Nathan's Mazda 323 Deluxe
It was back in 2016 when my dad's boss asked him if he thought anyone in his car club would be interested in a Mazda 323. Front wheel drive. My dad replied "Nah, doubt it - are you crazy?". But then they got talking. It was a one owner, 1985 5 speed manual Mazda BF Deluxe.
Apparently, Mazda Australia imported 500 of this model that had every option available at the time. They were still selling the old rear wheel drive model and this new one was imported and distributed to dealers around the country as an example of what the next model was going to look like and what it offered.
Factory options included:
- 1.6ltr fuel injected engine (Australia was almost entirely still carburetors).
- 5 speed manual
- Electronic adjustable suspension - Cruise, Normal and Sport
- Alloy wheels
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- Electric sunroof
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Central locking
- Electronic digital dash
- Cruise control
- AM/FM, cassette & 9 channel graphic equalizer
- Auto dimming interior lighting
- Luxury trim cloth/carpet interior
- Headlight washers
- Rear window wiper (on a sedan)
- Illuminated door locks
- Unique body decals
So my dad and I got thinking we could overlook the Mazda 323 front wheel drive bit, and maybe it wasn't a bad buy. Considering his boss didn't want any dollars for the car, it was a very good buy indeed. And it was old enough to Club register. And in Japan they came fitted with a turbo.
We picked it up, then stored it for nearly a year so my mum wouldn't find out and kill dad because he'd "bought" another car. Eventually we broke the news to mum and we got a roadworthy and had it scrutineered for club rego - just needed tyres and a split drive boot replaced.
It's actually a pretty good little car - for 32 years old - paint is faded a little, but no dents, no rust and the interior is in really good condition. Three weeks after being registered, we packed it up and headed to Melbourne for the Classic Japan Car Show at Como Park. It drives like an eighties small car - could probably do with at least another 100kw.
Mmmmm, twin cam 16v turbo swap coming soon......
Apparently, Mazda Australia imported 500 of this model that had every option available at the time. They were still selling the old rear wheel drive model and this new one was imported and distributed to dealers around the country as an example of what the next model was going to look like and what it offered.
Factory options included:
- 1.6ltr fuel injected engine (Australia was almost entirely still carburetors).
- 5 speed manual
- Electronic adjustable suspension - Cruise, Normal and Sport
- Alloy wheels
- 4 wheel disc brakes
- Electric sunroof
- Air conditioning
- Power windows
- Central locking
- Electronic digital dash
- Cruise control
- AM/FM, cassette & 9 channel graphic equalizer
- Auto dimming interior lighting
- Luxury trim cloth/carpet interior
- Headlight washers
- Rear window wiper (on a sedan)
- Illuminated door locks
- Unique body decals
So my dad and I got thinking we could overlook the Mazda 323 front wheel drive bit, and maybe it wasn't a bad buy. Considering his boss didn't want any dollars for the car, it was a very good buy indeed. And it was old enough to Club register. And in Japan they came fitted with a turbo.
We picked it up, then stored it for nearly a year so my mum wouldn't find out and kill dad because he'd "bought" another car. Eventually we broke the news to mum and we got a roadworthy and had it scrutineered for club rego - just needed tyres and a split drive boot replaced.
It's actually a pretty good little car - for 32 years old - paint is faded a little, but no dents, no rust and the interior is in really good condition. Three weeks after being registered, we packed it up and headed to Melbourne for the Classic Japan Car Show at Como Park. It drives like an eighties small car - could probably do with at least another 100kw.
Mmmmm, twin cam 16v turbo swap coming soon......
