I have had my SA for almost three years now and I was wondering if anyone knew how many 1979 automatics were made for the U.S.? I did search the Forum but did not find what I was looking for. What I am trying to find out is how rare is my '79 . Any help would be appreciated

thanks,

Rotor Nut

 

I have one.

 

I have a Spark Yellow 1979 SA automatic.
(also a Spark Yellow 1979 SA 5 speed)

 

trash the auto.... hahaha

 

wow forgot all about this thread, so we got three on the forum then.

 

I have a 1980 auto. I've never seen a ratio or number breakout. Although the manuals out number the auto's they might not be as uncommon (originally) as you think. Some buyers wanted the sportyness of the car plus the luxury of an automatic. Many such cars have been converted by subsequent 2nd and 3rd owners who typically were younger and wanted to manually stroke their gears.

 

back when these were built, the manual tranny was standard. to get an auto, it was an extra charge.

 

Yes, for a few hundred more, you could have the automatic. The top -o- the line GS had a sunroof, alloys and automatic. At least these were the highest sticker cars. This is what helped create the preception that automatics equaled luxury. This was atractive to the older and female buyers. You couldn't order the car equiped a certin way, Mazda produced the mix they determined.