From the Classifieds: 1974 Mazda RX-4

We all know there are some wickedly savage Mazda rotaries out there, especially for the track, but we’re not sure there are too many road-legal ones out there that would worry this classic RX-4.

Listed on carsales for an even $100,000, this spotless 1974 Mazda RX-4 might look like a subtly enhanced classic, but there’s an awful lot more to it than what meets the untrained eye.

Look a little closer and you’ll notice the staggered wheel and tyre combination, the big exhaust and the fact the inner headlights are actually air intakes… this is no ordinary RX-4.

Hiding under the bonnet is a bridge-ported 13b rotary engine brapping out a mighty 373kW (500hp) at the wheels with the help of E85 and a Garrett T51R turbocharger huffing at 20PSI.

For reference, the original powertrain was good for a meagre 101kW/175Nm at the back of the engine (before drivetrain losses) when new.

The savage set-up breathes out through a full 3.5-inch stainless exhaust system and a Varex valved muffler, with the whole ensemble managed by a Microtech LT-16C ECU and monitored from the driver’s seat via a 5.0-inch Microtech digital dash mounted to the steering column, in front of the original cluster.

Drive is sent to the rear wheels by a manualised three-speed GZM Jatco transmission and a two-piece heavy-duty tailshaft from GJ Drivelines before being divvied up by a Hilux differential.

Stopping duties are handled primarily by UPC twin spot front brake calipers acting on modern ventilated rotors.

The seller says the savage little sedan is capable of a nine-second standing quarter-mile in the right hands on the right day, but the set-up is also entirely road-legal which would undoubtedly be a hoot – read bordering on scary – to unleash away from the lights.

Inside the cabin you’ll find the original cream leather interior and three-spoke, brown leather-wrapped steering wheel, behind which resides the aforementioned digital cockpit and an Eboost2 turbo timer.

The OEM-plus-spec cabin is paired with a resprayed factory-spec ‘Cosmic Green’ exterior.

This is one of just four RX-4s currently listed on carsales and the only sedan fitted with a 13b, values of which have been trending upwards for well over a decade now, however most would-be buyers hunker after the sleeker and sexier coupe.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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