Remember the Proton Satria Cabriolet? It’s for sale on FB Marketplace!

In an alternate universe, Proton is quite successful in Europe and the Proton Satria Cabriolet is a real topless Malaysian cult hero. Sadly, we have yet to meet this parallel world and in our reality, the Satria Cabriolet remains a novel concept that was kept away from Proton for around two decades.

That is until news broke in 2020 that saw Proton auctioning off some of its historic possessions including a few rally cars, a Satria GTi that was powered by a Petronas-developed engine, and a couple of Satria Cabriolets.

Since news broke of these auctions, Proton has pulled out some of the models that were going under the hammer including one of the topless Satria. We mention one because the other Satria Cabriolet wasn’t deemed worthy to be returned to Proton and is spotted for sale on Facebook Marketplace.

Also read: Proton Satria Cabriolet – The curious convertible

According to the seller, the purple Satria Cabriolet is currently located in Kayu Ara. From the photos that were provided, little has changed from the first time we laid eyes on it while covering Proton’s other auction involving their electric vehicle (EV) project, aside from the flat steelies in front being replaced with copper rims.

Also read: Proton EVs for sale - including Proton EMAS and Saga EV!

The Cabrio is still in a bit of disarray and the purple paint is flaking. Sadly, if one wishes to see this back on the road, that is not possible as the Satria Cabrio is a prototype that cannot be registered under JPJ.

Its only use, for now, is as an interesting art piece for someone’s garden, spare parts, or a track day superstar if one wishes to see the topless Satria hit the road again.

The Satria Cabriolet made its debut at the 1997 Frankfurt Motor Show and Proton was merely gauging interest from visitors. The conversion was done by a specialist based in California and as mentioned earlier there were two Satria Convertibles built.

Both were powered by a 1.6-litre 4G92P SOHC engine that was also used on the regular Satria and Wira. The engine made 94 PS and 135 Nm and was paired to a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. The latter is presumably under Proton’s care.

Also read: Top Rank: 12 rare and unique Proton Satria and Satria Neo models

Unfortunately, things weren’t rosy for Proton as Malaysia suffered a financial crisis in 1997 resulting in the local tiger pulling the project and itself from LHD European markets. The pair of Satria Cabriolets would show up at Proton roadshows around Malaysia in the early 2000s before being neglected for 2 decades.

Also read: Malaysia Boleh – Proton Wira 'Teksi' takes on the Nurburgring

Proton’s decision to sell off its historic concepts was controversial but since these cars are deemed as nothing more than for display, would you be willing to part some of your cash (seller listed it at RM 15 but we doubt that’s the actual price) for a curio in Malaysia’s automotive history?

Also read: Proton was doing the right thing in disposing its old rally and concept cars, here’s why