1970 - 1977 MAZDA CAPELLA/RX2
BODY & CHASSIS
RX2s have gained sufficiently in value to justify the cost of rectifying previous sub-standard work. Rust attacks the lower body panels, floors and window surrounds. Look carefully at panels and chassis rails for dodgy crash repairs and bulging sections of body filler. Make sure that the doors on coupes close easily and haven’t damaged the sealing rubbers. New panels are almost impossible to find and used parts are getting expensive; doors are selling at $300 each. We spotted a supplier offering genuine rear glass for $1500 but extensive searching could not find coupe quarter panels. Rotary rear lenses, some chrome and rubber parts are available new, with kits of body rubbers for the sedan at around $1000. New hubcaps in a set of four seemed cheap at $450.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Early rotary engines suffered rapid seal wear and needed frequent rebuilds. Modern seals and other components help durability and a 12A should run beyond 100,000 kilometres before major work is needed. Blue smoke from burning oil signifies engine work is needed. Modified cars can produce ridiculous power for an engine of this size but they aren’t going to last. Any rotary and especially modified engines must be checked pre-purchase by a specialist. Replacement fourspeed gearboxes are scarce now and later five-speed units are preferable anyway. Get advice on what changes are needed to make the new ‘box fit. Standard three-speed automatics in usable condition sell at $6001000.
SUSPENSION & BRAKES
RX2s raced successfully in Improved Production but handled hideously until the suspension was treated to quite radical modification. Cars being sold today may well be sitting on rock-hard spring/ shock combinations and with camber tweaked so far that they sit on the inner edges of the tyres.
If a car has been lowered or fitted with larger wheels, look for gouges in tyre walls and rub marks from contact with suspension components. New springs and bush kits are easily acquired. Upgraded brakes are a sensible idea and something that can be done without affecting the look of an otherwise stock car.
INTERIOR & ELECTRICS
Cracked dash tops are common and they're not easily found in undamaged condition. Reproduction door trims have been advertised at $800 per set but an excellent alloy-spoke steering wheel sold for more than $700. Test the ventilation system to ensure the fan is working and that an air-conditioned car – should any survive – is putting out properly chilled air. The original padding in seats becomes flat and uncomfortable but a lot of cars now have later-model buckets.