bought a new NZ assembled RX2 in 1973, it's 1146cc rotary was rated at 120hp with the twin choke 4 bbl carb, when the 2nd choke came in, it was a good kick, always regretting selling it in 81, with new apex seals and only 40k km.
I was in the USAF in 1974 and bought a brand new brown 1973 Mazdz RX-2 in California and within the next week drove it to Platsburgh NY. It was an absolutely terrific car for its time, reliable, quick, never rattled and nothing ever broke which was typical of Japaneese cars but very untypical of american cars of those same years. It gulped fuel, about 15MGP and used oil, maybe a quart ever 500 miles, also the spark plugs and distributor points only lasted a few thousand miles. I brought both my daughter and son home from the hospital in that car, it was totally practical but was still FUN. If you reved the engine into tach yellow zone a loud and obnoxious buzzer would activate, something I did many times. I had the car past 100MPH many times, it didn’t seem to know it was not a sports car.
My mom had one of these when I was a kid. I remember being able to tell she was coming home about a minute before she drove into the driveway, because the car sounded very unique. I could stop doing whatever stupid stuff I was doing, and look like an angel as she drove up. I remember she had to have a racecar driver work on it, because he raced rx-2s, believe it or not, and no other mechanics would work on rotary engine vehicles.
I was 3 years old when my mom and dad bought a brand spanking new RX2 4 door sedan. Banana yellow, 4 speed. That thing scared the hell out of me because every once in an awhile it would blast out a backfire that sounded like a gun shot. The Japanese sure came a long way with the rotary motor since then.
Grew up in Vienna, my dad had the Same RX-2 Sedan in Banana Yellow as shown in the Video. We had no speed limits back then and frustrated bmw and Mercedes drivers by outrunning them constantly. Our european version had a Bit more Horses, 120 if i am Not mistaken. Brings back so many memories - Good times! How much i miss our RX-2!
I have to say Zack, with this video I can really feel just how much passion you have for Rotaries and rotary vehicles. It's genuinely inspiring and makes me want to learn more about these really unique engines. :)
When I was in Jr. High, my friend's mom (who shared duties with my mom of taking us to school) drove an RX-3. It had 2 doors and a tight leather interior. The back seats were small, and it was surprisingly quiet. When it was his mom's week to drive us to school, I loved it!!! It had that exact same sick sounding buzzer to remind you to put your seatbelt on that also came on if the revs got too high. It had a brightly illuminated arrow that would come on when it wanted you to upshift. If you ignored it, then you got to hear the buzzer.
A guy in high school had a Blue RX3 and bragged how fast this little car was. (Sure it was.) After a quick ride I learned he was right and being a car guy I learned all I could about Felix Wankel, NSU, Mazda Cosmo, RX-7 New at the time and they were nice. Twin Chamber Rotary. What a cool idea. And so small was the main part of the engine.
My dad bought this car and it was fantastic. The big weakness was the rotor seals, which gave out on ours at 80,000 miles so the engine had to be replaced. Only got 40,000 miles or so on the replacement engine. That weakness helps explain why the Rx2-Rx4 models are so rare now.
The first official year of Mazda in the US was 1970 when they sold the Mazda R100 and then they expanded the lineup in 1971 with the 1200, 616, RX-2 and 1800. All of these models have gone the way of the crusher and like Zack said are extremely rare to find now
Did Holman Moody have anything to do with that steering wheel logo at 4:17? Idk I haven't done any research to support or refute that; that's just the first thing I thought of with all of the random trivia I have remembered through the years.
Confused by the tach. Why only 7k? Cant recall what model year but i had a Mazda RX2 and i remember the tach going to 11k. Mine was the 2dr Coupe. I bought it slightly used in the late 1970's. Loved that car. In Dec 2022 i got a new to me 2021 Mazda CX5 Signature. Loving this CX5 too!!
Not sure why they skipped 6 but the first RX-7 was such a hit that they wanted to capitalize on that for marketing. The 2nd gen Rx-7 was a new version of the first gen, instead of an entirely new vehicle.
Hi. Nice one you have that RX-2, I also recently bought one for myself. But it's very hard with availability of parts. Do you know any sites with parts for RX-2?
