1985 Daihatsu Charade CX

Daihatsu said it was “the closest thing on four wheels to flying!”. The JDM Super Mini and pizza delivery boy favourite Charade is forever a cult classic.

This 4-door, front drive hatchback has 993 screamin' cubic centimetres of rev happy 3-banger power under the hood, it weighs just 710 kgs, and has what it takes to make kids cover their ears when it buzzes past. Good fun.

It’s practical, it’s comfortable, has superb handling thanks to the stiff chassis and well setup suspension with great brakes that in its day left Daihatsu feeling fairly confident about sweeping away any of its sub-2-litre Group B Rally competition.

The rare find offered is a one owner, Australian delivered 1985 G11 Daihatsu Charade CX that’s travelled just 39,000 documented kilometres.

Sold new through Ashley Motors Daihatsu, Melbourne this totally original car was ordered in White over Honey Comb cloth trim and optioned with the Sports Pack featuring a racing red bumper stripe, chrome wheel trims and headlamp protectors.

In time warp condition, stepping inside this Charade CX feels as though it’s just rolled off the showroom floor in 1985. Everything from the original stereo, bucket seats, vinyl dash, digital clock and the well weighted steering wheel is in absolutely mint condition and in true JDM style, perfect working order.

The totally unmodified engine bay still has its factory fish oil painted to its joins and the panel fit and finish is to a factory standard, with only a few original blemishes. Even the original owner’s manual, service booklet, complete tool-kit, warranty card and spare keys are all there, including the original bill of sale!

The drive is seriously fun. Peppy, direct and full of surprises. After a short stint behind the wheel listening to Tears for Fears there’s no denying why the Charade is a JDM cult hero.

An opportunity to experience what pioneered the buzz around the one of the greatest of all-time hot hatches, this Charade is as Daihatsu intended. Unadulterated, seat of the pants type driving enjoyment.