Other manufacturers were producing detuned rally cars at this time, but this was a breakthrough for Mazda. The 323 GTX stood out with its 1.6 litre 16-valve turbocharged (and inter-cooled) engine, paired with all-wheel-drive; the appeal of which was limited to those who understood and appreciated the rally racing technology infused into this rare car.
Because the GTX didn't look much different from the base 323, it was also somewhat of a sleeper. Those who read my blog know that I prefer "sleepers" over vehicles designed to show off, which is one reason why this car appeals to me personally. Although I probably wouldn't have been inclined to pay the $13,000 MSRP which was nearly double the price tag of the base 323.
Since only 1,243 GTX's were produced in the United States during a two-year span (1988-1989), you're unlikely to find one for sale. And if you do find one, it will probably be in terrible shape from being driven hard for so many years. Nonetheless, this vehicle is basically the grandfather for the Mazda3 and it has earned my respect.
Has anyone had the opportunity to own or drive one of these?
Never owned a Mazda but been tempted once or twice.
ReplyDeleteLooks fun
ReplyDeletethey didn't make more because it looks hideous lol
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who would kill to own one of these. He loves sleepers, Mazdas, and racing cars from the late 80's.
ReplyDeleteNever saw one in detail personally, but I've heard good things.
ReplyDeletebecause it looks lame.
ReplyDeleteNever saw one of these in my life...
ReplyDeleteAlso, following ;D
My buddy has an RX8 and I hate riding with him. I don't care about the 3 degree wheel shift or the rotary engine... But that's all he talks about... It's destroying our friendship.....
ReplyDeleteI love these little sleepers. I bet it'd be fun to drive... like a poor man's Mini Cooper.
ReplyDeleteI like these cars they look very compacted :)
ReplyDeletei bet it handles like a beast
ReplyDeletelol @ Poor Man's mini cooper comment ^^^
ReplyDeleterespect to gtx.
ReplyDeletetoo much edges for me check out my blog too ;)
ReplyDeletethose cars you can throw against anything
ReplyDeleteold cars are good cars
ReplyDeleteBeauty! I'd take a sleeper like that over any flashy model. the GTX is practically legendary.
ReplyDeletemakes me think of one of my dream sleeper cars. The Eagle Talon. I believe they came in an AWD model.
ReplyDeletei would drive one of those soooo hard lol. they look way too much fun.
ReplyDeleteCome along way since the RX7.
ReplyDeletemmmm not for me - it's still a mazda lol
ReplyDeleteIt's a great car! :D
ReplyDeleteLooks like such a beater, but who am I to judge, I don't even have a car, lol.
ReplyDeleteNever drove mazda either, but from the way you described that car, I now find myself very tempted
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a WRX STI cool car
ReplyDeleteThese little cars are fun to drive
ReplyDeleteHad an '88. Bought it new. Put 67,000 miles on it with no problems. Very fun car. Loved the lift throttle oversteer into the corners on gravel roads and then jumping on the throttle and exiting in a four wheel drift with the turbo spooled up. Had an Eagle Talon AWD turbo also. Never as much fun as the Mazda. Too heavy.
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a very lucky owner of the Mazda 323 GTX knowing that it was a limited edition. And I’m so proud to say that, until now, this car is still in good condition inside our garage. We’ve tried our best to keep the car in excellent condition. Whenever my dad drives it around town, it always makes heads turn. It’s still impressive!
ReplyDelete>Carry Bacot
Well, aside from Carry, I am sure that there are still a lot of people out there who can testify to how great and awesome the Mazda 323 GTX is. Well, this is the kind of car that most rally car enthusiasts have used in the past.
ReplyDeleteKyle Schmidt
Great car ! I HAVE ONE ! Will never sell it !
ReplyDeleteThere is 10 registered on the roads on the uk