Readers' Photos # 111: Mazda Capella

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Do you reckon the owner of this slightly worse for wear Mazda Capella, photographed in suburban ACT, is sick to death of fending off unsolicited offers to buy it?  Seriously, when was the last time you even saw a piston-powered Capella, 808 or 929?  What scarce stock there was has pretty much been gobbled up by RX aficionados desperate to build a screaming Wankel-mobile, and even they're pretty thin on the ground!  

There's no doubt that today's car would make a great starting point for an RX2 replica, even if it is a little sad and is the less desirable end-of-run model with the slightly bulgy taillights and fussier grille (easily replaced, I'm sure).  However, I like it largely because it's not a rotary, and for its rather svelte, Coke bottle styling.  

I also like it because it's not an 808 / RX3.  Controversial, I know, and don't get me wrong - I'd very definitely love to have an RX3 coupe in my garage - but to my mind the Capella range is just a much, much prettier, more graceful looking car.  Capellas - particular in coupe guise - are sleek and streamlined whereas the 808 / RX3 is all haunches and muscle, like it's about to pounce.  That's personal preference for you! 


And just while I'm swimming against a tidal wave of petrol-powered incredulity, you know what I'd fit to give it some pep?  I'd scrap the 1500 cc SOHC donk for a Miata motor, match it to a five- or six-speed box, go discs all 'round, tie the suspension down (they came stock with coils out back, rather than the RX3 / 808's leaves) and have a car that not only looked the goods, but had the performance and reliability to make for an extremely usable everyday classic. 





U M P H

(uppermiddlepetrolhead.blogspot.com.au.)

Photos the the CACT.





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