For Sale at Auction: 1988 Suzuki Samurai in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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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.

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