Mazda built its 1st passenger car in 1960, producing about 23,000 of them. In 1970, they sold nearly ten times that amount. European and Australian sales didn’t begin until 1967, Canada in 1968 and the US in 1970.
The Mazda P360 Carol was introduced in early 1962 as the company's first four passenger vehicle. It was a class above the R360 and lasted until 1970. The P360 had a tiny 360cc engine rated at 17 horsepower.
With an eye toward export markets, Mazda threw in a 586cc motor with 28 tire-shredding horsepower. A period VW Beetle had 40hp but weighed 300 (136kg) pounds more. The P600 only lasted until 1964 when it was replaced by the larger Familia 800. Markets outside of Asia didn't see this line of cars until the 2nd generation Familia 1200 in 1968.
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