Mazda · 1972-1977
B-Series (2nd Gen)
The second-generation B-Series (built 1965-1977; sold in the US for model years 1972-1977) brought Mazda's pickups to the US as the B1600 in 1972 and the 1.8-liter B1800 in 1975, and spawned the Ford Courier. It also produced the world's only rotary-powered pickup, the 1974-77 REPU.
- Years
- 1972-1977
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Engines
- 1.5 L UA · 1.3 L TC · 1.6 L NA
- Sold in
- Japan · US (from 1972) · Canada (B1800 ~1970)
Spec sheet
- Generation
- 2nd Gen
- Production
- 1972–1977
Built in Japan from October 1965 to 1977; US sales began with the 1972 B1600.
- Assembly
- Hiroshima, JapanNew Zealand (CKD)
- Sold in
- JapanUS (from 1972)Canada (B1800 ~1970)New Zealand
- Codes
- BUD61 (1.5)BNA61 (1.6, from Jan 1971)BVD61 (1.8)BTA67 (1.3)PA136 / SPA136 / PA236 (Rotary)
- Body styles
- Regular cab pickupRotary Engine Pickup (REPU)
- Drivetrains
- RWD
- Transmissions
- 3-speed manual4-speed manual5-speed manual (1976 REPU)3-speed automatic
- Trims
- B1600B1800Rotary Pickup (REPU)
- Wheelbase
- 101.4 / 104.3 / 104 in
- Length
- 172 / 173 in
- Launch MSRP
- REPU ~US$3,500 (Road & Track)
Engines
- Displacement
- 1.5 L
- Config
- I4
- Years
- 1965-1971
- Notes
- 72 PS @5200 (1966)
- Displacement
- 1.3 L (1,272 cc)
- Config
- I4
- Years
- 1972-1975
- Notes
- Japan Proceed 1300
- Displacement
- 1.6 L (1,586 cc)
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 95 hp
- Years
- 1971-1976
- Notes
- SAE gross, 6000 rpm
- Displacement
- 1.8 L (1,796 cc)
- Config
- I4
- HP
- 98 hp
- Years
- 1970-1977
- Notes
- Canada 1970; US B1800 1975
- Displacement
- 1.3 L (2 × 654 cc)
- Config
- Wankel rotary
- Years
- 1974-1977
- Notes
- US-only
Highlights
- 01
- B series introduced in the US with the 1972 B1600; Ford Courier twin from 1972
- 02
- World's first and only Wankel-powered pickup (REPU, 1974-77; 14,366 sold NA 1974, 632 in 1976, 1,161 in 1977)
- 03
- First Japanese pickup assembled in New Zealand from CKD (1967)
- 04
- Strong US sales (mostly Ford-badged) helped Mazda's cash-flow crisis after the 1970s energy shock
Photos
Mazda B-Series (2nd Gen) 1972-1977
Related
Overview
The squarer, four-headlight second-generation B-Series arrived in Japan in October 1965 with the 1.5-liter UA four. Mazda added a 1.6-liter in 1971 and a Japan-only 1.3-liter, and exported it to the US as the B1600 for 1972, the year Ford began selling the same truck as the Courier. A 1.8-liter VB four powered the B1800 from 1975, a model that had been sold in Canada since around 1970.
In 1974 Mazda added the Rotary Engine Pickup, the first and only Wankel-powered pickup. It used a four-port 1.3-liter 13B with a four-barrel carburetor, flared fenders and a battery under the bed. Sales fell from 14,366 in 1974 to 632 in 1976 and 1,161 in 1977, after which it was dropped. It retailed for around $3,500.
The truck's strong US sales, mostly under Ford badges, helped relieve Mazda's cash-flow troubles after the 1970s energy crisis. It was replaced in April 1977 by the third generation.