On September 6, 2004, Mazda Germany announced the Memories III, a new special edition. A limited series of 500 units, available with either the 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine. Even the 6-speed manual transmission was an option when paired with the 1.8-liter engine. I don’t know if anyone actually ordered that option. So far, I’ve only seen them with a 5-speed manual transmission.
Personally, I consider the Memories III to be one of the most successful special editions of the NBFL. Just like the earlier Memories editions, this version also features a two-tone interior combining black and beige. Black is used primarily for the upper part of the dashboard, extending into the upper section of the doors. Typical of the model year are the silver-colored trim pieces on the center console and around the air vents. In this case, these are complemented by wood trim on the gearshift knob, the parking brake handle, and the steering wheel, which features a white inlay.
For the exterior, the color FestivalSchwarz was chosen—a nearly black mica paint that takes on an eggplant hue in sunlight. The paint, with color code 28W, is known as Radiant Ebony in many other countries, including the Netherlands. In the U.S., this color is known as Black Cherry Mica.
The interior color is the same as that of the Miracle and the Memories II special editions. The Memories I features a darker beige. The Memories III is also equipped with a beige windshield—complete with speakers—that was typical for that era, a feature I’ve only seen elsewhere on the Italian Murphy & Nye special edition.
This version can be identified by:
- the colors FestivalSchwarz / Radiant Ebony / Black Cherry Mica;
- the black-and-beige two-tone interior;
- a beige tonneau cover and beige windshield visor with speakers;
- the wood-trimmed steering wheel with a white inlay, wood gearshift knob, and handbrake handle;
- silver-colored radio and matching trim on the center console and around the air vents;
- 10-spoke (5×2) 16-inch alloy wheels in silver metallic paint, fitted with 205/45/R16 tires;
- fog lights in the front bumper;
- heated seats;
- a sport suspension with bracing, and large brakes like those on the 1.8 model.
Because of the difference in list price—about €2,000 between the 1.6 and 1.8 models—you’ll see the 1.6 much more often than the 1.8.
This model was also featured in this video on my YouTube channel.
