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| Lot number | 116 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £5,200 |
| Description | Mazda 323 4x4 Turbo |
| Registration | D672 CNP |
| Year | 1987 |
| Colour | Silver |
| Engine size | 1,597 cc |
| Chassis No. | JMZBF831200265761 |
| Engine No. | B6517821 |
The original Mazda 323 Familia was launched way back in 1963 (with styling by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while working at Bertone) and went through eight generations of development before production finally came to an end in 2003.
The fifth generation BF model ran from 1985-89 and was available as a small family hatchback or saloon. Competent and reliable, it was hardly going to set anyone’s pulse racing until Mazda decided to go rallying in 1985. In order to compete in the Group A category they had to sell a certain number of road going versions for homologation purposes and so the 323 4x4 Turbo was born.
Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged in-line four, it also had uprated brakes and suspension and a more sporting interior than the standard models. With 149bhp on tap it could sprint to 60mph in 7.8 seconds with a 134mph top speed; but its trump card was tenacious all-weather grip from its permanent four-wheel drive (with lockable diff) and exceptional handling prowess thanks to the competition-derived suspension. Only 500 were ever sold in the UK and just 11 are still registered here according to DVLA figures, making this a rare beast indeed.
Originally a demonstrator, this car was bought by the current lady owner in May 1987 when it was less than one month old. It was then used regularly until 1998, clocking up 42,400 miles and always being impeccably maintained with no fewer than nine stamps in the book up to 37,862 miles in August 1995 when the alloy wheels were also refurbished at Baynhall Mazda of Worcester.
Put into storage it 1998, it was to remain there for the next 16 years but was always started and moved periodically to keep everything free. Still in full working order, it remains in excellent condition for its age and is totally original throughout. Supplied with all its original handbooks and two sets of keys, this rare and capable machine is quite probably the best surviving example of this little-known 80s road rocket.
