Hi Mazda fans. I've recently purchased a 1985 Mazda 323 BFMR in original two tone white and grey They were in abundance about ten years ago but most have been crashed or stolen and burned and written off so am feeling quite fortunate to have secured one of the last in New Zealand at least. Apart from the one I just purchased I haven't seen one of these in years. At least not one that hasn't been butchered with bonnet vents and painted some sort of electric blue etc. Glad to be here and see you guys on the forums.

B

 

That's pretty cool, B. Welcome to the forum!!

Personally I don't feel that those wheels fit the overall theme of the car, but I assume that is as you bought it.
I don't know how many of us here, including me, are familiar with the BFMR nomenclature. Can you explain to us what it means?
I think I see a little FMIC sticking out from under the front bumper and a factory style wing on the hatch/boot. Is it turbocharged?
More pictures would be nice also. Feel free to post then up!! Love to see more of it.

 

No worries. These were released between 1985 and 1988 and featured a 1600cc DOHC turbo charged engine. Four wheel drive too with in dash centre diff lock. They are also branded Familia BFMR. Yes this is how I bought it including the wheels. I like the amount of spokes on the wheels but am just not into the rivits. You are correct about the FMIC, though it is aftermarket and the previous owner butchered the bumper to accommodate it. Can't wait to restore it back to immaculate condition. By the way, everything else is standard Mazda like the spoilers and side skirts. Very smart looking hatches for the 1980s in my opinion. Heres a few more pics of it. The DUCMAN personalised plate is a previous owner. God knows why you'd want that as personalised plate.

Brendan

 

A VERY cool project, Brendan. I agree! Smart looking car. And with the car so complete already, it doesn't look like it will be too hard to do either.
AWD w/a manually locking center diff. Hmmm. Sounds like a good idea, especially if you have a lot of slippery conditions. I can't wait to see the progress.

Is the drivetrain still in good condition or will it they require a rebuild?

 

Fortunately the previous owner put a new gearbox and front axle in so the driveline is pretty good. If you're a rough bastard the gearboxes tended to crap out easily but since I got that kind of driving out my system when I was younger this one will not suffer a similar fate. You're right about it being complete already which is one of the reasons I bought it. The spoilers aren't painted, more like a white hard rubber but I will have them painted white along with the mirrors. Just a few cosmetic tweaks here and there, better suited wheels and I'll be nearly there. The centre diff lock is factory and isn't really for everyday driving. These were originally designed to be rallied so I guess thats why it's there. It is useful for steep driveways etc where one wheel starts to spin. Engage the center diff lock and up it crawls. It's more of a novelty in suburban areas and will stay in the car as it is original and thats what I want to retain.

In Australasia these were abundant and flooded in to New Zealand especially during the mid to late 1990's. They were cheaply available to young people and as a result 95% (my estimation) have been crashed or stolen and written off. Factory colours were white/grey, red/grey, silver/grey, and black/grey. Shame that you guys don't have any your ways. Perhaps someone would like to import one there and stand out from the rest. There's still a few in Japan I imagine. By the way, 1986 to 1988 models came with cruise control too. Mine doesn't but can always put it in. Will post development pics as they come about.

Thanks guys.