.
Tragically, Sarah was fighting an aggressive form of cancer. This was more than a simple car transaction; it was a profound gesture of kindness, a beacon of hope during Sarah’s chemotherapy sessions.
Building the car became a therapeutic outlet for Sarah, allowing her to channel her passion and creativity amidst her illness. Each modification sparked lively discussion, from selecting the right wheels to finding an exhaust system and fitting a wide-body kit that transformed the little Suzuki’s silhouette.
Yahoo! Auctions Japan provided the ultimate form of retail therapy.
Dom tells me that, somewhat serendipitously, the build flowed smoothly. Aside from the usual wait to get the best people’s hands involved, there were surprisingly few complications. Perhaps this was a testament to the meticulous planning or the devotion of the pair’s skilled circle of friends.
A Simple Plan
At the heart of this pint-sized powerhouse lies a 657cc inline-three turbocharged engine – modest in stature but fierce in spirit, much like Sarah.
Under the hood remains mostly OEM. The three-pot fun-factory boasts a few extra pounds of boost, enhanced by a larger GFB blow-off valve and boost controller, and the addition of a full HKS exhaust system ensures the engine has a voice as bold as its character. An Xtreme heavy-duty clutch and Cusco 1.5-way LSD deliver the energy smoothly to the asphalt.
BC Racing coilovers ensure each ride is as exhilarating as it is precise, providing the perfect stance and handling for spirited mountain drives that Dom enjoys so much.
A set of 13×6.5-inch RS Watanabe R-Type wheels received bespoke treatment from Mark Hooker at Sydney’s Barrel Brothers, while Tyre Solutions fitted a set of suitably-sized Yokohama Advan A050 semi-slicks.
These enhancements not only elevate the Cappuccino’s aesthetics but also its performance, allowing it to grip the tarmac with intent.
Having the keys tossed my way while out on the winding roads of the Blue Mountains, I can confirm the Suzuki is a blast to drive.
The Cappuccino combines a Toyoshima Craft wide-body and US Racing Sports kit, enhancing its stance while paying homage to the golden era of Japanese motorsports with its Advan livery.
By the way, the car is not black with a red wrap, it’s painted red – Toyota Supra Monza Red – with a black wrap. Don’t worry, it tricked me, too.
Sadly, Sarah passed away in August 2022, but her spirit lives on in every curve and corner of the car.
For Dom, squeezing into the Suzuki is always a spectacle. A large man in such a small car never fails to elicit smiles. For him, every drive is a poignant reminder of Sarah’s vibrancy and vision. Despite its small size, the car commands the mountain passes with the same zest for life that Sarah embodied.
Now a symbol of their shared passion and creativity, the Cappuccino serves as a tangible connection to the past – a rolling time capsule filled with memories. But it also holds a greater purpose – the Suzuki was Sarah’s final gift to Domenic. Every aspect of this build embodies one clear idea: within the blueprint of this project, Sarah left a powerful legacy.
“Be Bright. Be Loud. Have Fun. Daily.”
Matthew Everingham
Instagram: matthew_everingham
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