1992 MAZDA 323 FAMILIA GTA-E

KEY FACTS

• A fantastic example of the lightweight homologation special, benefitting from extensive restoration and modification.
• Under the bonnet is the 207bhp turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine, which drives all four wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
• In total, only 300 Familia GTA-Es were built, making this a particularly rare 1990s Japanese performance car.
• The car now resides in Hong Kong.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Effectively a lightweight version of the potent Familia GT-R, which was created to homologate the model for rallying, the GTA-E does without many creature comforts including ABS, power windows and leather upholstery, helping to save a total of 30kg.
• The GTA-E is also fitted with a close-ratio gearbox, and features a redesigned roof spoiler.
• Finished in white, this example wears a replica of Mazda Rally Team Italia’s livery from the 1993 World Rally Championship, and has been fitted with Recaro Pole position seats, with Mazda Rally team Italia embroidery on their backrests.
• It rides on a set of Braid Fullrace A alloy wheels, which are shod in Dunlop Direzza ZIII tyres, and are in great shape.
• The car’s performance has been enhanced via an upgraded ball bearing turbocharger, a replacement engine management system, a K&N cold air intake and a custom-made stainless-steel exhaust system with a 300-cell high flow catalytic converter.
• This rally special’s handling has also been improved via an Extend Motorsport R DMP coilover suspension system with pillow ball top mounts, Whiteline front and rear anti-roll bars, Powerflex suspension bushes and Cusco front and rear strut braces.
• Stopping power is provided by four-piston Wilwood front brake callipers with 300mm brake discs, APP stainless steel brake lines and Motul RBF600 brake fluid.
• The car will be accompanied by documentation of its service history and invoices for its restoration work.

CONDITION

• No bodywork damage.
• Both the paintwork and racing livery present very well, with only a few minor blemishes including scuffs and cracks on the passenger-side door mirror cover and a tear in the pink vinyl beside the radio antenna.
• All of the rubber window and door seals were replaced during the car’s restoration, along with the plastic trim, the tail lights and the front fog lights.
• Inside, the cabin has been fully reupholstered and retrimmed, and is in excellent condition, with wear to the seats, the Sparco steering wheel or the black Alcantara-covered dashboard.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.

SERVICE HISTORY

• This Familia’s most recent routine maintenance was an engine oil and filter change, carried out at 125,141km by classic and performance car specialist Classicsracer.
• Prior to this, the differential oil and gearbox oil were changed, and the cambelt was replaced in 2018.

SUMMARY

This Mazda 323 Familia GTA-E is a rare and capable lightweight homologation special, which has been restored to a high standard and benefits from a number of well-judged performance modifications. Perhaps not as well-known as the cars entered into the World Rally Championship by Subaru, Mitsubishi and Toyota, the Familia GTA-E is something of a hidden gem, and this example will make a great addition to any rally enthusiast’s collection.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.