Mazda RepuThe Rotary Pickup (REPU) from Mazda was the world's first and only Wankel engined pickup truck. It was sold from 1974 to 1977 and appears to have been available only in the United States and Canada. Toyo Kogyo (Mazda) made trucks for Ford in the Courier as well as its own Mazda B-Series. These trucks shared many of the same parts, but the Rotary Engined Pickup (REPU) had a 4-port 13B 4-barrel carbureted engine, flared fenders, a different dash, front grille, and round taillights.
It is estimated that just over 15,000 total units were built. Most were made for the 1974 model year, due to the energy crisis putting a damper on sales, Mazda restamped many of the 1974 models with a prefix "S" designating it as a "1975" model. Approximately 700 units were built for the 1976 model year. Mazda invested in a moderate redesign for the 1977 model, updating electrical systems, adding an additional 4 in cab stretch for more comfort, and adding a 5-speed manual transmission with different differential gearing. However, after about 3,000 units, the REPU was discontinued due to poor sales.
Road & Track magazine was impressed with the "smooth, quiet power" and the "nice" interior. Price at the time was about US$3500, and observed fuel economy was 16.5 mpg.
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