CLASSIC CAR OF THE WEEK – ISUZU PIAZZA

WHAT IS IT? These days Isuzu is best known for its SUVs but in the beginning there was this: a pug-ugly sports coupe. In the UK too many people confused the Piazza name for pizza. That's one reason why it underwent a change to Isuzu Impulse in the USA.

WHEN WAS IT MADE? Born in that strange decade when Japanese engineers won control of car companies from the bean counters and built the kind of cars they'd always wanted to, the Piazza went on sale in 1980. The wedge-like shape was designed (apparently on an off day) by Giorgetto Giugiaro – who cobbled it together from several designs he had hanging around the studio.

WHAT MADE IT GREAT? Back in 1980 no one had seen such a futuristic-looking Japanese sportscar. The response to the concept was so positive that Isuzu put it into production within 48-hours of the wraps coming off.

WHAT DID OWNERS HATE? Pretty much everything when their Piazza arrived. The engine (a 2.0 single overhead cam design) was weedy and the 4-speed automatic transmission robbed it of any meaningful performance. The suspension was sloppy and lurid slides on wet bends were heart stopping. In the UK Isuzu's official importer asked Lotus to get involved. The result was a car that handled far better and always felt like fun to drive. It still didn't make the Piazza any more appealing and the importer ended up virtually giving the last few away.

IS IT WORTH GETTING ONE? Possibly if it's cheap, although parts are getting scarce and it will only ever have a curiosity value. Make sure you get one with a Lotus badge.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? We found a rare turbo variant with 78k recorded miles and a fully stamped service book. Yours for £1,275.