Mazda Familia Second Generation (1967)

The Familia redesigned

Mazda introduced the second-generation Familia in November 1967. The launch range included five-seat, two-door and four-door saloons with a 987 cc aluminium-alloy inline-four. Export names included Mazda 1000, 1200 and 1300 as the range developed. These names identify different versions, rather than one specification offered everywhere. Mazda historical timeline.

This record follows Mazda’s generation numbering: the redesign succeeded the first-generation Familia, while the third generation arrived in September 1973. Dates here describe calendar introductions, not a universal export model-year sequence.

Design and piston-engine development

The redesigned saloon adopted rounded styling, rectangular headlamps, curved glass and front side windows without separate quarterlights. MacPherson-strut front suspension accompanied the new body. Mazda also offered a minimally equipped Original version with accessories buyers could add individually.

The initial engine continued the preceding Familia 1000’s OHV design. February 1968 brought the Familia 1200 with a 1,169 cc OHV four-cylinder. In March 1970, the Japanese Familia Presto saloon introduced a 1.3-litre OHC four-cylinder with a cast-iron cylinder block. These changes belong within the second generation; Presto did not initially denote a separate generation. Mazda’s second-generation history.

Familia Rotary and R100

The Rotary Coupe joined the Japanese range in July 1968; the four-door Rotary SS followed in July 1969. The rotary models adopted Familia Presto Rotary naming in April 1970. The coupe was exported as the Mazda R100. Mazda’s launch chronology.

Its 10A engine used two rotors of 491 cc each. Distinctive round rear lamps helped distinguish the rotary coupe. Following the Cosmo Sport, this Familia brought rotary power into Mazda’s small family-car range. Mazda records a Singapore Grand Prix victory in 1969 and subsequent competition appearances in Europe and South Africa. This sporting history belongs specifically to the rotary derivative, not to every Familia. Mazda’s Familia retrospective.

Production, body styles and market differences

Japanese manufacture was based in Hiroshima. The family retained a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and extended beyond saloons to coupes, estate/van bodies and pickups. Commercial derivatives followed longer production timelines than the principal passenger-car generation, so 1967–1973 should not be read as a universal production span for every related vehicle.

Export equipment also differed. For example, US-market 1200s used round sealed-beam headlamps in place of the rectangular lamps associated with other versions. Engine, lighting and trim details therefore need to be identified by market and date when assessing an individual car. Familia production and market overview.

Succession and historical significance

Mazda identifies the September 1973 Familia Presto as the third generation. The Presto name thus crosses a generation boundary: it first appeared during the second generation before becoming the successor’s name. Mazda describes the newer car as larger and focused on improved accommodation, operation and quality. Mazda’s third-generation history.

The second generation’s historical importance lies in combining the Familia’s family-car role with rotary engineering and international competition. The later fourth-generation Familia, introduced in 1977, belongs to the subsequent hatchback chapter of the model’s history. Mazda’s Familia retrospective.

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Mazda Familia Second Generation Rotary Coupe
Introduced in July 1968, the Familia Rotary Coupe brought Mazda’s rotary engine to its compact Familia range. Exported as the R100, it helped establish Mazda’s international rotary identity.
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