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1979 MAZDA 626 COUPE - VERY LOW MILES - EXCELLENT CONDITION !! - $9,000 (burlingame)
Skyline Blvd near Trousdale Ave
1979
Mazda 626
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Reposting this Ad. The interested buyer did not show up.
THE CAR.
This 1979 Mazda 626 Coupe is a rare gem, finished in Mazda Brilliant Yellow - a solid, non-metallic hue shared with the RX-7 of the era. The coupe body style is exceptionally scarce, with only a handful of roadworthy examples left worldwide. Its VIN falls within the 1979-1980 range (CB2MS500049 to CB2MS549358), featuring the sleek small steel bumpers unique to these early models. The odometer shows 79,394 miles.
For context, this 626 was previously listed on BaT in 2018 [see here] (https://bringatrailer.com/2018/07/21/preserved-5-speed-1979-mazda-626-coupe/) with a Kamei front air dam that was later removed. When I purchased it in 2021 [see listing here] (https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1979-mazda-montrose/)), the Kamei air dam was missing, and the passenger-side fender had been slightly bent. I’ve since addressed these issues, and the car now sports a factory-style front valance that complements its elegant lines.
FRONT AIR DAM.
The missing Kamei air dam was a letdown when the car arrived. A friend loaned me an original valance, from which we created a perfect fiberglass mold. Two replicas were made: one was professionally painted and installed, looking as good as new in the photos, and the second comes with the car as a spare for peace of mind on rough roads or if you choose to lower it. The mold stays with me.
REAR SPOILER AND TRUNK LID.
The Kamei rear spoiler, while photogenic, was a rubber piece that caused issues. Its installation required multiple holes, leading to rust on the trunk lid. I removed the spoiler, had the trunk lid holes blasted and professionally repainted, and it’s now rust-free and pristine.
EXTERIOR.
This 45-year-old coupe is in remarkable condition for its age, with body panels showing only minor dents that are easily fixable. The passenger-side rear quarter panel has a dent accessible for repair by removing the inner liner. The cowl panel was repainted to address minor rust spots, but the rest of the car is rust-free - a rarity for a vehicle of this vintage. Most of the Brilliant Yellow paint is original, with new paint applied in a two-stage process where needed.
Front Grille: Restored with SEM black primer, with the area behind it sprayed to match. Black rubber gaskets were added to the headlamp bezels for a blackout effect.
Headlights: The plexiglass covers from the 2018 listing are included but not installed.
Bumpers: The front bumper was adjusted for better alignment after a minor tap. The rear bumper retains a small dent from the first owner, left untouched to preserve its original dark gray metallic finish.
Doors: Both doors close smoothly, though the windows must be fully up or down to avoid rattling, as there’s no B-pillar or window frame.
Driver’s-Side Door Handle: Replaced with a chrome unit sourced from Australia, now functioning perfectly. The original broken handle is included.
Driver’s-Side Mirror: Repainted in SEM black primer; the motor is non-functional but wasn’t investigated further. No passenger-side mirror was offered, though one could be sourced from an Australian 626.
Roof Trims: The driver’s-side rain gutter trim clip is loose but included for you to epoxy.
Windshield Trims: The rear trim was stripped to reveal polished stainless, enhancing the car’s elegance. The front trim retains its original black paint, though I’d consider polishing it to match.
Wheels: All five original 4x110 aluminum wheels, shared with early RX-7s, were detailed to preserve their factory coating.
Tires: Original 185/70x13 Kumho Solus TA11 tires from 2018 with plenty of tread. I’d upgrade to 205s for a sportier look.
Leaks: None, impressively, for a car of this age.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES.
The 2.0-liter inline-four (89 hp, 114 lb-ft torque, 8.6:1 compression) received a thorough hand-cleaning and a full tune-up, including valve adjustments, at my trusted Mazda mechanic’s shop. It starts easily with its automatic choke, runs smoothly, and accelerates well. The carburetor’s butterfly valve was removed for better airflow, and the car passed California’s smog test with ease (see photos). A new Mazda battery and clamps were
installed, and the five-speed manual transmission - shared with 1979-80 RX-7s - shifts smoothly with fresh gear oil. The clutch feels solid.
AC: The system’s controls work, but the refrigerant needs recharging, and the compressor makes a slight noise when engaged. It’s on a separate belt, so removal is an option if you don’t need AC.
Brakes: New front pads and repacked bearings ensure reliable stopping power.
Steering/Suspension: No power steering, using recirculating ball steering like the RX-7. The rear live axle with coils is also RX-7-like, offering potential for upgrades.
INTERIOR.
The 2-door Coupe’: The pillarless hardtop design shines with all four windows down, accentuating the coupe’s sleek lines. The interior is in excellent shape for its age, with thoughtful updates:
Seats: The original houndstooth fabric is remarkably well-preserved. The driver’s seat was thoroughly cleaned to restore its look.
Steering Wheel/Shift Knob: Both were degreased and restored to pristine condition, matching the 79-80 RX-7 GS steering wheel.
Door Cards/Panels: All are in great shape, with lubricated window cranks and handles now operating smoothly.
Radio: The Clarion unit delivers great sound and is pre wired for an optional cassette player (not included but compatible with 79-80 RX-7 units).
Glove Compartment: A clever fix with small hinges keeps the lid functional.
Dashboard: A small rip near the speaker was stabilized with a painted aluminum backer to prevent further damage.
REMAINING WORK.
A few minor tasks remain for the next owner the main one is a decision on the muffler – it has a few small holes but no loud noise at all – either replace it with a quiet aftermarket muffler or install a performance deep rumble silencer which is what I was planning on doing.
THE BONUS CROSS MEMBER AND ENGINE MOUNT.
Included is a front cross member and rotary engine mount, perfect for a 12A or 13B swap my original plan. The car’s rear axle is similar to ’79-‘85’s RX-7’s, making upgrades like an ’85 GSL LSD or 510 coilovers feasible.
TRANSPORT.
If international, I can recommend a reliable Los Angeles-based company that successfully transported one of my cars to London.
PAYMENT.
Cash at your bank or money order from a major bank.