Mazda Classic

Ever wondered what a Mazda rotary-powered pickup truck looks like? Mazda Classic in Augsburg has the answer. This isn’t just any car museum. It’s a love letter to Mazda, penned by the Frey family. Walter Frey, the patriarch, opened Auto Frey in Gersthofen in 1971. His sons, Joachim and Markus, share his passion. Auto Frey became a Mazda dealer in 1978, one of the first in Germany. Walter’s fascination with the rotary engine steered this partnership. Mazda Classic, officially the Mazda Classic – Automobil Museum Frey, showcases nearly 100 years of Mazda’s unconventional journey. The museum, housed in a beautifully restored 1897 tram depot, displays 45 vehicles. This represents only a fraction of the Frey’s 120+ vehicle collection. You’ll find familiar models like the RX-7 and the little Mazda R360, Mazda’s first mass-produced passenger car. But the real magic lies in the rare gems. The rotary-powered Parkway bus, for instance. Imagine a bus, one of the fastest in its time, powered by the same engine that propelled sporty RX-7s. Or the Mazda K360, a three-wheeled light truck that’s a testament to Mazda’s innovative spirit. Mazda Classic also houses a 1967 Mazda Cosmo Sport, a car so iconic it sparked Walter Frey’s collecting passion. He found it in New Jersey in 1980 and it became the cornerstone of this remarkable collection. The Freys personally restored many of these cars, their dedication evident in every gleaming detail. The collection at Mazda Classic continually rotates, offering fresh discoveries with each visit. It’s a testament to a family’s passion, a celebration of automotive history, and a must-see for any Mazda enthusiast.