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.
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