The Japanese automaker then shared its history and how it became the company it is today. Among the things we learned are vehicles that some of you might didn’t heard of.
Mazda celebrated its 100th anniversary in the industry this year. Here, we have learned about how the Japanese automaker started off as a cork manufacturing company and later became one of the automotive powerhouses in the world.
MAZDA TVCM「Be a driver.」
The first car Mazda produced that we know of is the R360 Coupe. It is a Kei car introduced in 1960 that was powered by a V-twin engine capable of producing 16 hp and 22 Nm of torque.
However, upon looking back to the rich history of Mazda, we have discovered that there are some little-known machines from this Japanese brand.
The 250cc Two-Stroke Prototype Motorbike
Starting off with the 250cc 2-stroke prototype motorbike that was introduced in October 1930. In fact, the said motorbike won its first race beating a British-made Ariel.
Toyo Kogyo, Mazda’s former name, produced 30 more motorcycles in 1930, but later decided to transform it to a practical three-wheeler vehicle we know as the Mazda Go.
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The Mazda PKW Prototype 940
In 1940, Mazda developed a small two-door prototype car called the PKW prototype. However, the production of the prototype was discontinued due to World War II. It could have been remembered as Mazda’s first-ever car.
The 1950 Mazda Type-CA
Other than cars and motorcycles, Mazda also produced commercial vans, mini-bus, bus, pick-ups, and light trucks. The Type-CA one-ton four-wheeled truck is a vehicle produced ten years before the commencement of Mazda’s first passenger car, the R360 Coupe.
The Mazda D1500 Bus
Another four-wheeled vehicle that is unheard of was a 13-seater mini-bus based on the D1500 cab-over truck first sold in 1960. The D1500 bus was then exported to the Middle East and it was enhanced to be an efficient and versatile ambulance.
The Mazda Light Bus: Type-C (left), Type-A (right)
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Mazda’s first bus for general public use was the 1965 25-seater Mazda Light Bus Type-A. It is known to have a very futuristic styling during its time, which sets it apart from the traditional buses found in Europe.
In 1974, Mazda improved its mini-buses and came up with the world’s first-ever rotary engine powered bus called the Parkway 26.
The 1974 Mazda CVS Personal Car
There was a concept car introduced in 1973 and was called the Mazda CVS Personal Car Concept. It looks like a transport pod that possesses a futuristic styling. The CVS on its name stood for computer-controlled vehicle system which further validated its branding as a futuristic vehicle.
The Mazda Road Pacer AP
Mazda also created a car that was meant to be used by Japanese government officials. The automaker called it the Mazda Road Pacer AP and was launched in 1975. Only 800 were produced between 1975 and 1977.
The Mazda Pathfinder, offered with either a canvas roof or as enclosed nine-seat version
A traditional 4x4 off-roader was built and Mazda called it the Pathfinder. It is powered by an 89 horsepower engine and was sold in Myanmar. Unfortunately, the off-roader didn’t make its way to the global market.
The 33.6cc Two-Stroke Engine Mazda Suitcase Car
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In 1991, Mazda produced the Suitcase Car which is arguably the strangest vehicle we have seen from the Japanese automaker. It can be fitted to, at that time, the largest Samsonite suitcase.
The Suitcase car can be reassembled under an hour. Of note, only one Mazda Suitcase car remains in existence.
The 1993 Mazda London Taxi
Lastly, a group of engineers and designers collaborated with the London Royal College of Art in 1993 to come up with a futuristic taxi concept.
It is, however, not an official Mazda concept but the automaker still assisted in building the prototype. The concept looks like a futuristic looking track pod-shaped mini-car that was 20 years ahead of its time, according to Mazda.
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