Mazda Familia Pick-Up (1967-1977). Classic workhorse with endurance

Anyone who regularly visits Greece will likely recognize the car. Chances are you'll still encounter the Mazda Familia Pickup (second generation) on the streets there. Not just as a cherished classic, but also as a surviving workhorse from another era. The car is still regularly used by small businesses, who use the classic pickup for various purposes.

The pickup truck shown was based on the second-generation Mazda Familia, which was built in Japan for over a decade. The pickup remained virtually unchanged in appearance until the late 1970s. In certain markets, such as South Africa, Thailand, and the Philippines, production even continued into the 1990s.

The Mazda Pick-Up was available with simple but reliable four-cylinder engines over the years. Initially, the 985 cc and 1169 cc engines were available, with the 1272 cc (OHC) engine joining the program later. The engines had outputs of 50 hp, 58 hp, and 69 hp, respectively. The engines were paired with a manual transmission with four synchronized gears. Mazda offered several cargo options for the model. The model codes referred to the payload and trim level. The Pick-Up was available with a short or long cargo bed, and the carrying capacity therefore varied between 500 and 600 kilograms.

These Mazda pickups had a simple design, with drum brakes all around, small 12-inch wheels, and a cargo bed length of approximately 1,70 meters. In the American market, the model was recognizable by its sealed-beam headlights. With a weight of around 740 kilograms, it was a light, maneuverable pickup, ideal for city use.

Although the pickup truck sold regularly in Japan and certain export markets, the number of imported vehicles in Europe and the US remained limited. In Greece, the small pickup truck was regularly in demand. In South Africa, the model was sold as the Mazda F-1000 and F-1300, and in Thailand under names such as Familia Super Cab and Maxi Cab. These versions—with the necessary external modifications—remained in production for a remarkably long time, until the late XNUMXs. Incidentally, Kia also built these pickup truck variants of the Familia generation (Presto generation) in South Korea. In those cases, it was called the Kia Master.

Interestingly, this Mazda van bore many similarities in design to the Datsun 1200 Pickup, particularly in the cabin and cargo bed. This sometimes allowed for parts to be interchanged. The small Mazda Pickup therefore enjoys cult status within enthusiast communities. And in Greece, the car is still popular with small businesses of all stripes. Proof that the robust and simple technology of yesteryear is much more durable and usable than previously thought. Even today.

More photos will follow later today