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Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon

Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon

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Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon
Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone SaloonMazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon
Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon
Lot number 149
Hammer value £5,000
Description Mazda 1800 SVA Bertone Saloon
Registration BVM 379K
Year 1971
Colour Red
Engine size 1,796 cc

Now here’s one to get even the most clued up car enthusiast scratching his head: at first glance it could pass as an Alfa, or possibly even a BMW. But how many would guess that it is in fact a Mazda?

Even though the car was built in Hiroshima in early 1971, those classic Giorgetto Giugiaro lines still shine through. First shown in 1965, the Luce 1500 (Italian for ‘light’) entered production in 1966 following an agreement signed between Bertone and Mazda in 1962.

Low, sharp and sleek, it sold well but was clearly crying out for more performance so in 1968 a larger 1800 version was launched with a distinctive bonnet bulge to clear the taller 1,796cc sohc 4-cylinder engine and an air intake on the leading edge. With 105bhp and 112lb/ft on tap and transmitting its power to the rear wheels via a 4-speed box, it could get to 60mph in 13.4 seconds with a 100mph top speed. It remained in production until 1972 and did reasonably well on the export market, particularly in Australia, but is virtually unheard of in the UK.

This particular 1800 was owned by one Swiss family (father and son) from new until earlier this year when the vendor acquired it and shipped it to the UK. First registered in April 1971, it has only covered some 115,500kms (71,700 miles) and was serviced by the supplying Mazda dealer 16 times up to 1990 shortly after which it was more or less laid up apart from the odd run to keep everything free.

On arrival in the UK the car was lightly recommissioned and treated to a high quality repaint as the original red finish had lost its shine somewhat – there was no rust (as shown in pre-respray photos on file) and the vendor believes that the car has never needed any significant repairs nor been structurally welded.

The black interior is also said to be in fine original condition, the sunvisors still protected in their original plastic covers. The original handbook and service book are still present in their original wallet, as are the original Mazda jack and wheel brace, red triangle, first aid kit, and Mazda torch in the glovebox which still works!

The car has a current V5 and all import duties have been paid. It is taxed until July (free on a car of this age) and has an MOT until July 2015. Now an exceedingly rare car and almost certainly the only example in the UK, this handsome and cherished saloon makes an interesting alternative to the Italian Bertone cars and is sure to cause a real stir (and plenty of head scratching) wherever it goes. We like it a lot. 

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