1993 MAZDA 323 FAMILIA GT-R

This Mazda 323 Familia GT-R is a highly original example of the homologation hot hatch, and is an incredibly rare sight on UK roads. Under the bonnet is a 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-four, producing around 207bhp, driving all four wheels via a viscous coupling system and through a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 84,900 miles.

Dubbed “the Toyota GR Yaris of the 90s” by Car Throttle, the Familia GT-R was built to homologate the marque’s 323 Familia rally car. In addition to the powerful engine, the GT-R was equipped with a unique body kit, incorporating an aggressive front spoiler with prominent Hella driving lights, a vented bonnet, and a roof spoiler. The exhaust on this car is non-original, and was fitted in 2007, but otherwise it is understood to retain its factory features.

First registered in October 1993 in the Japanese Domestic Market - as the vast majority of Familia GT-Rs were - the car was imported to the UK in 2007 and re-registered in May that year. There have been three further keepers since then, with its fourth UK owner having acquired it in September 2014. The MOT history shows that it has spent most of the last six years off the road, but it is now covered by a fresh advisory-free MOT certificate.

Its bodywork is not believed to have ever suffered from any accident damage, and still presents in good order today, with just four or five dings visible on the bonnet. The vendor reports that the offside rear wheel arch trim edge is broken, but there is no sign of any rust around the exterior panels. Furthermore, all of the windows appear to be entirely original, as are the door and boot locks.

The black paintwork is generally in good order, with a scratch and evidence of a possible resprayed section on the offside rear quarter to the centre of the front door, some small dings on the roof panel, and stone chips around the front end and bonnet. The front and rear bumpers may also have been repainted in the past. Its 15-inch original Enkei alloy wheels present well, with only small grazes around the rims.

The interior is in generally excellent condition for its age, with minimal wear to the dark grey leather and perforated fabric upholstery, save for a few nicks in the front seats. Contrasting red stitching throughout adds a sporty ambience to the cabin, while there is also a three-spoke Momo steering wheel, a leather-trimmed gear knob, and the elusive armrest. On the import label in the car door shut, it also refers to this GT-R being a special edition. There is some slight wear to the carpets, but overall it is in remarkably good order for a car over 27 years old. The vendor reports that the air-conditioning is inoperative, but the other buttons and switches are believed to work as they should. Even the emergency flare is still present in the passenger footwell.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in February 2021 at 84,788 miles, when the engine oil and filter were renewed, the HT ignition leads were replaced, and a fresh set of spark plugs was installed. The gearbox and differential oils were changed, along with the antifreeze, and other fluid levels were also topped up.

In January 2021, the braking system was given a service, and the car had a full visual health check. Its turbocharger was completely rebuilt in October 2020, with a drop-in billet comp wheel, and during the same visit its timing belt was replaced and a new water pump was fitted. A number of other invoices in the file cover work carried out from 2007 through to 2014 in the UK; including a new clutch in June 2007 when the odometer stood at around 60,000 miles. Prior services in Japan are on record from 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2006.

The most recent MOT test was on 21 January 2021 at 84,641 miles, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories or defects noted. All four wheels have just been fitted with a brand-new set of Avon ZV7 tyres.

Accompanying this 323 Familia GT-R is the Mazda instruction manual and the original service booklet, as well as an immobiliser certificate, warranty card and PIN, plus two key fobs and two original keys. The original import / bill of sale documents are also present, which are stated to verify the mileage in Japan, plus numerous other receipts and invoices for maintenance. A receipt for the exhaust is included, which was fitted in 2007 with a 25-year guarantee, plus the original Mazda tool kit and spare wheel.

This Mazda 323 Familia GT-R is a very smart example of a remarkably rare hot hatch, which was built to homologate the marque’s rally car in period, and which remains great fun to drive even by modern standards. One of just 2,500 ever built, it would make a fine addition to any collection of modern classics.

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