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.
17. 1993 Mazda 626 4WS
Of course, not every car in the collection is a stylistic headturner. But while this 626 may look on the mundane side, it is fitted with four-wheel steering. And squeezed under the bonnet? A 165bhp V6. Mighty impressive. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
18. 1993 Mazda 323 GT-R 4WD
If ever there was a Mazda wolf in sheep’s clothing, it is it. Of course, we all know about the Lancia Integrale and Ford Escort Cosworth. But did you know Mazda also had a serious player in the four-wheel-drive hot hatch sector in the 1990s? Step forward the 323 GT-R. Boasting 185bhp, it was a rally homologation special with clever differentials. Subtle styling too. What? Oh, the massive rally stage fog lamps. Honest … never noticed them. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
19. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Coupe
You certainly don’t see many of these around. Just 200 MX-5 Coupes were produced for the Japanese market in the early 2000s. And no, your eyes don’t deceive you: this is fitted with a proper fixed roof. Personally, I think it looks terrific. And if you look closely, on the lower left of rear, between the light cluster and reg plate, there’s still a ‘Roadster’ badge. Photo: Jim McGill
20. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Superlight
One of, if not THE, most modern cars in the collection. The MX-5 Superlight concept from 2009 is based on a Mk3 MX-5, and previewed the weight-saving measures which would be applied to the Mk4 mode, more than five years later. Mazda demonstrated the Superlight on the hillclimb at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The car still sports the sticker from the day. It’s one of Walter’s favourite models in the museum, which was why he chose it to to be photographed next to. Walking towards it, and smiling, he whispered: “We’re actually borrowing this from Mazda, because they’re not allowed to sell it to us. But I’m just keeping quite, and hoping they forget all about it.” Photo: Jim McGill