Zac. I liked the Video. . Liked the history lesson of the rx2. But Maybe ..maybe. in the future ..just me. But . Do more video of you just driving it. Going threw the gears. Sounds. We Really didn’t do any of that.
bought a new NZ assembled RX2 in 1973, it's 1146cc rotary was rated at 120hp with the twin choke 4 bbl carb, when the 2nd choke came in, it was a good kick, always regretting selling it in 81, with new apex seals and only 40k km.
I love the older rotaries! It would be really cool if I could get my hands on an RX-5 badge for my 12A swap miata
U HAVE A ROTARY MIATA!!!? Mad respect bro!
I was in the USAF in 1974 and bought a brand new brown 1973 Mazdz RX-2 in California and within the next week drove it to Platsburgh NY. It was an absolutely terrific car for its time, reliable, quick, never rattled and nothing ever broke which was typical of Japaneese cars but very untypical of american cars of those same years. It gulped fuel, about 15MGP and used oil, maybe a quart ever 500 miles, also the spark plugs and distributor points only lasted a few thousand miles. I brought both my daughter and son home from the hospital in that car, it was totally practical but was still FUN. If you reved the engine into tach yellow zone a loud and obnoxious buzzer would activate, something I did many times. I had the car past 100MPH many times, it didn’t seem to know it was not a sports car.
My mom had one of these when I was a kid. I remember being able to tell she was coming home about a minute before she drove into the driveway, because the car sounded very unique. I could stop doing whatever stupid stuff I was doing, and look like an angel as she drove up.
I remember she had to have a racecar driver work on it, because he raced rx-2s, believe it or not, and no other mechanics would work on rotary engine vehicles.
I have a RX3 coupe in original condition and absolutely love it.
I love how you do reviews of normal cars too. It’s interesting to get an inside look at the less hyped up cars.
I was 3 years old when my mom and dad bought a brand spanking new RX2 4 door sedan. Banana yellow, 4 speed. That thing scared the hell out of me because every once in an awhile it would blast out a backfire that sounded like a gun shot. The Japanese sure came a long way with the rotary motor since then.
Grew up in Vienna, my dad had the Same RX-2 Sedan in Banana Yellow as shown in the Video. We had no speed limits back then and frustrated bmw and Mercedes drivers by outrunning them constantly. Our european version had a Bit more Horses, 120 if i am Not mistaken. Brings back so many memories - Good times!
How much i miss our RX-2!
This is going to be my first car the Mazda Capella Rotary in South Africa
I had a 71 RX2 back in the day and man I wish I never got rid of it. It was the such a cool car.
I have to say Zack, with this video I can really feel just how much passion you have for Rotaries and rotary vehicles. It's genuinely inspiring and makes me want to learn more about these really unique engines. :)
"A rotary engined car for normal people" You are fucking brilliant
I like your reviews, you're gentle and chilled, it's refreshing these days
the seat belt buzzer sound killed me
Great review!
When I was in Jr. High, my friend's mom (who shared duties with my mom of taking us to school) drove an RX-3. It had 2 doors and a tight leather interior. The back seats were small, and it was surprisingly quiet. When it was his mom's week to drive us to school, I loved it!!! It had that exact same sick sounding buzzer to remind you to put your seatbelt on that also came on if the revs got too high. It had a brightly illuminated arrow that would come on when it wanted you to upshift. If you ignored it, then you got to hear the buzzer.
Cool car, happy new year from Ireland
Stumbled across your Rx-2 review while using Google to source some parts for my '73. Must say, very interesting insight there sir!.. thank you👍
Love classic car content
"Throttle" was there to keep your RPMs up when the AC was on. Not a cruise control. (I've owned two RX2s, plus an RX3)
Awesome car and great video! very fitting for you to review one of the first rotarys.
A guy in high school had a Blue RX3 and bragged how fast this little car was. (Sure it was.) After a quick ride I learned he was right and being a car guy I learned all I could about Felix Wankel, NSU, Mazda Cosmo, RX-7 New at the time and they were nice. Twin Chamber Rotary. What a cool idea. And so small was the main part of the engine.
I had two of them a red two door and a sedan, I miss them so.
Do you ever sleep? Holly crap you are pumping out content like crazy. Love it
There have been some long nights but I'm excited for what I have in store for next year!
