Mazda Capella & Mazda Rx2 side by side

Summary

This video showcases a detailed review of two unique Mazda RX-2 cars, one featuring a left-hand drive and the other a rare right-hand drive Capella model. Frankie shares his passion for his 1972 RX-2, highlighting the custom work, including a stunning 'Soul Crystal Red' paint job, chromed details, and a 13B Street Port engine with an upgraded exhaust. Caesar discusses his rare right-hand drive 1971 Mazda Capella RX-2, emphasizing its originality, special parts, and the fascinating backstory of how it came to the U.S. The video is a deep dive into the dedication and craftsmanship involved in restoring these iconic rotary cars.

Takeaways

• 😀 Frankie owns a 1972 Mazda RX-2 that he purchased as part of a package deal from Washington with his buddy Caesar.
• 😀 The car features a custom paint job in Mazda's Soul Crystal Red, a color used in newer models like the Miata and CX-5.
• 😀 The RX-2 is equipped with 15-inch wheels (7.5-inch wide front, 9-inch wide rear) and a suspension kit from BC Coilovers.
• 😀 The car has the original 1972 bumper and various chrome elements, including polished stainless steel parts.
• 😀 Frankie paid extra attention to detail with the interior, opting for a custom-made, retro-style upholstery with pleated stitching.
• 😀 The original steering wheel and horn functionality have been preserved to maintain an authentic old-school feel.
• 😀 Frankie installed a 13B street-port engine with custom exhaust components, ported intake, and an MSD coil system.
• 😀 The car has a modified clutch and brake system, with a custom master cylinder and brake lines for better performance.
• 😀 Frankie remains hands-on with the build, making sure the car stays as original as possible while adding personal touches.
• 😀 The car’s future plans are currently a secret, but Frankie is weighing whether to invest further in this build or his Chevy C10 project.
• 😀 Caesar owns a rare 1971 Mazda Capella RX-2, a right-hand drive model, which he picked up from a Mazda mechanic in Washington.
• 😀 Caesar's RX-2 retains the original color scheme and features carbon fiber parts, including the hood, and has unique concave Epsilon wheels.
• 😀 Caesar shares a fascinating backstory about how the car ended up in the U.S., originally owned by a service member before being sold to the mechanic.
• 😀 The car’s rare features include a unique front grille, original black cone mirrors, and Japanese license plates, all part of the car’s preservation.
• 😀 Caesar plans to eventually repaint the car but is torn between restoring it or preserving its vintage look.

Q & A

What makes Frankie’s 1972 Mazda RX2 stand out?

Frankie’s 1972 Mazda RX2 stands out due to its unique Soul Crystal Red paint, which is a custom Mazda color. The car also features a distinct prismatic effect on the paint, which changes color depending on the light. Additionally, the polished chrome details, vintage bumper, and custom interior make it a standout.

Why did Frankie choose to repaint his Mazda RX2 in Soul Crystal Red?

Frankie chose Soul Crystal Red because it was a color he always wanted for his car, resembling a candy apple red. Since the car was originally red, he felt this color would be a good fit and still be close to the original base color while being a unique choice.

How did Frankie customize the suspension of his RX2?

Frankie installed BC Racing coilovers, which were custom-made for the car. It took about a month to receive the suspension because it had to be specially manufactured.

What is the significance of the wheels on Frankie’s RX2?

Frankie’s RX2 is fitted with 15-inch Epsilon wheels—15x7.5 in the front and 15x9 in the back. These wheels are considered iconic and are often associated with old-school Japanese car culture, adding to the vintage appeal of his RX2.

What type of interior customization did Frankie make to his RX2?

Frankie customized the interior with a unique design that closely resembles the original Mazda pattern, but with his personal touch. He also replaced the seats with coupe seats but used sedan seat centers, added a custom pleated stitching to the door panels, and opted for a red carpet to match the car's color theme.

How did Frankie maintain the originality of his Mazda RX2 while customizing it?

Frankie kept the car as original as possible, including maintaining the original steering wheel, the original dashboard, and all the components that could be chromed. He also kept the armrest in the back and the vintage key saver for authenticity.

What engine modifications were made to Frankie’s RX2?

Frankie’s RX2 features a 13B Street Port engine with various performance upgrades, including a turbocharged setup, a custom exhaust from Renee’s Motorsports, and a ported and polished Weber carburetor. He also ported the motor himself, with the final assembly done by Turbo Dave.

What challenges did Frankie face during his engine modifications?

One of the challenges Frankie faced was sourcing and installing the custom headers, as the steering box made space tight. He also had to create custom brake lines and adapters to fit certain components.

What was the backstory behind Caesar’s Mazda Capella RX2?

Caesar’s Mazda Capella RX2 is a rare right-hand drive model in the U.S. He bought it as part of a package deal from a Mazda repair shop in Washington. The car was originally owned by a mechanic who was one of the first Mazda technicians trained in Japan to work on rotaries.

How does Caesar plan to customize his Mazda Capella RX2?

Caesar plans to keep the original orange color of his Mazda Capella RX2 but might add his personal twist to it. He also plans to update the interior, including the carpet and dashboard, and might repaint the car in the future.