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We examine Mazda’s bloodlines to find the history of the 808

13 August, 2015

The Mazda Grand Familia, as it was known in Japan, was sold as the Mazda 808 in some export markets including Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and the Mazda 818 in many others (presumably due to the usage of numbers with a middle zero by the likes of Peugeot). The Mazda 808 body-style configurations on offer were the two-door coupé, the four-door sedan, and the five-door station wagon. The Grand Familia offered only in-line four-cylinder engines. In Japan, the largely identical rotary-powered versions were marketed as the Mazda Savanna, with export markets taking this model as the RX-3.

At the time of its launch the Mazda 808 was much underrated, although the New Zealand buyer did not have much of a choice of vehicles and power options, if any. Some 808s came with three-speed automatic transmissions. At the time it was considered to be a reasonable-performing vehicle, but over time its abilities have been somewhat surpassed. However this average performance, together with the ease with which the front can be swapped over to resemble the Mazda RX-3, saw the enthusiasts who lusted after more power slotting rotary engines into them, along with the customary lowered suspension, big fat exhausts, and fancy wheels — not to mention fancy paint jobs and sound systems that cost more than the cars!

Rotary power

Although the 808 with its reciprocating piston engine proved popular, most interest in the model was probably focused on the rotary-engine variation. Titled ‘Savanna’ in Japan, this version is more popularly known as the RX-3 and, like the 808, was available in either coupé, sedan or station-wagon form. Most early examples were fitted with Mazda’s 10A rotary engine, although some markets received 12A-powered version. The S102 cars were built between 1971 and 1973, with the second generation RX-3 produced between 1973 and 1975. A third series RX-3 became available in 1976 but was never available in New Zealand, all models being destined for the US and Japan. The RX-3, at that time the sportiest of Mazda’s Wankel-engined cars, bowed out in 1978 to make way for the new RX-7.

How to switch to an alternator

23 October, 2026

Car electrics can be daunting, but upgrading from a generator to an alternator need not be complicated if you know what pitfalls to avoid.
The challenges you may face when converting a 12-volt generating system to an alternator are:
• Finding brackets to mount the alternator to your engine
• Determining the wiring you want to use for your particular set-up
• Deciding whether you want to use an ammeter, an idiot light, or a voltmeter to monitor your classic’s charging system.

NZ Classic Car magazine, November/December 2026 issue 408, on sale now

18 October, 2026

Star status for classic Porsche
A long search ends: finding the right car
Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1963, the Porsche 911 heralded an iconic lineage of sports cars, known for their exceptional performance, remarkable racing reliability, and adaptability, second to none.
New Zealand Classic Car, in conjunction with Star Insure, recently conducted a photo competition to find 13 suitably impressive classics to grace the pages of the magazine’s 2027 calendar. A flood of entries showed that Kiwis recognise eye-catching designs and restorations. Many are handy with a camera, too, and have entered some outstanding results.
The choice was not straightforward, with multiple stunning entries, and Geoff Long’s immaculate 1990 Porsche 911 (964 Factory designation) took top honours. Fortunately, Geoff had Ethan Hanlon handy to take the accompanying photos while working in his office.
“I’ve got a young employee who is doing work experience in my office at the moment, and he’s a very avid photographer. So, I said, I’ll buy you breakfast and then why don’t we go and take some photos. He found the right spot, and he spent over an hour photographing.”
Originally sold new in Japan, hence the right-hand drive, the Porsche was resident there for four years before being exported to New Zealand, as Geoff recalls.
“I bought it two-and-a-half years ago, but I looked for it for over two years, because it’s just the colour scheme, interior and exterior I was after. The service file that came with it is extensive; I mean, it’s been beautifully looked after, which is what I wanted to continue, as it does get driven. It doesn’t sit in the garage.”