Mazda REPU

Looks good, but, it doesn't have an engine or trans--would make an interesting start for a vitage-looking tow vehicle. FWIW. They are never seen up here.

I know that truck,and the owner Ken. I have been scheming to get it to my house to make it a stable mate to my Stella green 74 unit. These are super rare around the New England area,and for that matter they aren't widely seen in great numbers anywhere in the US. Rare US only model which is/was rare for any vehicle.

The REPU has (had?) a few things against it when it was sold here:

1.) gulped gas like no one's business (tho in fairness, it was a fast small pickup...ahead of it's time?)

2.) the smallish cab and bed size made it an almost "toy" truck.

They sold in small numbers and rusted like other Japanese mini-trucks....so finding one is next to impossible.

Aside of that engine, the interior "design" was miles ahead of other small trucks at the time, looking very much like the front passenger compartment of a "regular" Mazda sedan. It really made the similar Courier look downright dowdy, in comparison.

And I would love to own one.

Tow vehicle? What was the capacity of a repu?

Towing with a rotary...?

Edit: as contrary to logic as that sounds, apparently it worked pretty well.

http://www.rx7club.com/showthread.php?t=109350&highlight=tow+truck

Mazdax605 wrote: I know that truck,and the owner Ken. I have been scheming to get it to my house to make it a stable mate to my Stella green 74 unit. These are super rare around the New England area,and for that matter they aren't widely seen in great numbers anywhere in the US. Rare US only model which is/was rare for any vehicle.

I grew up on Long Island, have lived in major cities on both coasts, and I've NEVER seen one in person. So to find an ad for one here in the NE, was just ah, woeeee, back up, what did I just read?

Now is the time to beat up Ken; invite him over for some of his favoirite libation, and just "ask" to see the title. Then play who has the clearer signature game....

Good luck..

There is also a sweet flare yellow 77 (larger cab,5-speed,other small differences) on craigslist Los Angeles for around $3500 I think. It is really sweet,and the seller of that blue one in CT also has a white 77 that may be for sale some time soon. I knew a guy in Gaithersburg,MD that has/had three for sale a little while back as well.

I find the cab on the REPU is small,but no smaller than the same vintage Toyota,Datsun,etc. I am large,and fit in the cab,but it is a bit cramped for long distance travel.

You must also remember that the REPU has a 1400lb payload which is more than most of the other mini trucks of its era.

I love my REPU,and kick myself for ever thinking of selling it a few years ago. I am glad no one made me an offer. You won't find a cooler truck from the era in my opinion,but maybe I am a bit biased.

Triumph5: If you are ever in the Plymouth/Cape Cod area let me know,and I will let you take mine for a spin.

In reply to Mazdax605: Thanks for the chance to drive your REPU. You just might see me this fall.

King Richards Faire is a good weekend destination,and in the very town I live in,so come on down. Look it up on the web,it starts real soon,and runs through October.

Everybody can thank me for talking Chris out of selling his truck. Now if we can talk him out of selling the RX4, he'll be kicking himself in a couple of years for ever thinking of selling that one too. Cracks me up to hear that little truck run through the gears. Sounds just like an ITA or spec RX7 race car- with a muffler.

I've driven Mazdax605's REPU as well- it's a deathtrap, but it's a fun deathtrap! It sounds like a very pissed-off buzzsaw!

I was considering buying a blue REPU (minus engine and tranny) I've seen on sale in CT if the deal on my turbo FC fell through.

It's no deathtrap you just aren't man enough!! Just kidding it really is a deathtrap,you are right.

My dream is a Repu with a RX8 drive line to bring it more modern with working AC and then use it as a daily driver.

btw, I miss my 72 Courier

what's a maxda?

A bit of motorsports history on the REPU - a very nicely prepared REPU won the SCCA Mojave 24 Hours National Pro Rally in 1975. This event was held on the roads around Big Bear, California and drew a strong field for the day - the biggest names (for the day) were Bob Hourihan (Volvo) and Hendrik Blok (Datsun). There were a few off-road cars and trucks entered (this was back in the "run what you brung" days), but most rallyists had no idea who this Malcolm Smith guy was who was listed as the driver of the REPU. Those of us who followed off road racing, particularly motorcycles, or who had seen the movie On Any Sunday, knew exactly who Malcolm was and figured this would be quite a show. I was codriving another unusual car in the event, a Corvair, but that's another story.

Long story short, Malcolm won the event outright. The owner, who was promoting a product called Alaskan Brand Oil Treatment, was so stoked that he entered a pair of the trucks in several more events. Malcolm didn't drive again, but the trucks were driven by Doc Sauers (another well known off roader of the day, who got the Mears Brothers some of their first top rides), and I think Danny-the-cop, who was a very fast Alaskan State Trooper who ran a lot of rallies in Mazdas back in the '70s.

We also had a local guy in southern New Mexico who autocrossed a ported REPU quite successfully back then. So the REPU has at least one racing win in stage rallying.

ignorant wrote: what's a maxda?

What happens when fingers get misfired signals from the niarb.

Mazdax605 wrote: Rare US only model which is/was rare for any vehicle.

Sold in Canada too

I don't think they were officially sold in Canada. There are some up there,but I don't think Mazda sold them there. I believe I read that they were a strict US only model. Could be wrong though,wouldn't be the first time,or last.

Chris

Hey guys,

I own the blue 75 REPU, I dropped the price down to $2,500.

Here is a link to some of the work I did to it...

REPU

You can contact me at 2wankel@vintagemazda.com for further info.

Thanks

Hey Ken,

You found my little hide out here. I have been trying to push your blue truck on so many people around these parts,but no one seems to have cash these days.

Chris

Damn now you made want one!

That may be the coolest vehicle I've never heard of. But i say that a lot on this board.

Well this time you would be correct in making that statement!!!

What would you guys a reportedly one owner 14k mile 74 Blue REPU is worth? Near mint condition with some scraps in the bed.