In 1972, Ford introduced the Mazda Proceed pickups to the United States market, rebadging them as the Ford Courier. During the same period, Mazda was selling these trucks in the US under the B-Series name. However, in 1983, Ford replaced the Courier with the Ranger, while the B-Series continued to be available in North America until 1993.
The year 1994 marked a major shift in the Mazda/Ford pickup world. Mazda-ized versions of the Ranger took over the B-Series name in the US. Recently, a Ford-built Mazda pickup from this transitional period was discovered in a North Carolina car graveyard, serving as a reminder of this interesting chapter in automotive history.
This practice of rebranding Mazda vehicles as Ford models began in 1991 with the introduction of the Mazda Navajo, which was essentially a rebadged version of the Ford Explorer. During the 1990s, numerous Mazda-derived models like the Ford Festiva, Ford Probe, Ford Escort, Mercury Tracer, and Mercury Capri were sold in the US market. This mutually beneficial relationship between Mazda and Ford allowed both companies to share resources and expand their offerings.
Nonetheless, it is safe to assume that some individuals at Mazda headquarters in Hiroshima felt a sense of loss when their beloved B-Series trucks were replaced with Ford products. The B-Series model designations incorporated four digits after the letter ‘B,’ representing the engine displacement in cubic centimeters. This tradition began with the 1971 B1600 model. The featured truck is a B4000, equipped with a 4.0-liter version of the pushrod Cologne V6 engine. With an output of 160 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque, it offered impressive performance for its time. Other options included the B2300s and B3000s.
Interestingly, the Cologne V6 engine made its first appearance in the US in the 1969 Capri, sold through Mercury dealerships but lacking Mercury badging. This engine found its place in various Ford models throughout the years, with the SOHC version of the Cologne 4.0 continuing to power Ford vehicles until the early 2010s.
Returning to the showcased Mazda pickup, this particular model represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance for the 1995 B-Series trucks. It features a long wheelbase, the largest engine, the top LE trim level, and an extended Cab Plus configuration. In terms of pricing, its Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) was $16,035, which translates to approximately $33,322 in today’s dollars, highlighting its premium status at the time.
Despite its age, this Mazda truck remains in decent condition, with just over 100,000 miles on the odometer. This testament to its durability reflects Mazda’s commitment to building reliable vehicles that stand the test of time.
The United States bid farewell to the Ranger-based Mazda B-Series pickups in 2009, marking the end of an era for this symbiotic relationship between Mazda and Ford.
To conclude on a more lighthearted note, it is worth mentioning a quote by an anonymous individual: “I think I’ve shoveled more species of manure than anyone in the country.” This humorous remark highlights the diverse range of experiences associated with working in the automotive industry and the various challenges faced by individuals who have dedicated their lives to this field.