Classic Cars
From Japan
MAZDA MOTOR CORPORATION
While NSU of Germany was the first to use the German
technology of the Wankel rotary engine, Mazda was highly successful in
commercialising its use. A large percentage of Mazda cars from 1960 to the present day, had
the rotary engine as their power plant proving the commercial success of the
technology.
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The Luce 1800 was an upgrade from the original 1500 and as there were
only a small number exported, it makes for a great restoration and collector's
car. While it was not successful in America, that may not have been the fault of the
car.
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Ironically, this first selection of Mazda classics did not use the Wankel
rotary engine.
Its successor the Mark II however, was much more successful and did use
the Wankel.
We wouldn't normally consider a van as a classic and many will disagree
that the Mazda Bongo Van deservers a place. However, these unusual machines had
a life span between 1966 and 1999 having been used for everything from a milk or
flower delivery van to a professionally outfitted campervan.
The shape remained almost unaltered throughout its life and this early
782cc model is not much different to those sold under the Ford label.
The Cosmo Sport 110 is a genuine classic and very collectible as only
1,176 were hand-built between 1963 and 1972. They were the first car to
incorporate a dual rotary system. The Cosmo model name continued through to 1995
with no resemblance to the Sport 110.
The Mazda 626 sold over 4 million units in its life span from 1979 to 2002 as a
mid sized family sedan although some were sold as a Ford Telstar and in the
U.K., as a Montrose (left).
While the majority were sold as a 4 door, the Coupe was the more stylish.
While they may never be considered a collector's car, their dominance of all
markets in which they entered, gives them a deserving place here.
We would have to accept that the RX-7 was a highly successful sports car during
its 24 year life span from 1978 to 2002. Theoretically, it went through only 3
generations but the yearly mechanical, interior, exterior and cosmetic
improvements and updates, not to mention the many transmission and engine sizes,
all however, with the two rotor Wankel engines. These were referred to as Series
1 through to 8.
If the 626 was that popular as a medium family car, the 323 was even more
popular with young people. Cheap to operate and repair, reliable, speedy enough
to match the average small car of its class. However, the 323 was not named as
such until the so-called 4th generation of the Familia. Also called the GLC,
the 323 was produced between 1977 and 1985.
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