Forgotten Classic: 1980 Mazda 626 Capella
The second generation Mazda Capella was badged as the 626 for the US Market and sold from 1979 through 1982. There was a 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan version, but both rode on MacPherson front with a four link sold beam axle out back. Find this 1980 Mazda 626 Capella offered for $5,900 in Vinings, GA via craigslist.
The Capella has an old school feel to it — shifting is via a four/five-speed manual or three-speed automatic and steering is done with a power assisted recirculating ball setup. With the exception of the 2.0 liter MA series 4-banger that puts out 80 horsepower, it seems like something that would compete with a BMW 3-series. Don’t expect to see another on the road if you buy this one.
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This is another one of those cars that was an utter nothingburger when it was originally on the market, but now…my god, anything that's RWD and doesn't weigh a zillion pounds is probably worth preserving.
Miata BP? Duratec four? Duratec V6? Probably not an LS3…
I bought a 2 door model same year and color with a blown motor if memory serves me right number 3 rod had come apart on the big end found a wrecking yard motor that turned out to be a pos sold the car to a Gal Friends son always thought they where a good looking rig.
Your capitalization and punctuation on this comment indicates you did this on your phone after dinner while waiting for your wife to come back from the bathroom.
But yeah, back then generic RWD sedans were nothing special, now given the Prius Flood they seem like a lost Golden Age.
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The coupe's were attractive, if memory serves. I think it was the next generation that I really liked; they had a 5-door turbo model that was pretty cool.
The sellers just a little too proud of it IMHO. At about $2500 it would be neat to own.
These used to be absolutely ubiquitous back in the 80's…I think there were at least 5 in my high school parking lot. Nowadays, I couldn't tell you the last time I saw one in the wild.
If it's good enough for spuds mackenzie, it's good enough for me.
(last photo in craiger ad)