In the heart of Germiston, a Mazda Capella 13B Rotary rumbles to life, turning heads with its unmistakable rotary sound. Owned by Barend Burger, this old-school icon has been a passion project for the past four years. With a deep love for classic cars and a close-knit rotary community, Barend has transformed his
Capella into a machine that stands out both in performance and craftsmanship.
The Inspiration: A Love for Old-School and Rotary Power
For Barend, the decision to modify his Capella was an easy one. “I love old school, and nothing sounds like a rotary,” he says. His passion for these unique engines is fueled by the rotary community, where enthusiasts come together to showcase their builds, exchange ideas, and appreciate each other’s unique styles. Seeing the variety of setups and personal touches in the community encouraged him to make his Capella truly his own
Under the Hood: A True Rotary Build
At the heart of Barend’s Capella sits a 13B rotary engine with a street ported carburetor setup, built by Gian Heysteen and fine-tuned by Jacques Kruger. Unlike many modern builds, this Capella stays naturally aspirated, relying on the raw power of a well-tuned rotary engine rather than forced induction.
Key modifications include:
- Custom-built aluminum radiator with fan cowling, ensuring optimal cooling.
- 5-speed turbo gearbox, enhancing drivability and performance.
- 63mm stainless steel exhaust, delivering both performance gains and that signature rotary soundtrack.
With no dyno testing yet, the true power figures remain unknown, but the improvements in stability and responsiveness speak for themselves.
Suspension and Braking: Built for Stability
A car like this isn’t just about raw power—it’s about control. Barend worked with Super Team Joe Lema, replacing all the suspension’s bolt joints with roast joints for a more stable and responsive ride.
Braking has also seen a significant upgrade with four-pot calipers at both the front and rear, giving the Capella serious stopping power. Whether cruising through the streets or pushing the car to its limits, these upgrades ensure that performance is matched with safety.
Custom Work and Personal Touches
One of the aspects Barend is most proud of is the custom aluminum fabrication he’s done himself. From cooling components to various other modifications, the level of hands-on craftsmanship makes this build uniquely his. His engine bay, in particular, always grabs attention, with its clean setup and polished custom work.
For Barend, driving the Capella is more than just getting from point A to B—it’s an experience. The sound, the power, and the attention it draws make every drive special. “The sound and the attention,” he says, are what he enjoys most, proving that rotary power is as much about the feel as it is about performance.
Words of Advice for New Builders
For anyone looking to start their own car modification journey, Barend has simple but valuable advice: “Try and do it yourself where you can… and do it correctly from the start.” It’s a lesson every builder learns—rushing or cutting corners only leads to more work down the line.
Written by: Elanda Lambert
Photography: Nathan Van Niekerk
Owner: Barend Burger