1988 Mazda 626 Turbo - Readers Rides

By: Richard Barker, Photography by: Richard Barker

Date: 18.07.2024

Zoom turbo zoom

Richard with his 1988 Mazda 626 Turbo

I acquired my 1988 GD Mazda 626 Turbo hatchback via an advert I saw on Gumtree. I negotiated a sale price with the owner over the phone and transferred a deposit, sight unseen! I just knew these were a rare commodity – when did you last see one on the road?! It was delivered new by Ringwood Mazda in November 1988, with VIC Bicentennial 1788-1988 plates. The car was registered when I bought it, but came without a roadworthy certificate – so I was taking a punt!

Standard features were an electric sunroof, windows, mirrors and aerial, central locking, cruise control and air-conditioning – all fully functional. It had the original radio/cassette player. A first aid kit sat in a slide-out drawer, under the front passenger seat! It came with five original alloy wheels. I have the original Mazda sales brochure and Owner’s Manual. Ringwood Mazda have provided me 10 years of service dates with recorded kilometres, which verified the low kilometres travelled. 

The colour is ‘period’ Emerald Silver, over unmarked grey/red velour trim. Considering it’s approaching 36 years of age, it presents very well, with some minor dents. The rear bumper and wheel centre caps had faded, so these items have been resprayed. I have had a graphic designer recreate the centre cap stickers in the correct size, logo and colour!

Soon after it was in my possession, I put it in for a roadworthy inspection (only needed brake pads) and gave it a major service: engine oil and filter, air filter, coolant flush, brake flush and spark plugs. With only 155,000 kilometres on the clock, the mechanicals are sound and strong, the timing belt was replaced in 2019 at 132,000 kilometres.

I’m excited to own a rare and useable Japanese performance ‘Classic’, that has amazing boot/cargo space, with rear seats that not only have a 60/40 split fold-down option, but a lie-flat option, so the whole rear compartment is flat. My goal is to get the car as close to ‘showroom condition’ as possible, including the original number plates.

It retains the Bicentennial plates, which must be a rarity these days. As these 626 Turbos are rare, especially in original unmolested condition, it would make an ideal Japanese car enthusiast’s club car, that could easily double as a practical, extra zippy daily driver, or weekender. Richard is looking for a new home for his 626, visit
tradeuniquecars.com.au for more info.

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