1983: Suzuki SJ413

Beginning in 1983, Suzuki saw a market for a larger version of the SJ410 and SJ413. By stretching the wheelbase 13.5 inches and the overall body length by 23 inches, the long-wheelbase SJ was born. Available as a 4 or 6 seat convertible, raised-roof hardtop, 3 different body styles of pickup, and a very rare 4-door hardtop (In fact, the "4-door hardtop" may actually be a hoax. Does anyone know for sure?), Suzuki had a vehicle to meet anybody's small-truck needs. As popular as it has been, the SJ series is still in production today, but has gone through several updates.


Suzuki SJ413 (Belgium Police)

By 1984, the SJ series received its first major update. With the addition of an available all-new aluminum 1324cc 64hp engine, the SJ series was headed upscale. The new SJ413 (4wd, 1.3 liters) received power front disk, rear drum brakes, a new dashboard and seat design, and a switch from the vertical-slat metal grille to the plastic unit with which we are familiar.

SJ413 with new aluminum, 1324cc 64hp engine

By this time the popularity of the Suzuki due to its price, performance, and reliability allowed it to be sold in the roughest countries in the world, and Suzuki responded by adding assembly factories in Spain and India to supplement the huge Hamamatsu factory in Japan.

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