'Show me' 80's Mazda 323s

1980-1985 FWD 'BD' 323



1985-1989 FWD 'BF' 323



there was also the rwd wagon versions basically a facelifted 70's model build til 1985. I suspect a 1.5glx will be the BF model
Japanese versions are Mazda Familias, U.S versions GLC also sold in some parts of the world as the Ford Laser.

What to look for: rust! rear strut tops, sills. Engines are strong early ones are timing chain, later are belts. Reliable easy to work on nice to drive, comfitable and often quite well speced for and 80's hatch.

Ok thanks, well I do a lot of motorway driving so, although they look cool, don't think this is for me.

But again thanks.

devilishdesigner: was yours an auto? i've driven 2 manual 323's and they always seem very long geared. Mine sits at 70 very comfortably 40+mpg never driven an auto one so cant compare.

jowey: mine will probably be for sale in a couple of months, very solid car. Most of the rot has been sorted not that there was much in the first place ;D





photoshop with lotus wheels




ford laser

excellent ! Would certainly be interested when the time comes.
I would only do good thinks with it of course

RetroMat: Yeah, was an auto, low kms granny spec 3spd auto 1.6. Would start in 2nd unless you nailed it and was well and truly out of breath at 100. I have heard the manuals are much better geared.

Small 80's autos would have to be painful wouldn't they? 5-speed ALWAYS better, a little flimsy perhaps but good fun.

A friend used to enjoy & push his mothers white '86 323 5-speed sedan (came with rear discs where laser had drums) to absurd limits & almost never drove his XB Falcon GT as a result.
It inspired/forced him to buy a white Vtec EG Civic sedan when someone pulled out in front of him & took out its front, he also looked at '80s 4wd Turbo 323 though those g/box's have a reputation for fragility under abuse.







I wanted to find a shot of those cool pineapple orange early Laser S-pack with extensive window black-outs edged with colour striping, 4-spot or black painted alloys, twin carburettors, & stylish black metal 4-spoke steering wheels.

Apparently Ford Australia got into some trouble for sharing pre-release design photos of the mk3 Escort to Mazda & the cars resulting (?) final design similarities -so Mazda was obliged to "plug" the rear 1/4 window of 5-doors for differentiation!

Thanks for the interest, they sure do have a lot of untapped potential I agree, but by the sounds of things an auto would be a nightmare....as I'm doing 100miles a day at the moment.

Not to go O/T on my own topic but ...... same questions but this time regarding 1982 Datsun cherry 1.3 gl, shall I start a new thread.

I love this convertible

I miss my old 323, wish id never sold it