top of page
Story Cars Logos (500 × 500 px) (4)_edited.png

1989 Mazda AZ 550 / AZ 550 Sport / AZ 550 Race

Writer: Story CarsStory Cars

The theme was building three mini-cars with different personalities departing from the same chassis and engine.


Type A: Styling incorporates typical elements of mid-engine sports cars, such as a low, short front hood and an advanced cabin.


Type B: The body looks powerful with its thick nose and protruding front fender. The rear engine hood on deck and black body support this image.


Type C: It's styled like a mini Group C racer. Mazda claims people can take the car as a joke.


They were first introduced at the 1989 Tokyo Motor Show as the AZ-550 with three versions. Type A's first one was a red sports car with pop-up headlights, a front air vent, and distinctive Ferrari Testarossa-inspired side strakes, but the most distinctive design features were: gull-wing doors.


Type B, themed as "High-tuned pure sports," was inspired by the trends in the tuning industry and current concept car design, featuring a greenhouse pyramid roof without a rearward sweep to the C-pillar. It had a racing car-inspired interior; unlike Type A, it aimed for the rough and spartan look and was the only model with a more conventional forward door hinging. It featured a pair of bulging headlamps and incorporated dual mufflers.


Type C had a more distinctive body design as it was inspired by Mazda's Group C sports prototype racers, incorporating its signature color scheme of blue on white and the number it bore at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured a more significant air intake than the former two, venting to the forward-positioned radiator and exiting it along the front rim of the cowl. Many design cues are typical to an endurance racer, such as the wing mirror and BBS-style brake-cooling wheel discs. Compared to Type B, this version was far more spartan in comparison.


Images: www.conceptcars.it; www.suzuki-collection.com


Pictured Above: 1989 Mazda AZ550 Type A

Pictured Above: 1989 Mazda AZ550 Type B

Pictured Above: 1989 Mazda AZ550 Type C - Race version

Pictured Above: AZ550 Sports

Pictured Above: AZ550 Sports (AZ-1)

Pictured Above: Design Sketches


Most Recent

Explore Concepts by Category

News

News

Discover the cutting-edge world of concept cars and prototypes in our blog, showcasing the latest innovations and designs that are shaping the future of the automotive industry.

As Seen on TV

As Seen on TV

Explore a collection of rare concept cars and prototypes that have made memorable appearances in movies and TV shows. From iconic classics to futuristic marvels.

Featured

Featured

Story Cars featured articles include in-depth coverage of the rarest concept cars and prototypes.

Bikes

Bikes

Discover the world of concept and prototype motorcycles, featuring new designs and technologies that push the boundaries of riding and innovation.

Trucks

Trucks

Discover a collection of concept trucks and prototypes, showcasing groundbreaking designs and innovations from the past and present that have shaped the future of transportation.

Illustrations

Illustrations

Explore nostalgic illustrations of classic cars, featuring vintage ads, brochures, and educational artwork that capture the design and spirit of cars from the past.

1920s

1920s

Explore the 1920s automotive revolution with groundbreaking concepts, rare prototypes, and iconic designs that defined the Roaring Twenties.

1970s

1970s

Explore the innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1970s, a decade of experimental designs and performance breakthroughs in automotive history.

1980s

1980s

Discover the bold and futuristic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1980s, a decade defined by cutting-edge technology and sleek design innovations.

2010s

2010s

Explore the groundbreaking car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 2010s, highlighting futuristic designs and advancements that shaped the automotive industry.

For Sale

For Sale

View the rarest vehicles for sale on the market! We bring concepts, movie cars, and other exotic vehicles to the light from eBay, Facebook, dealership websites, and other marketplaces.

1930s

1930s

Dive into the 1930s, where automotive elegance meets innovation, showcasing rare prototypes, stunning concepts, and timeless pre-war masterpieces.

1960s

1960s

Discover the groundbreaking car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 1960s, showcasing bold designs and engineering feats that defined an era of automotive evolution.

1990s

1990s

Explore the iconic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 1990s, featuring groundbreaking designs and innovations that shaped the future of automotive history.

1940s

1940s

Discover the groundbreaking concepts, prototypes, and rare cars of the 1940s that redefined automotive innovation and design in a post-war era of ingenuity.

1800s

1800s

Explore the pioneering 1800s, where the first automobiles emerged, blending engineering marvels and visionary concepts that shaped the future of transportation.

1910s

1910s

Explore the 1910s era of concepts, prototypes, and rare cars, showcasing groundbreaking designs that defined the early evolution of automotive innovation.

1900s

1900s

Discover the origins of automotive history with 1900s cars, featuring pioneering concepts, prototypes, and rare models that shaped the future of transportation.

1950s

1950s

Explore the innovative concepts, prototypes, and rare cars of the 1950s, showcasing the bold designs and technological advances that shaped the automotive industry.

Gallery

Gallery

Explore a stunning collection of HD images featuring iconic car concepts, prototypes, and rare models, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of automotive design.

2020s

2020s

Discover the innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models of the 2020s, showcasing cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and futuristic automotive designs.

2000s

2000s

Discover the bold and innovative car concepts, prototypes, and rare models from the 2000s, showcasing cutting-edge technology and design that defined the era.

Videos

Videos

Explore our featured collection of concept cars, prototypes, and rare vehicles with captivating stories, complemented by engaging videos.

1700s

1700s

Explore the steam-powered pioneering 1700s, where the first automobiles emerged, blending engineering marvels and visionary concepts.

Polls

Polls

Cast your vote on the best cars of all time! From classic vs. modern releases to groundbreaking concepts, prototypes, custom builds, and stunning designs.

Gifts & Guides

Gifts & Guides

Find the perfect gifts for car lovers with our expert guides and reviews. From accessories to gadgets, we help you choose the best gear for any auto enthusiast.

bottom of page