This 1994 Mazda Protege (VIN JM1BG2247R0810271) started as a running Craigslist find in need of a new clutch. Picked up for a couple of hundred bucks, the shop-owning seller shares a post-purchase video detailing their “rallycross” build ambitions, for which they impose a few base rules like a ~$500 transformation budget and restriction to use of simple, readily available hand tools. The finished product is much more lighthearted tribute than legit rally car, but it actually looks pretty good and should be fun to toss around on gravel–it even has a hydraulic E-brake. Additionally, it remains street legal, the motor sounds very healthy, and the seller claims that it’s rust-free and ready to be daily driven. The A/C does need a recharge, though. Find it here on eBay in Loomis, California with no reserve beyond a $1,795 starting bid.

Exterior mods are fairly simple and include a custom fabbed light bar, stripes, and a used set of TSW wheels with what the seller refers to as gravel and dirt tires. Stock steel wheels are also included, and the car features a slight lift thanks to front struts from a 2004 Kia Spectra. Mazda decals and numbers are vinyl, while red and blue stripes are described as a “removable” rattle can job. Neither hurt the car’s appearance, and they seem decently well applied as well.

Though it’s fairly basic, the interior has cleaned up nicely and appears free of any damage. Using a parts bin Honda clutch master cylinder and some basic tubing, the seller fabricated a hydraulic handbrake seen mounted through the passenger floor, also adding a lighted aftermarket oil temp gauge. No roll cage though, and the horrible power seatbelts remain. Heat still works very well, and gauges and lights appear to as well. As noted above, A/C is non-op, and the seller suspects it needs a charge.

The odometer reads just shy of 150k miles, and alongside a new clutch, the seller noted that a new timing belt would be installed as well–check out the video linked above. Other work included a general tuneup, fitment of a lightened flywheel, and an exhaust cutout which dumps just ahead of the right front tire. Elsewhere, despite a 2 1/2″ inch Magnaflow (or similar) equipped cat-back, all other stock exhaust components including the cat remain intact. Initially the seller thought about adapting a light boost pressure junkyard turbo setup, but seems to have decided against it. Good for about 105 HP in what is essentially stock form, the little SOHC 1.8 won’t be a powerhouse, but it sounds healthy and is said to be leak and smoke-free.

Said to drive well, the ad does note that the passenger side axle could stand to be replaced due to a noise on heavy acceleration. As for the light bar, the housings are cheap parts store items with 100-watt bulbs added and wired into the brights. The car’s ask might be a bit inflated considering the disclosed purchase and build costs, but it’s always cool to see someone enjoying themselves in creative ways with cheap, throwaway cars. Maybe its time for a Lemons-like rally series…