Rotary Swapped: 1981 Toyota Corolla

The 4th generation E70 Toyota Corolla was the last RWD platform that extended across the entire Corolla lineup (the AE86 "Hachi-Roku" coupe remained RWD for the next generation, but within a few years everything was front-drive, understeering, no-fun, appliance-city).  The Corolla was a simple economy car with no particular designs on world domination, but it was cheap to buy, cheap on fuel, cheap to insure, but most importantly: it was reliable....which we are going to throw out the window like a used microwave with this next feature, because it is now powered by the spinning thing known as a rotary. Find this 1981 Toyota Corolla with rotary swap offered for $11,000 in Philadelphia, PA via craigslist. Tip from FuelTruck.

Mazda 12A Power: 1970 MG Midget

People love to exaggerate on their craigslist advertisements. This is the lowest mile Maserati BiTurbo on craigslist or This is the nicest salvage titled M3 for sale in Ft Lauderdale...but this next seller starts with a simple statement: For Sale...the fastest Bay Area MG midget around.  Yup.  I'm just gonna nod my head and agree.  Find this 1970 MG Midget offered for $15000 in SF Bay Area, CA via craigslist. Tip from Rock On!

The Ultimate Zoom Zoom: 1992 BMW 325 with Mazda 12A Rotary

The E36 generation BMW 3-series was released in 1990 with "dolphin shape" styling by Darrin Boyer and Joji Nagashima -- but this car isn't known for its styling, it is known as the benchmark for 90s sedan handling.  The Z-axle multilink suspension out back and MacPherson strut with rack-n-pinion up front wasn't tuned to punish you, but offers superb balance in most driving conditions.  Matched with a torquey inline-6 the 325 makes a great canyon carver...but what happens when you swap a rotary Mazda engine?  Find this 1992 BMW 325 with Mazda 12A offered for $4,000 in Cape Coral, FL.

Off Rocker: 1987 Suzuki Samurai 12A Powered

The seconding generation Suzuki Jimny (SJ40) was sold as the Samurai at dealers in the United States, and featured a mix of economical city driving and (surprisingly good) light off-roading for the weekends.  It featured a simple and durable 1.3 liter 4-banger, and many have been swapped out for domestic V8s for more low end grunt...however...I can't say I've seen on powered by a rotary before today.  Find this 1987 Suzuki Samurai 12A Powered offered for $3,000 in Buffalo, NY via craigslist.

5k: Yellow Jacket: 1979 Triumph Spitfire 12A Rotary Power

If you fancy your afternoon tea with a dollop of wasabi, you might have the right attitude for this next feature.  It is a not to uncommon combination of British chassis with Japanese power, but a particularly potent version.  Find this 1979 Triumph Spitfire 12A Rotary Power here on eBay currently bidding for $6,199 with a few hours to go.

1k: Mazda 12A Swap: 1969 Sunbeam Alpine Fastback

 The Sunbeam Alpine Fastback was another Rootes Group oddball to come from the factory in Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire.  Whereas the Alpine convertible was a small 2-seater based on the Hillman Husky, the Fastback version was a 2+2 based on the Hillman Hunter and was essentially a low trim version of the Rootes Arrow based Sunbeam Rapier Fastback.  Confused?  Don't be, just buy this 1969 Sunbeam Alpine Fastback project here on craigslist powered with a Mazda 12A rotary for $1900 and report back to us when it is complete.  Tip from Kaibeezy.

5k: RoSpit: 1976 Triumph Spitfire 12A Power

The Triumph Spitfire had a long production lift, starting back in 1962 and then soldiering on with few changes from its Mk1 release in 1962 to the slow and excruciating death in sync with demise of the British auto manufacturing industry in 1980.  The Spitfire's extended production life means that many are offered in various states of neglect, and this means that many appear with awesome engine swaps.  Find this 1976 Triumph Spitfire 12A Power offered for $4,000 in Upper Marlboro, MD via craigslist.

5k: Rotary Swap: 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series V, 12A Powered

DT reader Tom P wrote (in response to a story about a LS1 powered FD RX7) on our facebook page the following defense of Wankel's spinning combusion machine:

I am not sure where the continuous comments about rotary longevity come from. As long as you kept oil in them and did not sure stupid amounts of boost they last forever and when it is time for a rebuild it is usually cheap and easy. The LS1 is so much heavier than the original engine it ruins the primary traits I an RX7, light and super well balanced.

What better way to back up Tom's thoughts then with a Sunbeam Alpine powered not by a small block Ford or some unidentifiable V6, but by a Mazda rotary engine.  Find this 1964 Sunbeam Alpine Series V with Mazda 12A power for $3,900 located in San Jose, CA via craigslist.  Tip from Kaibeezy.