1972 Mazda RX-2 Coupe
S/N S122A104481. 64,000 miles. “Replacement 1.1-liter rotary engine, 4-speed manual transmission, Herschel Orange paint, black vinyl upholstery, 13-inch widened steel wheels, front disc brakes, shortened springs, Panhard bar, Craig AM/FM radio, original purchase order.” Condition: 2. SOLD AT $34,650. Bring a Trailer, 11/9/23.
The RX-2 was Mazda’s first rotary-powered car to be offered in both 4-door sedan and 2-door coupe body styles. (The previous rotary available in the U.S. was the R100, which was only offered as a coupe.) The RX-2’s 12A rotary engine was developed to provide more horsepower over the outgoing 10A via larger rotors and combustion chamber. Our subject car includes a few modifications such as wider steel wheels and lowering springs that give the car a more aggressive look. Finding an RX-2 for sale is harder than many other Japanese cars of this period. Bring a Trailer has only offered five of them since 2016, with this car achieving the highest sale price of the bunch. While this might seem like a strong price for a car in the U.S., other markets, such as in Australia, have been valuing them at this level for a while. Well bought and sold.
1996 Subaru SVX LSi
S/N KZH1061032959. 192,000 kilometers (120,000 miles). “3.3-liter flat-6, 4-speed automatic transmission, limited-slip rear differential, Ebony Mica paint, beige leather upholstery, 16-inch Enkei wheels, sunroof, power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, CD/cassette stereo.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $7,455. Bring a Trailer, 11/14/23.
The uninitiated might think that this SVX sold for a relatively cheap price. It has the visual cues of other cars from the era, such as the Mitsubishi 3000GT and Nissan 300ZX, so why isn’t it also in the $20k-plus range? While its little aircraft-style windows are a fun gimmick, these cars have issues that have kept prices low. Subaru fitted insufficiently lubricated wheel bearings, and SVX brake rotors are easily warped. The automatic transmission (the only one available) suffered from overheating. Enthusiasts have gone to great lengths to devise 5-speed manual conversions by custom-fitting gearboxes and even full drivetrains from the WRX and other cars. But this also requires customizing the crossmember and figuring out a third-pedal installation, so it is not for the faint of heart. With more-reliable Japanese cars from this era readily available, SVX values have been stagnant for the past decade. Well sold.
2000 Honda CR-V EX
S/N JHLRD1861YS000022. 80,700 miles. “2.0-liter DOHC inline-4 engine, 4-speed automatic transmission with real-time 4-wheel-drive system, anti-lock brakes, double-wishbone front and rear suspension, two-piece tailgate, cloth upholstery, full-flat reclining rear seats.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $8,882. Cars & Bids, 11/7/23.
The CR-V, or “Comfortable Runabout Vehicle,” was Honda’s first venture into the SUV market (ignoring the first-gen Passport, a badge-engineered Isuzu Rodeo). The chassis was built off the Civic platform, so it shares some parts with those cars. The CR-V introduced the B20B engine to the U.S. It was similar to that era’s Acura Integra engine but with more torque. This motor would later become a popular swap for the Civic as a cheap way to get more power. To call the CR-V an SUV is probably giving it a little more credit than it deserves. They are more similar to a Toyota RAV4 than a Ford Expedition, with a driving experience similar to that of a tall Civic. When initially released at $19k, the CR-V was a budget SUV with better mpg than traditional body-on-frame bruisers and innovative features like a foldable table in the cargo area. With 1990s-era Civics slowly climbing in value, there might be a slight uptick for clean CR-Vs like this. For now, most of this one’s value is in its low mileage and exceptional condition. Well sold. ♥
