There’s something about the old-school Mazda RX-4 that just hits different. It wasn’t the first rotary-powered Mazda, and it wasn’t the most famous, but it had this undeniable presence—a mix of muscle car aesthetics and high-revving rotary madness. Compared to its predecessors, the RX-4 was bigger, a little more refined, but still packed that wild, high-revving character that made Mazda’s rotary cars legendary.
Today, we’re looking at an RX-4 that takes things up a notch. It’s been meticulously restored and modified, featuring a wicked 20B three-rotor swap and an absolutely gorgeous paint job. Let’s get into it.
RX-4 Exterior: Vintage Muscle Vibes with a Custom Touch
First things first—this thing looks mean. The RX-4 was always a step up in size compared to the RX-3, giving it a beefier stance that leaned a little into American muscle car territory. But this particular build? It takes that aggression and dials it to 11.
- ✅ Candy Brandy Wine Paint – This isn’t your average respray. The deep, rich Candy Brandy Wine shifts tones depending on the light, giving the car an almost liquid-like glow. It’s impossible not to stare.
- ✅ Classic Chrome Details – A lot of people these days go for the all-black stealth look, but the owner of this RX-4 kept the chrome accents, and honestly? It works. It keeps that vintage JDM charm alive while contrasting beautifully with the dark paint.
- ✅ 19-inch Wheels & Sticky Tires – Instead of going with massive tubs, the car runs 19-inch wheels, with meaty 305s in the rear and 285s up front. The result? Insane grip without completely altering the RX-4’s original proportions.
- ✅ No Extensive Tub Work – Instead of cutting up the rear, the builder opted for a shortened differential, keeping the car’s frame mostly intact. Smart move—it keeps the classic look while still allowing for that wide stance.
This thing demands attention. Whether it’s parked at a meet or tearing down the road, you know it’s something special.
RX-4 Interior: Old-School Cool Meets Subtle Modern Touches
Step inside, and the RX-4’s cabin is a time machine with a few smart updates.
- 🔹 Classic Gauges, No Digital Overload – A lot of resto-mods swap out the stock cluster for modern screens, but this build keeps the original gauges, blending nostalgia with function.
- 🔹 Push-Button Start – A small but slick upgrade. Adds a little modern convenience without feeling out of place.
- 🔹 Custom Upholstery – The seats were re-done over a decade ago, but somehow still look factory-fresh. The owner didn’t go overboard—just clean, period-correct materials that look like they belong.
- 🔹 Limited Rear Legroom – Let’s be real, nobody’s buying an RX-4 for backseat comfort. It’s there if you need it, but let’s not pretend this was ever meant for road trips with a full crew.
- It’s a perfect blend of classic Mazda charm with just enough modern touches to make it livable.
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The Heart of the Beast: RX-4 20B Powerhouse
Now for the fun part. The original RX-4 came with a 12A rotary, later upgraded to a 13B. This one? That wasn’t enough. It now packs a fully built 20B three-rotor setup, and it’s an absolute animal.
- 🔥 792 HP on Low Boost – That’s right. Running 21-23 PSI, this thing cranks out nearly 800 horsepower—and there’s still room for more if they decide to push it.
- 🔥 EFI & Fuel Tech Setup – The car runs an FT500 ECU, giving it precise tuning, crisp throttle response, and rock-solid reliability.
- 🔥 Turbo 400 Transmission – No manual here, but the built Turbo 400 automatic makes sense. It’s bulletproof and can handle all that rotary power without breaking a sweat.
- 🔥 Four-Link Rear Suspension – With this much power, stability is key. The RX-4’s four-link setup keeps everything planted, making sure all 792 horses don’t go up in tire smoke.
- It’s a perfect mix of old-school rotary charm with modern, no-compromise performance.
Is RX-4 Worth the Price? A Collector’s Dream
💰 The owner picked it up in rough shape—faded paint, missing interior, the works.
💰 Fast forward years of work (and serious cash), and you’ve got one of the cleanest RX-4 builds out there. Between the paint, engine swap, and suspension upgrades, this car easily sits in six-figure territory.
💰 Considering how rare pristine RX-4s are, this build is the kind of car that would skyrocket in value over time.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Insane rotary engine sound | High maintenance needs |
| 792 HP on low boost | Rear seat space is tight |
| Candy Brandy Wine paint looks unreal | Fuel consumption is… well, rotary-like |
| Classic chrome accents | Finding parts is tough |
| Four-link setup for stability | Not exactly daily-driver friendly |
FAQs
1. What makes the 20B engine so special?
The 20B is a three-rotor rotary, which means more displacement, more power, and that unmistakable high-pitched rotary scream. It’s rare, powerful, and one of the most sought-after engines in the rotary world.
2. Is the RX-4 a good investment?
Absolutely. Clean RX-4s are hard to find, and ones with well-executed builds like this? Even rarer. Prices are only going up.
3. How does the RX-4 compare to the RX-3?
The RX-4 is bigger, more comfortable, and feels more like a grand tourer compared to the RX-3’s lightweight, raw nature.
4. Can you daily drive an RX-4?
Technically, yes. But between fuel consumption, maintenance, and that much power, it’s not exactly practical.
5. What’s the best transmission for an RX-4?
It depends—a built auto (like the Turbo 400 in this build) is great for reliability, but if you want that true rotary experience, a manual is hard to beat.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece on Wheels
The 1973 Mazda RX-4 is one of those cars that never gets old. It has muscle car vibes, JDM soul, and a rotary engine that sounds like pure madness.
With a gorgeous custom paint job, a fire-breathing 20B swap, and nearly 800 horsepower, this RX-4 is the perfect blend of nostalgia and performance. Whether you’re a rotary die-hard or just a classic car enthusiast, this thing is an absolute dream.
Would I own one? In a heartbeat. 🚀
Author- Ayush
