Trying to track down history on my widebody targa (rotary engineering / petty enterp)
02-29-12, 10:12 PM
#1
Trying to track down history on my widebody targa (rotary engineering / petty enterp)
Its getting nicer and as soon as I fix my GS, Im selling it to focus more on the widebody I have. No real need for two as I would rather just spend the money and focus on one.
I was doing some basic research, but am trying to find out as much as I can about the history and modifications done to this car.
Here is a picture for those who don't know:
And here is what I have found out so far:
Rotary Engineering Widebody kit? The magazine ad below is strikingly similar to the way my widebody looked before the previous owner started the body work. Pic 1 is the ad, pic 2 and 3 are 'in progress' pictures. Could it really be the same car? Im really trying to figure this one out. If it is, I am painting it the same colors again.
Note the paint on the hood
I am thinking that the targa could be made by Petty Engineering in California. Here is a quick ad from them:
Mine has a fiberglass roof with the 'vette style latches that connect to the original roof. The weather stripping is different (due to the past work and age). The frame has been reinforces with what looks like channeling bolted and welded through the floor. Id have to figure out how to check the windshield and rocker reinforcements some how but not sure how.
Im trying to get as much information as possible about both companies in hopes to find out what exactly I have. Id like to 'restore' it to a certain point to almost 'hold on' to some (what could be) history.
Thanks! And I can grab more pictures if needed.
I was doing some basic research, but am trying to find out as much as I can about the history and modifications done to this car.
Here is a picture for those who don't know:
And here is what I have found out so far:
Rotary Engineering Widebody kit? The magazine ad below is strikingly similar to the way my widebody looked before the previous owner started the body work. Pic 1 is the ad, pic 2 and 3 are 'in progress' pictures. Could it really be the same car? Im really trying to figure this one out. If it is, I am painting it the same colors again.
Note the paint on the hood
I am thinking that the targa could be made by Petty Engineering in California. Here is a quick ad from them:
Mine has a fiberglass roof with the 'vette style latches that connect to the original roof. The weather stripping is different (due to the past work and age). The frame has been reinforces with what looks like channeling bolted and welded through the floor. Id have to figure out how to check the windshield and rocker reinforcements some how but not sure how.
Im trying to get as much information as possible about both companies in hopes to find out what exactly I have. Id like to 'restore' it to a certain point to almost 'hold on' to some (what could be) history.
Thanks! And I can grab more pictures if needed.
02-29-12, 11:41 PM
#6
Amazing piece of machinery, always marveled at the styling and overall fit of the vehicle whenever I saw it. I hope you find the history you are looking for Chris, its an awesome car. I know this is noob sounding, but you could do carfax or such. I might do my car in the future just to see what they have recorded for my car since I'm at least the 4th or 5th owner according to the documents i got with mine
03-01-12, 06:59 AM
#7
Chris, that would be cool if your car is the same one in the rotary Engineering Ad. I would contact them, although back then, they were out of California. I don't think the current company has any links to the one back then. Do you have any info on the previous owners and what states it was registered in?
I'd assume the original RE car was a California car and as such would have had the emissions sticker in the drivers rear quarter glass along with some specific, CA only smog equipment under the hood. These could have been removed with all the work done to your car, but the center iron on california cars has an additional opening on the top. Does your have this? I can post a pic of the difference later.
I'd assume the original RE car was a California car and as such would have had the emissions sticker in the drivers rear quarter glass along with some specific, CA only smog equipment under the hood. These could have been removed with all the work done to your car, but the center iron on california cars has an additional opening on the top. Does your have this? I can post a pic of the difference later.
Trending Topics
03-01-12, 09:29 AM
#8
Waffles - hmmm good
iTrader: (1)
Banzai is correct, RE as it was known back in the day no longer exists and the
current company by that name is not in anyway descended from it. Maybe you
can find out the RE owner names and try contacting them directly.
current company by that name is not in anyway descended from it. Maybe you
can find out the RE owner names and try contacting them directly.
03-01-12, 10:59 AM
#9
The magazine ad lists Wayne Graham and even the city where the company was located. You may get lucky with a internet person search. I tried to locate the original owner of my 1980 car who also was from california. I bought it from the 2nd owner (arizona) who told me she was in her 50's when she bought it new and owned it for like 25 years. I found an old insurance card for the lady in the car and tried to find her but was unsucessful. She may have died. I agree, this Mr. Grahm may have other pictures and info on the real car to confirm your thoughts.
03-01-12, 12:55 PM
#10
The only information I have regarding the previous owners is that the husband (who passed away after painting the car) of the lady who I bought it from picked it up from a shop in PA who was going to fix it. That shop got it from a police auction or something similar where they completely stripped down the car looking for anything on a case they were working. Safe to say, one of the owners went to jail. Its funny, because when I took the carpet out to rewire some things, I noticed a hoe cut in the floor going to the frame rail that was almost boxed in. I dont know, maybe a hidden compartment? haha
As for a VIN check, that will be difficult to do as it is 11 digits compared to the 17 from 1981/2 up.
