The year is 1988 and you’re looking to buy a fun, quick and capable small car that’s reliable and Japanese. What do you go for?
Well, the excellent Mazda 323 GTX was a surefire way to go, since it was a highly appreciated limited-series model which came to the US for two years (1988-1989) in which time some 1,243 examples found owners.
Why is it so special? Well, it was by all current definitions a hot hatch, featuring a 1.8-liter turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive. It put out 132 hp, but it is said that it could easily be fettled with to get like 30 percent more with no serious mods.
The all-wheel drive system makes for a surefooted driving experience, while the engine will be enjoyable to the ear, if you like the way turbocharged four-pots from the 80s sound like.
If you ever stumble across one of these for sale and in good nick, then you are in luck as they are super-rare nowadays, because as you can imagine they were driven to destruction – expect to pay somewhere around (or over) $6,000. Most cars you’ll find are also not stock. There’s also a cool digital dash that some cars were fitted with – it was an option at the time but quite cool.
Check out the selection of videos showing it off below!