In January, Mazda Motor Corporation marked its 100th anniversary, and to celebrate, announced its 100th Anniversary Special Edition models.
Each vehicle has been developed with an aspiration to look ahead, while also remembering and respecting the rich Japanese heritage that has guided the brand. The 100th Anniversary Special Edition models will be built from upper-trim levels of select vehicles while sharing design cues from the 1960 R360 Coupe, Mazda’s first passenger vehicle.
The micro-mini R360 Coupe passenger car was powered by a four-cycle engine, unprecedented among its segment at the time. The stylish coupe and modest powertrain, combined with extensive weight-reduction efforts, helped allow the R360 Coupe to provide every owner with effortless driving performance.
In homage to Mazda’s first passenger car, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models were inspired by the top-trim variants of the R360 Coupe, which had a two-tone scheme of a white body contrasted with a colored roof and matching interior hue.
Each commemorative model is adorned in Snowflake White Pearl Mica premium exterior paint and accented by red styling features throughout the vehicle. The front fender has a minimalist “100 Years 1920 – 2020” badge while the wheel center caps feature the 100th Anniversary Special Logo in red and black. The red leather seats and red carpet add a level of sophistication while giving a nod to the two-tone R360 Coupe. The headrests are embossed with the 100th Anniversary Special Logo, while the red floor mats share a badge similar to the front fender. To bring the package together, the key fob is embossed with the 100th Anniversary Special Logo and presented in a special edition box to help create an emotional bond between fans and Mazda.
The 100th Anniversary Special Edition models feature a unique logo that celebrates Mazda’s past, present and future. The logo overlays the current Mazda brand mark atop the round “Industry” logo created when Toyo Kogyo was first formed.