Cool car & colour! I remember seeing a few of these around,growing up in Pennsylvania,in the 70s. 😍😍
My dad bought this car and it was fantastic. The big weakness was the rotor seals, which gave out on ours at 80,000 miles so the engine had to be replaced. Only got 40,000 miles or so on the replacement engine. That weakness helps explain why the Rx2-Rx4 models are so rare now.
Eric is super rad! Been following him for a while now.
Rx3 capella was my fave rotary car I’ve hand and driven
I owned a white one back in 1993, the most fun car I have ever owned, I miss it now
There was also an RX-9, a 13B rotary engined version of the LA4 Luce Legato from 1977.
The first official year of Mazda in the US was 1970 when they sold the Mazda R100 and then they expanded the lineup in 1971 with the 1200, 616, RX-2 and 1800. All of these models have gone the way of the crusher and like Zack said are extremely rare to find now
There was also the rotary powered Mazda Roadpacer large car sold in Japan, which was based on the Australian General Motors- Holden Premier.
LETS GOOOO RX2!!!
Would love to have heard your impressions as to driving dynamics
Did Holman Moody have anything to do with that steering wheel logo at 4:17? Idk I haven't done any research to support or refute that; that's just the first thing I thought of with all of the random trivia I have remembered through the years.
Confused by the tach. Why only 7k? Cant recall what model year but i had a Mazda RX2 and i remember the tach going to 11k. Mine was the 2dr Coupe. I bought it slightly used in the late 1970's. Loved that car. In Dec 2022 i got a new to me 2021 Mazda CX5 Signature. Loving this CX5 too!!
So why were there 3 RX-7s, but no RX-6?
Not sure why they skipped 6 but the first RX-7 was such a hit that they wanted to capitalize on that for marketing. The 2nd gen Rx-7 was a new version of the first gen, instead of an entirely new vehicle.
@@ShootingCars don’t forget about the COSMO!!!
Hi. Nice one you have that RX-2, I also recently bought one for myself. But it's very hard with availability of parts. Do you know any sites with parts for RX-2?
I kind of wish there existed a wagon version.
There was an Rx-3 wagon which is near the top of my list for cars to review and own!
i see i'm not the only trans person here :)
@@turbo_alice I've noticed this as well, I've seen a couple comments and subs from the trans community and I'm excited to have y'all here!
@@ShootingCars well, there was an obvious FLAG here to hint me. my profile picture is more subtle although i still use the same colors in it :)
S5 Rx7 had round taillights inside the rectangular rear lights
What's with the tunacans?
Please do a 92 camaro
Anyone tell you look like Jack Black? :D Also i love your videos on rotaries!
A wild swap would be if someone swapped a 13B rotary into a Mazda Protege .
These style of taillights are my favorite kind of like a chevelle 71 😅
Damn! Never knew about all the rx's!
Zac. I liked the Video. . Liked the history lesson of the rx2. But Maybe ..maybe. in the future ..just me. But . Do more video of you just driving it. Going threw the gears. Sounds. We Really didn’t do any of that.
Only 9 more until your 700th car review
was there ever an rx-6?
From what I've seen and read, no.
What are the cars you are posting tomorrow?
Fiat 500e (EV) and 2002 Corolla S to end the year!
Nice closers! Hyped for both
I love it
Looks like the Mr. Bean-o-bile 👀🤣
Only the color….
How do I rate?
Like or dislike the video!
Citroën produced a few rotary versions of their vehicles.
I didnt know there was a rx2
So have you driven everything that Mazda has ever made that’s rotary?
Not even close.
I've done:
SA Rx7
FB Rx7
FC Rx7
FD Rx7
Rx8
Repu
Rx2
I still need to do:
Cosmo 110s
R100
Rx3
Rx4
Rx5 / Cosmo
JC series Cosmo
@@ShootingCars I am crossing my fingers that you will get to cross more off your list.
Dude u left out the Mazda rotary pickup
Idk... If the big freaking bottle has a lid and it fits in the shelf, I feel like the RX-2 should pass the big freaking bottle test.
I bet honda and toyotas where left in the dust in those early days for many years🤣🤣
The steering wheel isn't wooden, its plastic and prone to cracking.
I have RX3 but is OHC engine
Hey the Cosmo I know where that car lives..
Lucky guy! :)
1.2, not 1.1.
Mazda wanker engine😂 they just sound like angry bees
I wish japan start build mazda rx 2 again they will sell like hell my brother had a rx coupe and wish noe icould have one i❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ rx 2