1988 Suzuki Mighty Boy Utility

Description

Based on the platform of its front-wheel drive Cerco sports coupe, Suzuki’s cheeky Mighty Boy was a unique attempt at building a utility that fell into the Japanese “Kei Class” for sub-550cc cars and has developed a cult following both in its home country and Australia today.  Unveiled in February 1983, the Mighty Boy offered a relatively spacious cab with seating for two adults and was powered by a transversely mounted 543cc in-line three-cylinder motor rated at 22.7 kW at 6000 rpm.  Australia was the only export market to receive the Mighty Boy aside from Cyprus, with the car sold through local importer ATECO between 1985 and 1988.  Featuring 12-inch wheels, bucket seats and chrome roof rails, around 2,800 were sold here at a list price of $5,795 (for the manual version), making it the cheapest car on the market at that time.  Well-equipped for the price, the Australian SS40T Mighty Boy (a hybrid of the original Japanese PS-A and second generation PSI/QL models) came with an AM/FM radio and twin exterior mirrors, while dealer-fitted options included a rear tonneau cover and lockable fibreglass canopy.  Two transmissions were available, a four-speed manual or a two-speed auto, while braking was taken care of by 212mm discs up front and 180mm drums at the rear.  With only 560 kgs to haul around, the Mighty Boy certainly had lively performance, not to mention exceptional fuel economy, returning up to 60 mpg.  And with few good examples left on the road, the Mighty Boy is fast becoming collectible in Australia and has a loyal following amongst owners.