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55k Original Miles: 1972 Mazda B1600 Pickup

It is common to find pickups with nearly five decades under their belt looking pretty battered and bruised. Most of them work hard to justify their existence, and their panels and paint pay the price. That is what makes this 1972 Mazda B1600 a breath of fresh air. Its panels are remarkably straight, and it has been sitting in a pole barn since 1980. The owner states that it has 55,000 original miles on the clock, and given how short its active life was before it went into hibernation, I see no reason to doubt that claim. Its paint looks tired, but below the surface, this is a solid little vehicle that would make a satisfying restoration project. If you find yourself sorely tempted by this classic, you will find it located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. You could park this marvelous old Mazda in your garage for $3,950.

There’s a bit for potential buyers to consider with this little Mazda. It wears its original Medium Blue paint, although this now shows its age. There are numerous small cracks and some checking, and there’s little doubt that it would benefit from a repaint. Surface corrosion is beginning to peak through the paint in these spots, so the buyer will probably choose to strip the vehicle to bare metal to achieve a high-quality finish. Alternatively, they could neutralize the surface corrosion and apply a clear coat to preserve the vehicle’s survivor appearance. The surface corrosion seems to be the worst of this classic’s problems. As previously mentioned, it has appeared through the paint in a few places, and the vehicle’s underside also wears a consistent coating. However, genuine penetrating rust seems to be confined to a tiny spot on the passenger side rocker. It isn’t bad, and the buyer could tackle it with a simple patch. The panels were a few marks and bruises, but these could be addressed without resorting to panel replacement. The back window is missing, but the remaining glass looks in good condition. Overall, this looks like a restoration project that would be perfect for undertaking in a home workshop.

While the seat is missing and the door trims have seen better days, this Mazda’s interior still manages to pack a surprise or two. My fingers itch when I look at this photo because all I want to do is get to work and clean that dash. The lack of a back window has allowed plenty of dust to find its way inside this pickup since 1980, and most of it seems to have landed on the dash. When you look below that dust, the dash and pad appear to be in excellent condition. There is no evidence of cracking or other problems, and nobody has cut the dash to install aftermarket components. The gauges look crisp and clean, while the same is true of the wheel. This interior would present exceptionally well with everything thoroughly cleaned and a new seat, door trims, and carpet.

Lifting the hood of this classic reveals a 1,586cc four-cylinder engine that would have punched out 94hp in its prime. The power found its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission. Given this pickup’s low weight, that combination equated to lively performance when this vehicle was new. It seems that it hasn’t fired a shot in anger since 1980, and the buyer might face some tinkering to coax it back to life. The owner says that the motor turns freely. Given how relatively bulletproof these Mazda engines are, it may be a matter of performing some essential maintenance and a fuel system clean to have that four purring like a kitten. There’s no doubt that perishable items and the brakes will require attention. Once again, these are tasks that the buyer could tackle in a home workshop. The owner states that this pickup has 55,000 original miles on the clock, and since it only saw eight years of active duty before it was placed into hibernation, I find this claim very plausible.

The 1972 Mazda B1600 it’s not a megabucks vehicle in the current market. However, light pickups continue to grow in popularity, which means that values are also climbing. That could make this one a fantastic long-term investment. It is also worth considering that it represents a pretty straightforward restoration project, and it would be a brilliant one for a first-timer to tackle if they harbor a desire to be hands-on. If you have been searching for an affordable project, this Mazda is worth a closer look.

Comments

  1. Avatar alphasud Member

    Would make a fun little truck to commute in. If it was one of the rare rotary engine trucks it would probably be worth 5 times the asking. My neighbor growing up had both a red rotary pick-up and a yellow RX3. Back then I had no interest in those cars. Today however I’m like a child when I see one in good condition.

    Like 3
  2. Avatar DRV

    This is a great find. The bed looks good which usually is the first part to turn to dust. These also are cool because the bed looks more integral to the design than other mini trucks .
    I want this more than the Datsun!

    Like 1
    • Avatar Car Nut from Tacoma

      I agree. Datsuns, Toyotas, and Isuzus are nice trucks in their own way, but I’ve always liked Mazda B series trucks, particularly these early Mazda trucks. I’d buy one if there’s one that can be driven under its own power.

      Like 0
  3. Avatar Nevadahalfrack Member

    Replace the seat and rear window, do a safety check, paint it and make it a driver. As I recall these motors have gone on running until the body falls apart around it, and it doesn’t seem you can’t buy anything worthwhile for $4k right now.

    Like 2
  4. Avatar Bob C.

    I was expecting to see a rotary engine in there.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar Chas H

    Truck is whipped for only 55K miles. Wear on door seals and under the hood doesn’t happen from sitting. I had an ’84 b1800 that was an excellent little truck but had 77 HP, so I’m unsure this 1600 truly has 94 HP. The flimsy frame on my truck rusted away while everything else, including the interior was is great condition. More work here to get the truck drivable than it’s worth.

    Like 1
  6. Avatar Troy

    Having owned the Ford courier version of this little truck I would have to say that odometer has rolled at least once unless they can document otherwise. Paint doesn’t get that far gone sitting in a barn either way mine was a fun little truck to have this will make a great little run around rig for someone

    Like 1
    • Avatar Ralph

      Agree 100% this sure looks like 155K miles over 8 years time. Got a gut feeling this one has a few other issues or surprises for the next owner. Seller could be ignorant of the total mileage, but being honest is a good thing.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Car Nut Tacoma

    Nice looking Mazda truck. Assuming there are parts still available, I can see this being a good restoration project.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar bobhess Member

    We bought a pristine ’80 in ’86 to use as a shop truck. Fiberglass bed cover, AC, and the interior out of the Sport model. Forgot what engine was in it, but to this day it was the slowest vehicle we’ve ever owned. It would cruise at 65 but you had to take a lunch with you to get there.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar chrlsful

    power wash, vac, check for safety, go’n stop – daily it.
    Maintain till tired of it (hard to get in’n out) and put a sign on it…
    Free ‘car’ for awhile~

    Like 0

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