Back in the good old days, there was a 50cc motorcycle Grand Prix class. The two-stroke engines powering these tiny machines in the early 1960s mainly came from the Eastern bloc. Producing over 200hp per litre, they had pistons the size of thimbles, powerbands narrower than a gunfighter's stare and a tendency to seize at inconvenient moments. The gunfighter analogy is apt because riders needed Man With No Name reactions on the clutch lever if, or more accurately when, the motor nipped up.
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To compete, Honda produced a series of fantastically engineered double overhead cam four-stroke 50cc twins. Have a listen to
this RC116
from 1966. Among many other multi-cylinder moments of madness, it also released a five-cylinder 125cc GP bike pushing out a reputed 45hp (360hp per litre) and sounding like
a sackful of angry cats
. It's believed that Honda was even thinking about a 50cc four. Those Honda lads liked a laugh.
Point being that, when they were running at any rate, the noise from these tiddlers was staggering. Proving that there are two routes to a glorious sounding engine: cylinders, and lots of them, or really small cylinders, and lots of them.
Mazda's MX-3 ran through most of the 1990s and was, as the owner of this week's pleasingly clean Shed states, the smallest production V6 you could get. It therefore merits our attention. That and the fact these cheeky chappies are quite thin on the ground these days: just a few hundred V6s remain, and most of them are autos.
... how it would have looked, all shiny and new
At under £700 this little red number looks like a clever purchase even on a Joe Sensible flat cap basis, taking into account its new tyres, recent cambelt (non-interference variety), long ticket, low running costs and eligibility for classic insurance. Add in the relative rarity, its apparently springy condition and the manual 'box, and it all makes you wonder why it's being sold.
It could be because the MX-3 is not the most exciting drive. It's safe enough and unthreateningly reliable, but despite having a variable length intake manifold (VLIM) and a degree or two of passive rear steer, never inspiring. You could change all that in short order by removing some of the exhaust innards or drilling a few holes in the tailpipe. Then you'd have an automotive flute to play tunes on. A small 60-degree V6 revving to 7,000rpm? It's got to be good for the soul. You just need to be able to hear it.
Perhaps sir would prefer black?
Don't expect raging performance to go with your newly-created racket. At the end of the day it's only a 1.8, a perceived (and, thanks to emission constrictions, actual) inadequacy that played a big part in the MX-3's disappearance from Mazda showrooms in 1998. 120mph is the realistic top end, whilst a smoky motor can mean leaky valve stem seals, and you've got 24 suspects. If the engine does go pop you can slot in the 2.5 V6 from the MX-6 or indeed the Ford Probe. Hopefully it won't, because then you'd lose your bragging rights.
Ten years after the demise of the MX-3, rumours were circulating that Mazda was thinking about bring back an updated version. It never happened, sadly: the time wasn't right. But with manufacturers feverishly scratching around for new USPs that will make their cars unique and/or iconic, maybe now the time is right for a shaved flywheel, some superlight valvegear, a small turbo and a 9,000rpm redline. Yum.
Classic Phase 1 Mazda MX3 1.8i now a collectors car, very reliable and smallest V6 made,genuine mileage and well looked after by owners. You won't find a better one in the country. 9 Months MOT 4 months Tax. (Tax is £125 for 6 months) Very quick bulletproof v6 engine but great on fuel 30plus mpg. Amazing engine sound,acceleration and handling but not at all expensive to insure no rust on bodywork at all very clean example great condition for its age. Recent cam-belt . Brand new front tyres backs in great condition Lovely inside and out. Genuine reason for sale, loved this car and will be sorry to see it go.Sunroof, top of the range spec ,alloys ,electric windows power steering,alarm etc. A joy to own and drive.