1995 Mazda 323C + 1997 Mazda MX3 V6 - now painted

[Fennec]

Hello all.

I've been away far too long, need to get my behind in gear. Which is ironic, being as my latest car is an automatic. ((Shudders)).

It's a 1995 Mazda 323, with the 1.5 DOHC injected engine, but the main talking point is the lack of rear doors!

At this point in Mazda's history, they had just moved away from the pop up light 323F,




and we got the new model, also confusingly called 323F. This was a slightly sporty looking 5 door hatch.



There was also a completely different looking saloon for the more cultured buyer.





And then this, the 323C, or Coupe, or 3 door. It only sold for one year, and I believe there are less than 5 left on UK roads!












Plans? Wheels, gentle lows but mainly repairing and maintaining. Will need a tickle with the welder on the rear of the sills and one arch.

[Fennec]

Correct import style plate fitted.

[Kombi]

As someone living in the US, I find it remarkable how different Mazda's design language was for Europe and the rest of the World. We ONLY got the white Saloon body style here. I've never even seen the others.

[grizz]

Never even seen one.

Like the shape.

[Fennec]

Gone are the tiny 13s, some MX5 16s suit it better!

[misteralz]

Always though this gen of 323 was a bit weird and awkwardly proportioned, like a Japanese first gen Megane. I think it's the HUGE rear ¼ that does it. The wheels and import plate look great on it, though. I reckon a drop and maybe some graphics on that ¼ would really give it 'something'...

[Rich]

Those 16"s look just as good as I'd hoped dude. Altitude adjustment planned?

[Fennec]

Mar 12, 2022 12:38:30 GMT Rich said:

Those 16"s look just as good as I'd hoped dude. Altitude adjustment planned?

Oh yes. Seen some 60mm lowering springs for a decent price. 😁

[Rich]

Mar 12, 2022 13:23:19 GMT Fennec said:

Mar 12, 2022 12:38:30 GMT Rich said:

Those 16"s look just as good as I'd hoped dude. Altitude adjustment planned?

Oh yes. Seen some 60mm lowering springs for a decent price. 😁

That'll do the job nicely. Not too low, an OE sports look to go with the strangeness

[jimi]

Mine was the earlier 323F, I love pop-up headlights



Wasn't as keen on the later version, one of my friends had one, from what I remember the rear vision was terrible

[88zxturbo]

Very different almost puma like? 🤔

[Rich]

Mar 13, 2022 4:53:58 GMT 88zxturbo said:

Very different almost puma like? 🤔

Ford Festiva WB. So much so I had to check it wasn’t the same car with a different panelset. 🤣

[Fennec]

Ford Puma



Ford Festiva (Mazda 121)





Both Fiesta based, so similarities are understandable.

However the 323 is supposedly Focus sized

Wait....

[Fennec]

Pulled away today and the front of the driver's seat came away. That was an interesting drive home!

Turns out a previous owner had bodged it by welding and it had finally given up.

I just drilled a hole further back and put a new nut and bolt in. Which would have been easier than welding it in the first place!

[Fennec]

[scrunge]

I had a later (BJ) model. Bought it for a pint. Mate welded some previous crash repair rust for a pint and a burger. MOT 45 quid. Oil change 30 quid. Ran it for a year on pennies and sold it to my brother for a crate of beer. (Profit?)
Quick enough, economical enough, reliable enough, comfortable enough and dirt cheap. Possibly the best car I've ever owned. Replaced with a Mk4 Golf that broke every time I looked at it.
I still get excited when I see one out and about, best of luck with this unusual specimen.

T591 KLD, if you're still out there, you're a Good Car, criminally underrated.

[edwagon]

These things ARE a bit obscure... In NZ they were very common as a J Import, but still managed to be a bit obscure due to the random selection of model names they came as (Familia, Astina, MX3, Eunos, Autozam etc etc) which overlapped each other, as well as the range of engine options - 1.5 B5, 1.6 B6, 1.8 V6 (k8?), 2L V6 (KF?) 2.5L v6 (KL?) etc.

I spent much of my apprenticeship doing timing belts on the v6 ones - bit of a mofo getting to that rear bank and so were always getting palmed off to 'the boy' (me!) to struggle with.


Great little cars and I've got fond memories - subscribed!

[Fennec]

Side on pic from today, as I was put putting a new set of wheel nuts on.
Little things, but all progress.

Last drive out I felt a bit of a pulsing when slowing from motorway speed, like warped discs. Had a look today, and it wouldn't be a bad idea changing them. Something else for the thankfully small to do list

[Chris™]

Never seen one before either, not even a photo! Looks like it can be cleaned up nicely though, an excellent piece of 90s obscurity!

[Fennec]

323 is now sitting on MX3 wheels, because the 16s are now on my latest addition, a 1997 MX3.


It's a cool little thing, a bit ropey but goes well and makes a fun noise from its little 1.8 V6



.