Monday, January 17, 2011

Mazda 323 GTX - Why Didn't They Make More Of These?

The readers who are familiar with the Mazda 323 are probably chuckling about my title right now, but the Mazda 323 GTX was a whole different car - one that was designed for Group A rallying.


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?

30 comments:

  1. Never owned a Mazda but been tempted once or twice.

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  2. they didn't make more because it looks hideous lol

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  3. I have a friend who would kill to own one of these. He loves sleepers, Mazdas, and racing cars from the late 80's.

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  4. Never saw one in detail personally, but I've heard good things.

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  5. Never saw one of these in my life...
    Also, following ;D

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  6. 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.....

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  7. I love these little sleepers. I bet it'd be fun to drive... like a poor man's Mini Cooper.

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  8. I like these cars they look very compacted :)

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  9. lol @ Poor Man's mini cooper comment ^^^

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  10. too much edges for me check out my blog too ;)

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  11. those cars you can throw against anything

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  12. Beauty! I'd take a sleeper like that over any flashy model. the GTX is practically legendary.

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  13. makes me think of one of my dream sleeper cars. The Eagle Talon. I believe they came in an AWD model.

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  14. i would drive one of those soooo hard lol. they look way too much fun.

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  15. mmmm not for me - it's still a mazda lol

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  16. Looks like such a beater, but who am I to judge, I don't even have a car, lol.

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  17. Never drove mazda either, but from the way you described that car, I now find myself very tempted

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  18. Reminds me of a WRX STI cool car

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  19. These little cars are fun to drive

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  20. Had 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.

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  21. My 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!

    >Carry Bacot

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  22. 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.

    Kyle Schmidt

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  23. Great car ! I HAVE ONE ! Will never sell it !
    There is 10 registered on the roads on the uk

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