Posts Tagged ‘mazda’

A Capella – 1982 Mazda 626

January 11, 2014

Back in the early 1980s, Honda and Toyota were making forgettable family sedans (which are now probably the size of their modern-day compacts). The Accord had not yet been built in the US, and what did Toyota even make before the Camry came out? Cressida? Crown? Corona? Carina? Datsun was also still finding its way with cars like the 610, 710, and 810. Mazda wasn’t much more successful, and in fact, they’re still one of the smaller Japanese manufacturers, but by late 1970s/early 1980s standards, they had one of the best looking offerings, the 626, or Capella as it was known in its home market. The 626 coupe even recalled the BMW 6-series a little, if you really squinted your eyes. Find this 1982 Mazda 626 sedan for sale in Renton, WA for $3600.

1982 Mazda 626 for sale left front

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1979 Mazda RX-7

November 6, 2013

Mazda just won’t give up. In 1967, they started selling the first Wankel rotary engine, having spent several years on developing the version they’d licensed from NSU. In 1970, due to low emissions, and in spite of high fuel and oil consumption, they brought the rotary engine to the United States. In the early half of the decade, Mazda’s rotary-powered lineup grew to several cars and a North-America-only pickup truck. However, the oil crisis put a stop to that, and Mazda reverted to regular piston-engined cars. However, they stuck with the idea, and in 1978, they unveiled the RX-7 sports car, which survived in three generations through 1995, followed by the 2003-2012 RX-8. Find this second-coming car, a 1979 Mazda RX-7 for sale for $2500, in Tacoma, WA.

1979 Mazda RX7 for sale right side

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Proto-WRX – 1988 Mazda 323 GTX

October 6, 2013

Often forgotten, the Mazda 323 GTX was the first all wheel drive turbo hatch on US shores. Sure, the Audi Quattro had been here for a few years, but this was based on an economy car that was more attainable for your average person. Equipped with bolstered sports seats, a 132hp turbocharged engine, all wheel drive with a driver-lockable differential, and redesigned platform with reinforced sills, the car was a significant step up from the regular model, and was priced accordingly. This led to weak sales at about half the expected rate, but the car is still prized among enthusiasts who were pining for a rally car for the street. You can find this 1988 Mazda 323 GTX in San Francisco, CA for $2800.

1988 Mazda 323 GTX black left rear

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