Suzuki Swiftster by Zender

Know why the speedster and other open configurations gained popularity in racing, right? 

One that influences vintage racing events to this day: closed racing cars, without air conditioning, tend to get very hot. And as much as I'd love a Porsche 906 or similar vintage racing coupe in my parking spot, I suspect its interior on a summer’s day would be like drowning in a fibreglass hot tub time machine.

Solution? Cut the roof off. Acceleration will improve, too — and all of a sudden you understand vehicles as wide-ranging as garagiste-built F&M Lancias to a sizzling hot, ready to throw on the grille…Zenderized Suzuki steak.

Four-wheel Suzuki racing cars aren’t a fixture in North American competition, and Suzuki track cars are few and far between. And Suzuki, as an automobile brand, is dead here as of this writing.

In 1991, however, Suzuki was doing well from the looks of things. The Swift was a strong seller and hit had a range of small off-roaders to peddle. 

I'm not sure if Suzuki approached Zender or if the German tuner started dialling numbers in Japan, but it was clear in 1991 that with its Cappuccino not making it to Europe initially that there might be room for a lightweight and fun-to-drive car in the company's range. 

Solution? Take the 1.3-litre, 101 horsepower Swift GTi and chop the roof off. Give it a cut-down windshield, snazzy graphics, and (let's hope) matching windbreakers to match the car: