The Plymouth Arrow was a captive import from Mitsubishi that helped improve Chrysler’s fuel mileage claims from 1976 to 1980. For two years (1979 and 1980), they offered the Fire Arrow model, which claimed sportier looks and performance. These are hard to find today, and this one may be a unicorn in that someone has transplanted a Mazda rotary engine. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, this one-of-a-kind fastback needs some tinkering and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,800 OBO. A salute to Rocco B. for the tip!
Only one body style of the Fire Arrow was offered, a hatchback. It was originally powered by a 2.6-liter inline-4 that produced 105 horsepower, which wasn’t bad, considering the whole car weighed only about 2,150 lbs. So, it could move along at a spritely pace, had an upgraded suspension, and 4-wheel disc brakes for stopping. It had some interesting graphics that set it apart from the regular Arrow. Once Chrysler had the K-cars, the Arrow was dropped in the U.S.
For reasons unknown, the original 4-banger was replaced with a 1.3-liter, 13B Wankel rotary engine built by Mazda. They used the 13B for some 40 years in a variety of products, perhaps because they could produce up to 150 hp. Reportedly, the trade-offs for more power resulted in higher fuel consumption and more dedicated maintenance. We don’t know when the swap was made in this car or how many of its 78,500 miles have had the rotary powerplant.
The body looks okay, and the paint is likely original and worn. The interior is a contrasting color, but no photos are included to verify the condition. We’re told the car runs and drives, but needs some “adjustments,” whatever that means. The seller doesn’t sound as though much movement on the price will be considered, as he is in “no rush” to sell. I assume getting parts for the engine won’t be hard, considering its long history with Mazda.
Wild conversion on a rare car.
Certainly rare today, but not so much in the late 70s / early 80s. Saw many of these back in the day tricked out by their 2nd and 3rd boy-racer owners in all sorts of ways…
The Fire Arrow might be rare, but how many people remember it, of those that do, how many would buy one? The engine swap probably doesn’t hurt its value, the few purists that want one of these cars may not like it, but they are likely offset by those drawn to the increased performance along with the potential for even more power.
At one point in time “hot rodding” was about modifying a car to increase performance using what parts were available. This seems to be the case with this car. I hope it finds a good home.
It will also draw a crowd at a coffee and cars.
Steve R
They’ve basically made this a car few people would want. If you’re buying an Arrow, you want the original powerplant.
The 340 V-8 swap is also very nice!
Also period-correct, as I’ve read Mopar Direct Connection even sold kits for the V8 swap at the time.
All Arrows are hatchbacks, if you wanted a different bodystyle, you bought the similar Dodge Colt.
Mazda rotary swaps are A Thing in vintage-Japanese-car circles, if not as much as they were a few years ago.
Not just Japanese cars. I had a friend that back in ’72 or so crammed one into a ’67 Sprite.
To each their own, but I find this much more interesting with the swap. It’s probably a hoot to drive now.
Maybe… depends on how that 13b was tuned. Years ago had an acquaintance hot rod his quite nice RX7… fancy and expensive induction, porting and exhaust bits. Over 4000 rpm the thing screamed (both figuratively and literally)… but was essentially undriveable on the street… throttle was basically a toggle switch …but to each their own (and I have a rotary in my fleet)…
Yup, people often overlook that low-end torque and high-end peak HP tend to have an inverse relationship — if you maximize power at high RPM, you sacrifice streetable drivability at low RPM.
Possibly your buddy could have resolved that problem by retuning the carburetor or swapping in a smaller carb.
Forgot all about these. They were a good looking car.
The wankel conversion is unique, got to love what humans come up with.
You have to remember that these are basically a “tarted up” rwd. Dodge Colt underneath. Which was a, very good rally car. (Strong body, good handling and long suspension travel) In fact Steve Nowicki competed with a Fire Arrow and was the national production class champion for five years using one of these. That torquey 2.6 was wonderful off the road! The one thing that rotary engine users find out. Is that the exhaust is VERY HOT! Extra care must be used with engine conversions. I remember a Mazda GLC rally car with a transplanted rotory where the navigator’s shoes started to melt on the floor and climbed in back because the driver wouldn’t stop. Then the navigators seat burst into flames. All this and it hadn’t completed 5 miles into the first special stage! Sound familiar Mr. Blok? At the next rally, John Buffum, Rod Millen, myself and a couple of other drivers stood around the car with marshmallows on sticks waiting for the flames! Mr. Blok was not amused!