1981 Mazda 626 Sedan - Red - 352,532km - 2.0L Inline-4, 5-Speed Manual
Overview
The Mazda 626 arrived in 1979 as a modern, practical family sedan that would define the brand's push into the mainstream market. This 1981 example represents the early generation of what became one of Mazda's most successful nameplates, a car that balanced Japanese reliability with European-influenced handling and a genuine focus on driver engagement. The 626 was never flashy, but it was honest, well-built, and genuinely enjoyable to drive. This particular sedan has covered 352,532 kilometres and remains unregistered, presenting as a genuine barn find or restoration project for the enthusiast prepared to bring it back to the road.
The red exterior presents with the character of a four-decade-old vehicle. The paint holds reasonable colour across the panels, though minor stone chipping is visible on the bonnet leading edge and light surface rust can be seen in the spare wheel well, consistent with age and storage. The body lines remain straight with no obvious major dents or creases. Chrome trim shows patina appropriate to the era. The four-door sedan configuration is clean and proportionate, with period-correct details intact. This is a car that has lived, not a showroom queen, and that authenticity is part of its appeal.
Inside, the cabin reflects honest use. The dashboard pad shows age-related wear and fading, the door trim panels display patina, and the original upholstery shows wear consistent with 352,000-plus kilometres of service. The five-speed manual gearbox is present and the steering wheel is original. The odometer reads 352,532km. This is not a pristine interior, but it is original and tells the story of a working family car. The engine bay houses the original 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine (engine number 262853), a solid, reliable unit that powered countless Mazdas through the 1980s. The bay shows signs of age and use but no obvious major mechanical damage visible.
At the 1981 model year, the 626 was positioned as an affordable, practical sedan for families and first-time buyers. Today, early 626 examples are increasingly recognised by enthusiasts as genuine classic Japanese cars worthy of restoration. Values for unregistered, project-condition examples typically range from $2,500 to $5,500 depending on mechanical condition and restoration potential. This example, with matching engine numbers and original specification, offers a solid foundation for a sympathetic restoration or a genuine period-correct classic rebuild.
Features
* 1981 Mazda 626 Sedan, unregistered
* 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine (engine number 262853)
* 5-speed manual transmission
* Rear-wheel drive
* Original four-door sedan body
* Red exterior paint
* Right-hand drive configuration
* 352,532 kilometres on odometer
* Original interior trim and upholstery
* Original steering wheel
* Original dashboard
* Chrome trim and brightwork
* Period-correct specification throughout
Condition Notes
* Minor stone chips visible on bonnet leading edge
* Light surface rust present in spare wheel well
* Dashboard pad shows age-related wear and fading
* Door trim panels display patina consistent with age
* Original upholstery shows wear appropriate to 352,500+ kilometres
* Engine bay shows age and patina but no obvious major mechanical damage
* Vehicle is unregistered and presented as a project or restoration candidate
* No safety certificate or registration paperwork present
Specifications
Year: 1981
Make: Mazda
Model: 626
Body: Sedan
Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 Petrol
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Odometer: 352,532 Kilometers
Colour: Red
Seats: 5
Steering: Right Hand Drive
Engine Number: 262853
Price Guide: $2,500 - $5,500
CHASSIS: CB2MS718905
(Key #C14)
Lloyds stock #584696+1
#CCALL
#CCJDM
Location of item: 18 Paradise Road, Acacia Ridge, QLD, Australia
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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