No fewer than six generations of the Mazda 323 appeared from 1977 to 2003. This is a tribute to the first type 323. This first model falls into the category: “Something you don't see every day anymore” and therefore exclusivity is assured.
The 'compact car'
The formula was the so-called 'compact car', a car that was characterized by an efficient, compact design and dimensions, optimal use of the available space and economy, adapted to modern traffic in the 70s. It became a top seller in various variants were available. It was a trouble-free, economical car; the delivery program included 3-door and 5-door models, manual and with an automatic transmission. In 1978 Mazda released an Estate. The Mazda 323 simply had everything a comfortable car should have.
What more could you want?
- A lot of car for a relatively low budget.
- Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside.
- Reliable and durable.
Speaking of durability, this Mazda topper, offered by Auto Service de Haas in Sassenheim, has now completed 47 years of driving. And the pure fun doesn't stop now! Edward de Haas has only one condition for the new owner: he must be a real enthusiast.
Happiness comes from little things
Edward: “I had a feeling of mild excitement when I saw the Mazda come into the garage, because my father used to be a salesman at the Mazda importer and therefore just drove this type as a demonstration car. Of course, interest was immediately aroused, and so you see that everyone has their personal reasons when it comes to a certain type and brand. It also makes you think, because my father passed away in 2021, and there will certainly be understanding for the conditions imposed on the sale.”
Old is gold
Despite its advanced age, the car drives almost like a new one. Years ago, it was given a new coat of paint in the original beige color. And very special, the owner who, at the age of a hundred, traded in the car for a car with a higher entry. The Mazda 323 (1.3) 5-door, with only 85.000 on the odometer, is in very good condition and certainly a plus because it is an original Dutch car. The Minister of Finance is scratching his head, because this Mazda is exempt from taxes; the tax authorities are behind the net here.
Times change, people change, wishes change. But the attractiveness of this Mazda 323 remains! Ideally suited for hobby use, bringing back memories of a disappeared street scene. We can fully appreciate keeping the reliable companion of the past on the road, purely as a hobby.
I've only had cars to transport things. Yes, on the Alfa Sud I had serious roof racks, and that turned out to be a nice shopping cart, unfortunately (too) short-lived. Shortly afterwards the transport slats were moved to a 343 Station, which I found to be more balanced in terms of appearance than the standard cars. I did experience the whisper-quiet solidity of this 343 and its reliability even behind the Iron Curtain. The contact points purchased at the time for security are still here somewhere. My first experience with a Japanese person who I really liked.
Ooh, the 323…
I've had 4: orange manual from '79, blue-metallic automatic from '79, gray-metallic automatic from '84 and blue-metallic automatic from '92. My father and I had the latter for 16 years together.
But the most fun to drive was the blue-metallic automatic from '79. Drove well. It was also fun with snow: looking for a deserted parking lot, turning something in and accelerating and just drifting/spinning with that rear-wheel drive! 😁
If you enter the license plate number on the license plate check, you will see all kinds of information, and in this case even several photos.
I have had a 616 coupe, apart from a leaking head gasket, a leaking heater radiator and a clogged radiator, no problems.
Traded in on a caravan after seven years.
I have been driving Volvo Aamzone for more than 40 years now.
Johan
The Mazda 818, 929 and 121 Landau were on sale at the same time as the 323
many nicer cars than the 323!
The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow, Ferrari 512 and Lamborghini Countach were also for sale at the same time, much nicer cars than the 818, 929 and 121 Landau!
There's really no comparison given the completely different price ranges, so I'm making the comment even more ridiculous.
I had a lesson in the Mazda 323!
My best friend bought this exact version and color second hand in 1981 from his aunt. His aunt bought another new 323, now in light blue. His license plate had RM instead of RV. The car was four years old and he drove it for another 12 years and then sold it due to emigration. In the meantime, I have driven up about 4 cars that, for example, had too much rust or MOT problems with too high costs. The Mazda really survived everything, even later very mediocre maintenance... I spent many kilometers behind the wheel of that 323. What I remember is that the steering was a bit vague and didn't really stick to the road. He also braked somewhat unevenly. But what a reliable and pleasant car this was! And what quality.
Just as we talk about dates in the article: the 323 came on the market in 1977 and not 1975. And the golden coach in the photo is 47 years old, not 57.
Thanks for the corrections. The errors have now been corrected.