Mazda Familia 800 Deluxe
Mazda's first true family sedan wrapped a light aluminium white engine and four useful doors in crisp, modern lines.
1966 Mazda Familia 800 Deluxe SSA museum car · Mytho88 · CC BY-SA 3.0
Research pending
A matching completed auction sale has not been verified for this exact year, body, trim, engine, transmission and market.
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More than a set of wheels.
The Familia story began with a van in September 1963, but the four-door sedan arrived in October 1964 after appearing at the Tokyo Motor Show. Mazda wanted a small car balancing economy, comfort and style. The 800 Deluxe used an unusually light aluminium-rich engine and gearbox assembly, while its column shifter left the front floor uncluttered.
Look a little closer.
Its bright aluminium engine, clutch housing and transmission helped earn the little power unit its “white engine” nickname.
Photos show an example of the model or generation. The pictured vehicle’s year, equipment, or modifications can differ from the specification described here.
Why the Familia began as a van
Market research showed demand for a light van that drove more comfortably than kei-class commercial vehicles. The van proved the name and engine in 1963; the sedan followed a year later.
Source: Mazda Great Cars — Familia, part one ↗The bright metal behind the white engine
The nickname came from the bright aluminium casting. Aluminium saved mass, but making blocks, heads and transmission housings from it demanded careful casting and machining.
Source: Mazda 100th Anniversary — first Familia ↗Where these facts come from
- Mazda 100th Anniversary — first Familia
- Mazda Great Cars — Familia, part one
- Web Motor Magazine — 1964 Familia Sedan SSA
Selected facts checked for this edition. Some source pages link to broader model families. Last reviewed October 4, 2026.