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.
9. 1976 Mazda Parkway
No, your eyes don’t deceive you: this is, indeed, a Mazda rotary-engined bus. It was available in two forms; either a posh 13-seater with ’super-deluxe’ features for First Class travelling, or a 26-seater with a top speed of 74mph. Not surprisingly, the Parkway was one of the fastest buses in the world in its time. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
10. 1977 Mazda RX-5
This is one of Walter’s most cherished models; and it’s one he knows many, many people come specifically to see. Why? It’s a European version of the rotary-powered RX-5 coupe, with different styling to Japanese cars. And from our perspective, what makes it even more interesting is he bought the car in Cornwall. Markus travelled to England to pick it up, and spent time holiday in the south-west county with the car before heading back to Germany. Worth highlighting the big ‘opera’ windows where you’d normally find an obstructive B-pillar. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
11. 1977 Mazda 323
We all love the Mazda MX-5 and RX-7, but for many, if it wasn’t for the 323 those models that followed may never have existed in the first place. In 1977, the first 323 was driven more than 9,000 miles from Hiroshima to the Frankfurt Motor Show, ready to go head-to-head with the VW Golf. The 323’s success created the path to success for Mazda. Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey
12. 1977 Mazda 323
The signatures on the Frey Museum's unique 323 are from famous or key visitors to the museum since it has opened, including senior people from Mazda in Japan. Strangely, I wasn’t asked to sign it Photo: Mazda Classic Automobil Museum Frey