Mazda Fans Weekend, Mazda HQ (Dartford): Sat/Sun 20-21 May

[Casey]

Excellent.

So, despite Mazda's best efforts, we will have a few FB's there on Sunday PM

Looking forward to seeing everyone there.

[Hobbawobba]

Ahh I can't make it down with James now. He forgot it was this weekend and has work to do aye . Been looking forward to this for ages too!

[Casey]

^^ Really sorry to hear you (and James) can't make it now

I con't think Mazda could have made it any harder for people to register for this event if they tried :x

However, we've got a few rotaries going along, particularly on the Sunday (and the Beeb say we might see some sunshine ) so I look forward to meeting everyone then.

IMPORTANT NEWS FOR ANYONE TRAVELLING TO/FROM THIS EVENT AND USING THE A12 Junctions 19-24 (Chelmsford North to Kelvedon).
The A12 will be CLOSED COMPLETELY in BOTH directions over the entire weekend for bridge replacement work. Major diversions will be in place and you can be certain of delays in the area. Try to avoid if possible, else allow extra time

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the Sunday PM session.

I can't be sure, but I think this is the likely turnout (I know it's incomplete, because I'm expecting "Phil" with his immaculate RX-3 to be there, and I'm sure there are others). Plus I hope we have the Rally FB and Cosmo to drool over

Saturday AM
John (FB or maybe RX-8)
KiwiDave (FB)

Saturday PM
Kevint (FD)
Dan.NJ72 + 1 (RX-8)

Sunday AM

Sunday PM
Clive (RX-4 and race RX-8)
Casey (FB)
Clarky (FD)
Rote8 (RX-8)
Linas (FD)
KiwiDave (FB)
DB RX63 (FB)
Mpv2k3 (RX-8)
Shagrington (RX-8)
CTID (RX-8)
Keith B9 KLF (FD)

To add your name, quote this post, add your name and remove Quote marks.

[DB RX63]

Hey Chaps,

Are there any particular arrangements with regard to parking etc, are we in any particular place ?

If not, see you tomorrow at some point.

DB

[Casey]

No specific arrangements, just turn up for 1pm

Weather forecast is good, bring sunglasses and suntan lotion

[Casey]

It's a shame that the convoluted arrangements to get an invite to this event understandably put some people off.

As it turned out, It was a very chilled out event, with FREE (good quality) coffee and hot food on tap from Mazda. There were loads of very enthusiastic Mazda staff on hand, but it was the enthusiastic owners and their great cars which made the event worthwhile. I attended on the Sunday PM session, only to find out the rare Cosmo had left in the morning, and the RX-3 was no longer to be seen either

Great to meet KiwiDave again (with Pete) and DB RX63 (Derek, along with Tania).

Aside from our three FB's, there was a good collection of RX-8's and RX-7 FD's in evidence, along with other Mazda models. Star of the show for me was this stunning FB with just FORTY-NINE miles on the clock



My transport for the day:


...alongside DB RX63's transport:


The Group B FB




The venue:

[KiwiDave]

First off, thanks to Malcolm for getting us involved. As he says, a good day out, helped by great weather, great food and great coffee. A little disappointing not to see some older models there. Surely they must be out there .. first gen 323. 626 818 or 929?

Still, 3 FB's representing the '80s aint too shabby plus mazda UK's latest Heritage Fleet addition, the sub 50 mile 1984 Series 3.

We even got to take a spin in the new MX-5 RF (that's Retractable Fastback) or foldy metal roof to you and me. Quite a nice thing to drive too apart from the wind noise which spoils an otherwise agreeable package.

[TOOL]

No RX-2, no JC Cosmo?

I heard they were going to be there. Who was supposed to be bringing these?

[codge]

The Tender Blue FB in the showroom is the Scottish car. Assume sold to Mazda but maybe loaned?

[Casey]

According to the Mazda person I spoke to yesterday, the car was acquired by Mazda UK "a few weeks ago" from a retired Mazda dealership owner in Scotland (I think Aberdeen was mentioned). I was told the car was only ever driven up and down his drive a few times.....