Tucked away in the centre of Augsburg in Germany sits an architecturally-imposing building. Striking as it is, there’s very little signage to inform passers-by the life this former tram depot now lives. But for the inquisitive, or those who know what they’re looking, for there is a small sign: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey.
For anyone with even the remotest interest in Mazda, this is heaven. There are now close to 300 rare and clever vehicles representing every model and series launched by the manufacturer since the 1930s. Given this year is the Japanese carmaker’s centenary, It was the perfect time to go knocking on the door of Walter Frey’s Aladdin’s cave.
Walter — a most genial 70-something — loves Mazdas and has been a Mazda dealer since 1978, drawn to the brand by its unconventional approach to technology. His passion has evolved into the creation of the biggest and most comprehensive selection of heritage Mazdas in world, assisted by his equally obsessed sons Joachim and Markus. There are cars here that even Mazda doesn’t have in its own collection in Japan! Star of the show is the first car in Walter’s collection – a 1968 Cosmo Sport 110S – but on own private whistle-stop tour we discover some other absolute gems.
13. 1984 Mazda RX-7
I guess if you’re going to have an RX-7 — the finest example of a rotary sports car — in your collection, it should be the one which was gifted by Mazda to the creator of the engine, Dr Felix Wankel. Obviously a very kind gesture. But there was just one problem: Dr Wankel didn’t have a driving licence. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
14. 1985 Mazda RX-7 Group B
The RX-7 also went rallying. In 1985, this RX-7 Group B rally car, piloted by Ingvar Carlsson, finished third in the Acropolis Rally. I love the stylistic white and blue livery, and for me it was one of the standout cars on display. Photo: Jim McGill
15. 1990 Mazda MX-5
It’s the world’s best-selling sports car, with more than one million leaving the showrooms. Not only was it affordable and reliable, but the MX-5 lifted rear-wheel drive roadsters to a new height. It was THE sports car everyone wanted. Even today, in its fourth-generation and with new prices below £24,000, it remains the one to beat. The MX-5 is one of the all-time great modern classics Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
16. 1992 Autozam AZ-1
Hmmm … okay. The AZ-1 isn’t ‘officially’ a Mazda. Built to the 63bhp Kei supercar recipe, this stunner includes a MazdaSpeed bodykit with extra sculpting, plus there are four very intricately designed alloys. As for the doors? Well they’re just brilliant Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey