Vehicle Description
NO RESERVE
NO TITLE
1988 Suzuki Samurai JX Hardtop
The Samurai was the first four wheeled vehicle Suzuki sold in the
U.S., but its history begins nearly 20 years before the plucky
little 4x4 made its way across the Pacific. In 1968, Japan's Hope
Motor Company introduced a small kei class 4x4 with a 359cc
Mitsubishi engine called the ON360. The Samurai's success took
Suzuki by surprise. The company had planned a slow rollout, setting
up dealerships in California in November 1985, Florida and Georgia
in December, and then staging a slow roll out to other states
during the next three years. But initial sales were so strong that
Suzuki rushed to expand its sales network throughout the country.
(Car and Driver, May 2020)
Up for auction is a 1988 Suzuki Samurai showing 23,939 miles, but
the true miles are unknown. This 4x4 presents with a combination of
some nice attributes along with those that will need full
restoration. The vehicle starts and runs on starting fluid.
Exterior
This little 4x4 is bathed in Antares Red paint, single stage, and
augmented as many Samurai were, with graphics on the mid panel
between the fender flares, and here as stripes in black and white.
The very square profile of the Suzuki is fronted by single
headlights behind brush guards over a straight, black front bumper.
Out back, the perfectly vertical rear hatch carries a spare wheel
and tail lights are held on the bumper giving the diminutive ute a
bit of a G-wagon in miniature profile and a tow hitch is attached.
15-inch wheels are painted white, including the 5th, and both the
visor and wiper arms are painted red to match the car.
Interior
The car is missing its door panels and there's staining on the back
board still attached to the inner frame. We note some tears on the
black vinyl seats which are covered in cloth covers showing some
age. The rear cargo area is carpeted and there is some evidence of
surface rust on the metal bed. What's left of the headliner, the
inner material, is hanging down. Up front, the simple dash shows
patina and age but is fully intact and the passenger is afforded a
grab handle. A tall shifter is floor mounted and the floor itself
is a combination of tattered carpet and rubber mats and presents as
in need of refreshening.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the aged 1.3 liter inline four cylinder,
originally rated at 63 horsepower and fueled by a 1-barrel
carburetor. A 5-speed manual set it in motion and splits power
between front and rear axles with 5.508 gears. Power brakes are
configured as front disc and rear drum.
Undercarriage
A single exhaust system flows through a stock style muffler on its
way to a side facing tailpipe out back. Leaf spring suspension is
utilized both in the front and rear.
Drive-Ability
The Samurai cranks and runs on starting fluid.
Sale conducted by Geyer Auction Companies Pennsylvania license
number AY-000243-L
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
