In spring/summer 2016, the first Mazda museum outside of Japan will open in Augsburg city center. Under the name "Mazda Classic - Automobil Museum Frey", the Augsburg Mazda dealer Auto Frey, with the support of Mazda Motors Deutschland GmbH, will be showing one of the largest private collections of historic Mazda vehicles, as well as the impressive history of the unconventional car manufacturer from Hiroshima, in its entirety and for everyone to see and experience.
The history of the rotary engine
Around 60 to 70 vehicles from the more than 140 Mazda vehicles in the Auto Frey collection are to be displayed in a historic tram depot covering an area of more than 1,5000m2. The initial focus will be on all models ever produced with rotary or Wankel engines, from the legendary Mazda Cosmo Sport and various Mazda RX models from the 70s, 80s and 90s to the unique Mazda Rotary Pick Up tow truck or the Mazda Parkway Bus with rotary engine. Of course, visitors will also learn about the history of the rotary engine and its successful mass production by Mazda.
Models from near and far
But that is by no means all the highlights of the vehicle exhibition, which will be changed at regular intervals. Various Mazda models that were never officially sold in Germany will also be on display, including the Mazda K360, a three-wheeled light truck and the first Mazda passenger car R360 Coupé from 1960, the Mazda Familia 1000 Coupé from 1966, the Mazda Luce RX87 from 1969 and the Mazda AZ-1 from 1992. Of course, historical Mazda models will also be on display, starting with the first Mazda 616, officially sold from 1972, through the successful Mazda 323 and Mazda 626 series to the first-generation Mazda MX-5 from 1990 or the Xedos models from the 1990s.
In addition to the exhibition vehicles, numerous interesting, remarkable and entertaining stories about Mazda will be told, bringing visitors closer to the pioneering spirit, the unconventional way of thinking and Mazda's passion for exceptional technology.
A permanent fixture in the classic car scene
Adjacent to the museum, an event area of around 650m2 is also to be created, which will be available for events of all kinds. The historic building will also house a restaurant and a Mazda Classic Shop in the appropriate historic style.
It is also planned that Mazda Classic will establish itself as a focal point for classic car club meetings with Mazda vehicles or for cross-brand classic car events and thus become a permanent fixture in the classic car scene.
