Mazda

The Mazda Familia was introduced in October 1963 and was designed by a young Giorgetto Giugiaro while working at the Italian design house Bertone. The model first appeared as a commercial two-door wagon, known as the Familia Van. In April 1964 it was joined by a more luxurious passenger version, the Familia Wagon, followed later that year by a four-door sedan in October and a two-door sedan in November. Early models were powered by a small 782 cc four-cylinder engine. In November 1965 Mazda expanded the range with the stylish Familia 1000 Coupé, fitted with a larger 985 cc engine. Around the same time the original 800-series engine received a modest power increase. Responding to growing competition in the one-litre class, Mazda introduced a new 987 cc engine in January 1967 for updated 1000 sedan and van versions.

The new Familia appeared in November 1967, sold as the Mazda 1000 in most European markets. A larger 1,169 cc straight-four engined version came along in February 1968, becoming the Mazda 1200 for export. In April 1970 the range received a light facelift and a brand new 1,272 cc engine. It was exported as the Mazda 1300, and replaced the previous generation 1200 model in most markets.

The third generation Familia was announced in September 1973, a month before the 1973 oil crisis. It was basically an updated version of the 1970 Familia, reintroduced with 60 mm wider bodywork and reworked front and rear designs. The Familia continued using the Mazda 1000/1300 name in most export markets. Production ended in January 1977 when it was succeeded by the Familia AP, marketed as the 323 in most of the world.