Suzuki - Fronte 500 Sting Ray Face - 1973
11
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04
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44
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08
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1973 Suzuki Fronte 500 Sting Ray Face, export‑market right‑hand‑drive with 475cc two‑stroke engine producing 29 HP, manual transmission, grey, chassis LC506100809 with matching engine LC50200820, registered in Portugal with Portuguese papers and valid MOT to 20230-06-11, professionally restored and preserved, historic vehicle certified by ACP Clássicos until 2030.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
GENERAL
Offered for auction is an exceptionally rare 1973 Suzuki Fronte 500, a rare fully restored original "Sting Ray Face" example and one of the most distinctive Japanese kei cars of the early seventies.
Historically, while domestic Japanese market Fronte models were strictly limited to 360cc to comply with taxation laws, Suzuki produced this specialized export-only version, known factory-wide as the LC50 series. First introduced globally to expand the brand's international footprint, the Fronte 500 featured an enlarged 475cc displacement to better suit overseas driving speeds and road conditions. This particular vehicle adds further interest and uniqueness as a right-hand-drive model that was first immatriculated in Mozambique before being imported to Portugal in November 1975. The current owner has possessed the car for more than 5 years, ensuring it was correctly maintained and keeping it completely free of any accidents. This represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of the most charming, increasingly collectible, and reliable Japanese micro cars presented in absolutely original and usable condition.
BODYWORK & PAINT
The previous owner made a comprehensive restoring of the car so it could be used as the wedding car of her daughter. The vehicle is presented in a very good condition overall. The only noteworthy visual imperfections deserving mention are small cracks in the plastic covers of the rear lights, which have been successfully repaired and bonded, alongside some chromed parts that show subtle traces of time.
TECHNICAL
The car is powered by its original 475cc, 3-cylinder, 3-carburetor, two-stroke engine. It remains absolutely authentic, having been carefully restored while fully preserving its originality. The vehicle is fully operational, roadworthy, and has proven its reliability by successfully participating in a challenging micro cars event. During this rally, it covered more than 400 kilometers of highway transit sections driving between official event stages at cruising speeds above 90 km/h, followed by an additional 150-kilometer itinerary on small, difficult country roads under extreme hot weather without any problems.
The mechanical components are highly refreshed, featuring a comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out just recently, a brand new battery, and a brand new full set of Yokohama tires. The only technical point deserving mention is the inefficient functioning of the original autolub oil injection pump; because of this, it is necessary for the operator to manually add two-stroke oil directly to the fuel at a ratio of 0.2 liters per 10 liters of petrol.
INTERIOR
The car is original and complete in every detail inside the cabin. This exceptional level of preservation includes the factory floor mats, the original wheel trims, and even the original factory stickers regarding the functioning of the car. The car also still retains its complete set of factory tools.
DOCUMENTS
The vehicle comes with its original Owner’s Manual. It has been officially certified as a Historic Vehicle without any negative observations by ACP Clássicos (Automóvel Club de Portugal), and this current official certification remains valid until June 2030.
COLLECTION
The car is located in Lisbon, Portugal, where the buyer can arrange for local pickup.
OTHER INFORMATION
This vehicle is highly operational and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner, combining rare export-market specifications with a well-documented history and verified club certification.
GENERAL
Offered for auction is an exceptionally rare 1973 Suzuki Fronte 500, a rare fully restored original "Sting Ray Face" example and one of the most distinctive Japanese kei cars of the early seventies.
Historically, while domestic Japanese market Fronte models were strictly limited to 360cc to comply with taxation laws, Suzuki produced this specialized export-only version, known factory-wide as the LC50 series. First introduced globally to expand the brand's international footprint, the Fronte 500 featured an enlarged 475cc displacement to better suit overseas driving speeds and road conditions. This particular vehicle adds further interest and uniqueness as a right-hand-drive model that was first immatriculated in Mozambique before being imported to Portugal in November 1975. The current owner has possessed the car for more than 5 years, ensuring it was correctly maintained and keeping it completely free of any accidents. This represents a truly unique opportunity to acquire one of the most charming, increasingly collectible, and reliable Japanese micro cars presented in absolutely original and usable condition.
BODYWORK & PAINT
The previous owner made a comprehensive restoring of the car so it could be used as the wedding car of her daughter. The vehicle is presented in a very good condition overall. The only noteworthy visual imperfections deserving mention are small cracks in the plastic covers of the rear lights, which have been successfully repaired and bonded, alongside some chromed parts that show subtle traces of time.
TECHNICAL
The car is powered by its original 475cc, 3-cylinder, 3-carburetor, two-stroke engine. It remains absolutely authentic, having been carefully restored while fully preserving its originality. The vehicle is fully operational, roadworthy, and has proven its reliability by successfully participating in a challenging micro cars event. During this rally, it covered more than 400 kilometers of highway transit sections driving between official event stages at cruising speeds above 90 km/h, followed by an additional 150-kilometer itinerary on small, difficult country roads under extreme hot weather without any problems.
The mechanical components are highly refreshed, featuring a comprehensive mechanical overhaul carried out just recently, a brand new battery, and a brand new full set of Yokohama tires. The only technical point deserving mention is the inefficient functioning of the original autolub oil injection pump; because of this, it is necessary for the operator to manually add two-stroke oil directly to the fuel at a ratio of 0.2 liters per 10 liters of petrol.
INTERIOR
The car is original and complete in every detail inside the cabin. This exceptional level of preservation includes the factory floor mats, the original wheel trims, and even the original factory stickers regarding the functioning of the car. The car also still retains its complete set of factory tools.
DOCUMENTS
The vehicle comes with its original Owner’s Manual. It has been officially certified as a Historic Vehicle without any negative observations by ACP Clássicos (Automóvel Club de Portugal), and this current official certification remains valid until June 2030.
COLLECTION
The car is located in Lisbon, Portugal, where the buyer can arrange for local pickup.
OTHER INFORMATION
This vehicle is highly operational and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner, combining rare export-market specifications with a well-documented history and verified club certification.
Details
Brand
Suzuki
Model type
Fronte 500 Sting Ray Face
Year
1973
Located in
Portugal
Mileage reading
71418 km
Registration papers
with Portuguese registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Grey
Horse power
29
Cubic capacity
475
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Unknown
Service book/history
No
Valid MOT
Yes
Date until valid MOT
June 11, 2030
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Engine number
LC50200820
Chassis number
LC506100809
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
