1977 Mazda RX4 Coupe

Nearly a quarter of a million RX-4s were made between 1973 and 1979 in both two- and four-door body styles. Thankfully, this example is of the former persuasion and as a result is considerably better looking than its four-door sibling. Though, a later model RX-4, this coupe does feature the less distinctive facelifted front grille and rear lights; we’re sure you’ll still agree, it’s a looker. The ‘coke bottle’ styling somehow suiting this larger coupe better than its stumpy RX-3 forebear.

Amazingly, this RX-4 has had just one owner since it was new in 1977 and the odometer shows just 69,527kms (43,208 miles). The engine is said to be (by the vendor) the original 12A dual rotor too, the less powerful of the two rotary RX-4 options yet still offering a useful 118bhp. The dizzying heights of its 8000rpm redline can be better exploited via its four-speed manual transmission. According to the vendor, this example has been upgraded with an alarm and central locking system and has apparently never had an accident. He also reports that there’s “no rust and no scratches.”

It’s an old cliché in the classic car world, describing a vehicle as in time-warp condition, but on this rare occasion, we think it’s largely justified. Since it was imported and sold via the main Mazda dealer in Athens 44 years ago, this car’s one and only owner has kept it in a weather-tight lock up at his home address in the city of Veria, Macedonia. As a result, it presents in exceptional and very nearly original condition – apart from the large upswept rear exhaust and side mirrors. The paint was renewed with a new coat of the original gold however, back in July 2019.

A deep shine remains to the panels and the chrome as a result and we certainly struggled to find much to report that’s awry with this car’s exterior finish. We did notice a couple of less than perfect panel gaps, the most notable of which is the bonnet to passenger wing top, especially when compared to its partner on the driver’s side. There are a few mild marks remaining worthy of note. There’s a slightly crude, hand-painted finish to the passenger wiper arm base but we’re being really picky here. The overall impression this Mazda exudes appears to be one of great care and fastidious ownership.

Though the exterior has clearly been refreshed recently, the cabin of this Mazda doesn’t appear to have received (or needed) the same attention. The seats have a wonderful patina that can only come from being left alone for more than four decades. They’re still highly presentable but there are a few light patches of wear, clearly worse on the driver’s side – nothing we’d consider an eye sore. There has been a repair to the stitching on the outer bolster of the driver’s pew that’s perhaps a little less than ideal but really, you’d have to be looking hard to spot it.

There are some aftermarket mats, but at least they’re inoffensive and are finished in a similar brown shade to the dash. While we’re on the subject, it’s good to see that the top of the dashboard hasn’t succumbed to the Greek weather. There are a few cracks lower down however, in the area surrounding the choke lever. A few more surfaces have a little lifting paint and signs of wear – the 8-track stereo is also insecure – though, generally, this cabin remains in great order. The rear bench appears to have never been sat on.

The local photographer unfortunately hasn’t bent down to take any shots of this Mazda’s underside but the vendor has reiterated that this coupe has ‘no rust’. We can see a lot of the engine bay, however. Some RX-4s got the updated and more powerful 1.3-litre 13B engine, but as a lower-output model, this coupe got a 12A dual rotor engine. That’s the (mildly) bad news, but the good news is that it has a slick four-speed manual transmission.

Both it and the accompanying rotary seem to be keeping their fluids where they need to be and rest of the ancillaries surrounding the engine appear clean and functional. The suspension struts, slam panel and radiator cowling all seem to be in good order. A glance under here will be enough to satisfy all but the most officious of concours entrants.

Unfortunately, this vehicle lacks paperwork. The vendor reports that he only has the original sales invoice (in Greek of course) and the accompanying importation documents and that’s it. Any subsequent servicing and maintenance paperwork have been misplaced. Though the car does come with its original two sets of keys.

This Mazda really speaks for itself in terms of condition, it appears to be a stunner. Though clearly the lack of paperwork is a mark against it, the vendor is keen to point out that the car wants for nothing.

In the past few years he remarks that it has had a new battery, four new tyres and a new exhaust – he says it’s ready to go. The scarcity of these models anywhere certainly means there’s not a lot of choice out there, but even so, we’d be surprised if there was a better RX-4 currently for sale. That’s why we have little hesitation in placing a €15,000 to €20,000 estimate on this rare and fabulous rotary Mazda.

Inspection is always encouraged (within Govt. guidelines of course), and this particular car is located at the owner’s home in Veria, Greece.  To arrange an appointment or for further information please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. The seller will gladly help arrange transportation to the buyer’s country at his or her own expense. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.