1974 Mazda B-Series 'REPU'

CRAZY JDM #16

This is the Mazda REPU. Built in a time when Mazda was on a mission. A mission to scramble their rotary engine into anything they could get their hands on. Hence the Mazda RotaryEnginedPickUp, the first & only pickup with a rotary. The text on the tailgate claims 'Rotary Power' too. Wouldn't it be amazing to transport pickup truck things such as pigs, ladders and grandfather clocks in a vehicle that also has 'Rotary Power'?



IT'S AMAZING, RIGHT?
It was 'amazing' in many ways. Critics would compliment the power, driving experience and interior of the vehicle. It even went into motorsport and found moderate success. This vehicle clearly excelled at being a good car.
But was it good at being a truck? It was very good at being a toy truck for Mazda enthusiasts. But its functionality left something to be desired. While the rotary engine can create a phenomenal driving experience it has a few drawbacks that prevent actual trucking things from taking place.
Exhibit A) Towing. 'Rotary Power' means less power in the lower RPMs and a huge lack of torque, so expect to see it having a hard time towing anything heavier than a paperclip.
Exhibit B) Seals. Rotary engines will wear out eventually after a certain amount of miles, so the engine will have to get rebuilt. This is especially problematic in a pickup truck, where durability is key.
So this vehicle suffered its fate in 1977 and the concept was never touched again - meaning pickup truck owners had to move away from 'Rotary Power', at least they got to move towards towing objects heavier than a paperclip again.
...Oh and before anyone mentions this - yes. It isn't a JDM (as it was sold in the US), however it is still a long forgetten crazy Japanese car so it counts.

HOW FAST?
It's no RX-7 but not bad for a pickup of its day.
110bhp
0-60 in 11 seconds
Unknown mph, sorry.

MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!

Yellow headlights, nice touch.

Can't tow your random boxes? Put them in the bed instead, it also improves ride comfort.

Just your typical 70s promo advert...

Surprisingly cute looking car.

Yes, it had that text when it left the factory. Also circular tail lights exclusive to REPU.

CAN I BUY ONE?

You will not get this at all, unless you're in the US (or possibly nearby). Prices are usually a little under $10,000 (Dollars instead of usual currency because USDM). Prices may vary depending on condition though. It's up to you whether you think it's worth it.

CRAZY JDM USDM RATING!

Silly styling? NO (Apart from 'Rotary Power' on tailgate)

Silly engineering? YES

Silly idea behind it? YES

●●◦ 2/3 Although it's not the most bonkers JDM USDM, it's close.

1990 Mazda Eunos Cosmo

CRAZY JDM #5

This is the Eunos Cosmo. It may look ordinary, but this is a car with a very special engine. A Twin Turbo 3 Rotor engine. 'Rotary Power' may as well be Mazda's slogan and this certainly has masses of the aforementioned 'rotary power'. Released under Mazda's ill fated luxury brand 'Eunos', this attempt at a GT car is really something special.


ISN'T THERE THAT REALLY OLD MAZDA COSMO THING TOO?
Well, yeah. The original Mazda Cosmo was the first ever mass produced car with a rotary engine and later models such as this one continue the legacy. Also according to Wikipedia, this was Mazda's top of the line 'halo model' and contained many revolutionary electronic features for its time including; a colour touch screen controlling climate control, analog TV, GPS navigation, radio, CD, and an actual mobile phone. That's luxurious even for today's standards!

HOW FAST?
Yeah, it's pretty fast.
296bhp
0-60 in 7.5 seconds
155mph

MORE PICTURES PLEASE!

Rear view.

Comparison with Mazda's more famed rotary car, the RX-7.

What I'd call a 'sleeper car', you wouldn't expect it to be much faster than it looks but it's very quick.

A very interesting interior.

The original Cosmo, looks like an antique... In a good way.

CAN I BUY ONE?

Though only sold in Japan it is imported to fair range of places. Almost new enough to pass the USA import cap so wait a few months if you want one over there, prices vary a lot. I've seen these go from just £6,000 to the £20,000!

CRAZY JDM RATING!

Silly styling? NO

Silly engineering? YES

Silly idea behind it? YES (an ambitious idea at least)

●●◦2/3 Although it's not the most bonkers JDM, it's close.

1992 Mazda Autozam AZ-1

CRAZY JDM #1

This is the Autozam AZ-1, It is a Kei Car, a Japanese car specification that has a limited size, engine capacity, horsepower and a special number plate  in exchange for cheaper tax and stuff. Luckily, there's no limit for 0-60 time so we get this, a Kei Car which tries to be sporty. It already looks cool and has all sorts of funky features like gullwing doors (pictured), plenty of standard aero parts and a two-tone scheme. So what else is so special about the AZ1?


WHAT IS AUTOZAM?
One of the many sub-brands of Mazda formed and later abandoned. This one, Autozam was a joint effort with Suzuki to produce a sub-brand specialising in Kei Cars. So most Autozams (including this one) were sold as Suzukis. And just like Autozam itself, this car was discontinued quickly despite its popularity.

HOW FAST?
Even though it may look sporty it's still a 660cc Kei Car so the stats are quite low.
63bhp
0-60 in... nobody knows but it's definitely under 10 seconds.
87mph

MORE PHOTOS PLEASE!

Mazdaspeed Model

Rear View

Side View Modified & Opened. Look at those sweet doors.

Size Comparison

Size Comparison 2... Now it looks like a RC car.

CAN I BUY ONE?

The 25 year import tax in the USA will prevent you from getting one if you live there. If you live somewhere else without the ban you can get one though it would be very difficult and quite pricey as these cars are very rare. If you do manage find one they can be from £6,000 to £16,000. Expensive for a kei car but cheap for gullwing doors. :)

CRAZY JDM RATING!

Silly styling? YES YES YES

Silly engineering? YES

Silly idea behind it? YES

●●●3/3 A very silly car that also manages to be something really cool and unique.