I called Mariah Motorsports and found out that Rotary Engineering actually worked through MM to design and build the widebody kit that is the same style that I currently own.
I may call Mariah again and ask if they have any contacts for those who may have worked for RE. It would be nice to get somewhere with this other than spinning in circles.
I am tempted to find out though so I can 'partially restore' the exterior at least (paint wise).
As for a VIN check, that will be difficult to do as it is 11 digits compared to the 17 from 1981/2 up.
I called Mariah Motorsports and found out that Rotary Engineering actually worked through MM to design and build the widebody kit that is the same style that I currently own.
I may call Mariah again and ask if they have any contacts for those who may have worked for RE. It would be nice to get somewhere with this other than spinning in circles.
I am tempted to find out though so I can 'partially restore' the exterior at least (paint wise).
03-01-12, 01:08 PM
#12
Also forgot to mention, the engine in the car currently is not he same as the one from the factory. I have a 82/83 engine in there currently so I doubt even that would hint to anything 
Edit: @Chris - Yes most likely. If not, I will do the car in the white like it is currently, and replace the medium / dark blue strips (like in the ad) with a medium and dark gold.
Edit: @Chris - Yes most likely. If not, I will do the car in the white like it is currently, and replace the medium / dark blue strips (like in the ad) with a medium and dark gold.
03-01-12, 10:48 PM
#13
Well, that sucks, But here is the CA engine with the EGR opening in the middle. You might be able to contact and ask Racing beat or Mazdatrix. It's a small world most of the time and someone at one of those places may know what happened to RE or Mr. Grahm. DD knows some of the guys at Racing Beat. Maybe he knows someone there to ask. I have an article out of the May 81 Rotary Rocket that has an article about RE back in the day. I can scan and send it to you if you want.
03-02-12, 06:33 AM
#14
Chris, I sent that article to your gmail account. It does mention that the owner of Rotary Engineering: Wayne Grahm, knew and was friends with Jim Mederer from Racing Beat. There's a possibile connection to finding this Grahm and possibily confirming the history of your car! Goodluck.
03-05-12, 03:10 PM
#19
Spoke to a nice gentleman at Mazda Corporate. Because the VIN is only 11 digits, he was unable ot look into anything. He is relaying my name and contact information to a guy who has been there for 25+ years who may have access to at least the dealership location.
Edit 1: Mazda called back and only had this information:
Assembly Date: Feb 27, 1980
Sell Date: May 10, 1980
Engine #: 12A2160852
Edit 2:
I called Racing Beat and spoke with Tanner who helped me out immensely!
Jim Mederer and Wayne Grahm are both around and still involved with both companies! Racing Beat and Rotary Engineering (which is now part of Mariah).
Back on the phone with Mariah I go!
He also mentioned Pacific T-Top as another place who thought about doing the Targa conversions at one point.
Edit 1: Mazda called back and only had this information:
Assembly Date: Feb 27, 1980
Sell Date: May 10, 1980
Engine #: 12A2160852
Edit 2:
I called Racing Beat and spoke with Tanner who helped me out immensely!
Jim Mederer and Wayne Grahm are both around and still involved with both companies! Racing Beat and Rotary Engineering (which is now part of Mariah).
Back on the phone with Mariah I go!
He also mentioned Pacific T-Top as another place who thought about doing the Targa conversions at one point.
03-05-12, 03:20 PM
#20
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
Posts: 30,789
Received 2,569 Likes
on
1,828 Posts
its should show the selling dealer on the warranty inquiry, and it used to do the SA style vin's, but its been a while since the SA's were under warranty..... although its actually possible
03-05-12, 08:18 PM
#21
At least you know the engine S/N now. I thought without the window sticker there was no available way to find out or confirm it. Sounds like your close to finding out if your car is actually the one!
The original drivetrain warrenty on SA's were 3yr/50K miles which ever came first.
The original drivetrain warrenty on SA's were 3yr/50K miles which ever came first.
03-05-12, 10:06 PM
#22
Id like to thank Rich and Chris for the following ad:
It appears to have similar wheels (judging by the lip) and mirrors. It appears at the time of this picture, it didnt have the targa conversion which would make sense being an SCCA car driven by Patty Pfiefer.
But, could the targa have been added after? If so, why would the paint scheme be SO similar? Maybe one of the owners knew about the car and thought it fit?
Who knows. I will figure this out though.
It appears to have similar wheels (judging by the lip) and mirrors. It appears at the time of this picture, it didnt have the targa conversion which would make sense being an SCCA car driven by Patty Pfiefer.
But, could the targa have been added after? If so, why would the paint scheme be SO similar? Maybe one of the owners knew about the car and thought it fit?
Who knows. I will figure this out though.
