Thursday, February 6, 2014

3k: Rare Wheel Drive: 1982 Mazda 626 Coupe

Modern automakers get flak for changing their numerology (I'm looking at you, BMW) and confusing everybody. Is it a greater sin to change major driveline and layout characteristics and keep the same name? Find this rear-drive 1982 Mazda 626 coupe with 40,000 miles for $2,800 in San Antonio, Texas. Words and tip from DT commenter & contributor  slowcarSLOW-MPGlol. 



 Everyone knows that the Mazda 626 is an uninspired front-drive family sedan from the 90s, which makes this rear-drive coupe a rarity and also a melon-scratcher. It's the kind of car Mazda should bring back today: a 2.0l four-cylinder, five-speed manual transmission, folding rear-seat coupe. Update the solid rear axle, give it direct injection and an airbag or two, and sell it as a FR-S/BRZ competitor.

From the ad: "It doesn't get more JDM than this." Well, it could be a right-hand-drive gray-market import from Japan with red Type-R floormats and a bodypillow in the passenger seat, but we see the seller's point. Lightweight (around 2,100 pounds), slow (80 horsepower), FR layout, rectangular taillights, and a boxy profile doing its best Volvo impression.


This one is likely the cleanest example you could find today, with no rust and no modifications except minor tint and deep-dish Diamond racing wheels, included in the sale, which probably look like this except in black. The seller says a 12a or 13b rotary drops right in. Putting two and two together, this 626 survivor is just a few eBay Motors clicks away from becoming slammed, stanced, and sticker-bombed. Please save this car.


See another rear-drive four-cylinder for less? Email us at tips@dailyturismo.com

Big thanks to slowcarSLOW-MPGlol to sending in this tip complete with a functioning story to surround the images!     
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11 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2014 at 7:40 AM

    the Japanese badge has the colors reversed... it should be a red disc (representing the sun) on a white background

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. kaibeezyFebruary 6, 2014 at 10:19 AM

      stare at it for 30 seconds then close your eyes

      Delete
    2. DailyTurismoFebruary 6, 2014 at 10:27 AM

      Yeah you are correct, but did you also know that penguins are right handed and the leaning tower of Pisa leans to the left?

      Delete
    3. JB1025February 6, 2014 at 11:48 AM

      Depends what side your on !

      Delete
    4. DailyTurismoFebruary 6, 2014 at 11:52 AM

      So then...whose side are you on?

      Delete
    5. kaibeezyFebruary 6, 2014 at 11:59 AM

      and why does the penguin have a left-handed spanner?

      Delete
    6. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2014 at 1:20 PM

      Guys, guys, take it easy on Anonymous. He could be the prime minister of Japan.

      Delete
  2. JB1025February 6, 2014 at 10:06 AM

    Rare Hardly !

    ReplyDelete
  3. JB1025February 6, 2014 at 10:23 AM

    I actually owned one that i bought with a blown motor 2 door auto bought a crap motor from a wrecking yard same motor as the Mazda p/u and Ford Courier. Those are rare ! (the motors) prices going up ?
    http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/4312660853.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. SoCalDaveFebruary 6, 2014 at 5:00 PM

    Are these shots of the rover on Mars?

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousFebruary 7, 2014 at 4:23 AM

    Had one of these many years ago. White with sky blue interior. I had the period Mazda cross hair wheels on it.
    Honestly it was a decent little car, but ya, slow is an understatement.

    ReplyDelete

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