“It’s not just a car; it is a story.” This is the most important lesson I’ve learned from years of Speedhunting and immersing myself in car culture.
Nowhere is this more evident than in Domenic and Sarah’s 1991 Suzuki Cappuccino. This is an impressive building in itself in-roadster is packed with attitude, but its meaning goes deeper.
Although most people view cars as ordinary objects, people like you and me understand their true potential. We can reshape and rebuild them to our liking, but sometimes they bring out the reflection of our lives and the people we share them with.
When you boil things down, Suzuki’s little Cappuccino hardly weighs much. But this featherweight coupe has the power of a heavyweight boxer and deserves its place in the hearts of JDM car enthusiasts.
The restoration of this Cappuccino weaves a story about love, legacy and the pursuit of dreams – quite a lot to pack into just 725 kg!
A pocket-sized dream
Sarah’s journey with cappuccino started as a dream she had cherished since her teenage years. It was a dream that seemed far away, until a friend, Benny from BCW, decided to sell her this treasure in her time of need.
Tragically, Sarah was battling 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 in the midst of her illness. Each adjustment sparked lively discussions, from selecting the right wheels to finding an exhaust system and fitting a wide-body kit that transformed the silhouette of the little Suzuki.
Yahoo! Auctions Japan was the ultimate form of retail therapy.
Dom tells me that, somewhat coincidentally, construction went smoothly. Other than the usual wait to get the best people involved, there were surprisingly few complications. Perhaps this was a testament to the meticulous planning or dedication of the couple’s knowledgeable circle of friends.
A simple plan
At the heart of this little powerhouse is a 657 cc inline-three turbo engine – modest in size but powerful in spirit, just like Sarah.
Under the hood, the majority remains OEM. The three-pot fun factory features a few extra pounds of boost, boosted 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 powerful 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 every ride is as exciting as it is precise, providing the perfect position and handling for the spirited mountain rides that Dom so enjoys.
A set of 13 x 6.5-inch RS Watanabe R-Type wheels received a bespoke treatment from Mark Hooker at Sydney’s Barrel Brothers, while Tire Solutions fitted a set of appropriately sized Yokohama Advan A050 semi-slicks.
These improvements not only increase the aesthetics of the Cappuccino, but also its performance, allowing it to remain on the asphalt on purpose.
Having thrown the keys my way while on the winding roads of the Blue Mountains, I can confirm that 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 tribute to the golden era of Japanese motorsport with its Advan livery.
The car is not black with a red wrap, it is 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 bend and corner of the car.
For Dom, squeezing the Suzuki is always a spectacle. A big man in such a small car always manages to raise a smile. For him, every ride is a poignant reminder of Sarah’s vibrancy and vision. Despite its small size, the car navigates 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 he also has a greater purpose: the Suzuki was Sarah’s final gift to Domenic. Every aspect of this structure embodies one clear idea: within the blueprint of this project, Sarah has left a powerful legacy.
‘Be clear. Be loud. Have fun. Daily.”
Matthew Everingham
Instagram: matthew_everingham
matt@mattheweveringham.com