Found On Craigslist: 1972 Mazda RX-2

Not every collector of 1970’s automobiles is into muscle cars and British convertibles, it seems. And while the market for something like this very modified RX-2 may be smaller than that for a Camaro or a GTO, we really believe that the market for these early Japanese cars for the US market is just getting warmed up.

 

And really, this 1972 Mazda presents the best of two kinds of old-car fun for a prospective buyer. The RX-2 has been fitted with a rotary engine from a 1985 RX-7 (13b), along with a five-speed manual trans from a ’70 RX-7, making, we assume, a car that has a lot more grin-potential for the thrill-seeker. The new powertrain, along with updates to other running gear and cosmetic tweaks, mean that this Mazda could be pretty livable for someone used to driving modern vehicles.

 

Of course, purists would always prefer that a vehicle be as unsullied and original as possible. The good news here is that, according to the listing, all of the modifications to the RX-2 have been enacted in such a way as to be reversible. The original rotary engine (12a) and four-speed trans, among other original parts, are to be included in any sale.

 

We have very little idea what the RX-2 market looks like these days, and if $7500 is a good price or an unreasonable one. We do know that we dig this shape and that we hope the RX-2 finds a happy home.