The Different HB Models

[spastk]

There are three different models using Mazda''s HB chassis:

1) Mazda Cosmo
This was a Japanese-domestic only model, and included all three bodyshapes in the line-up. As far as I know was marketed as a GT car. I believe it was released with all the different engine types available for the HB.

2) Mazda Luce
This was also a Japanese-domestic only model, but only the 4-door bodyshapes were available. This car seemed to be marketed as more of a Luxury, upper-class car.

3) Mazda 929
This was the export HB model (although some images I have found on the internet seem to point to the 929 also being released in Japan). All 3 bodyshapes were available, and the car was available new in the following countries:
- New Zealand
- Australia
- South Africa
- Japan?
- Sweden? (have some european brochures for 929s)

[spastk]

Differences between JDM and export HB's:

1) Models
Only the 929 spec model was exported, the cosmo and luce being JDM only. I have found some pictures recently however to suggest that 929's also came out in japan (with rotaries standard!!).

2) Number plate surrounds
Japanese number plates are taller and not as wide as NZ (and the majority of export countries I'm presuming), so the rear of the cars where changed to accomodate the taller plates on exported vehicles, as were the front bumpers.

3) Driving lights
I believe it is law in most countries outside Japan that driving lights cannot be orange and must be clear. JDM HB's have orange driving lenses at the front where all 929's I have seen (even the supposedly JDM one) have clear/white lenses.

4) Repeaters
929's exported to Europe have an extra indicator repeater on either side between the front wheel arches and the doors.

5) Rust / UV treatment
It has been brought to my attention (and is backed by the condition of 929s and JDM HB's I have seen) that NZ new (and perhaps other export 929s) are rust proofed when assembled and have a different, more UV resistant interior than JDM HB's, to help them survive the harsher climates outside of Japan. Comparing similar treated Cosmos and 929s I have seen in NZ, 929s almost always seem to be in alot better condition, inside and out, to their JDM brethren.


Any confirmation or dismissal of these would be great

[spastk]

Also, to add to the above -

6) Instrument Clusters
All JDM speedos were limited to 180kph, whereas the export models had 220kph speedos

[spastk]

After some more investigation it seems the 929 came out in the UK also!

[skj0lsvik]

The 929 came out in Norway aswell.

[spastk]

The 929 came out in Norway aswell.

Thanks for that

Any pics of yours would be great for a comparison - I imagine there might be some exterior changes.

[skj0lsvik]

This is the only picture I have of it complete:


It looks like this at the moment:

[spastk]

Thanks mate

Those repeaters on the front guards appear to be unique to Europe from other cars I have seen, and it appears the number plates are mounted differently on the front...

Thanks again!

[skj0lsvik]

My car is actually imported from the US and A It is the exact same model as the norwegian except it has the "roofwindow" which is quite rare here in Norway!

[W-FORML_1]

My car is actually imported from the US and A It is the exact same model as the norwegian except it has the "roofwindow" which is quite rare here in Norway!

Imported from the USA??? I thought, they didn't have HBs??

The 929 also came out in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Netherlands... and I have seen pics of 929s in Romania and Poland.

[skj0lsvik]

Forget about it, previous owner told me so. But I searched it up and the 929 HB wasn't sold in the USA so it ain't!

[serrasalmus]

Right, to USA and Kanada the HBs were not sold!

[Kramer]

After some more investigation it seems the 929 came out in the UK also!

Sorry to bump an old thread.....

I haven't seen one yet in my 5+ years scouring ebay, classiccars.co.uk, etc (though this isn't unusual -- rust!!)
I will let all of you know as soon as I spot one.