Mazda Cosmo (L10A/L10B). 1967–72 (prod. 1,176). 2-door coupé. F/R, 982 cm³ (Wankel 2 × 491 cm³). World’s first multi-rotor Wankel-powered production car (NSU had introduced its Wankel Spider some years earlier with a single rotor; though Mazda had been showing prototypes at the Tokyo Show as early as 1963). Low-slung body, at a mere 1,165 mm in height, and a low bonnet line, to suggest how compact the engine was. L10A from 1967, with high compression (9·4 ratio) and two spark plugs per chamber with dual distributors. Good for 110 PS at 7,000 rpm, and very light, at 940 kg. Very smooth, refined engine. Independent suspension up front with double wishbones and coils; rear also independent. Fully synchronized four-speed manual and rack-and-pinion steering. Discs up front and drums at rear. Low, front-midship location for the rotary engine. Seven gauges on the dashboard. Battery in the boot initially. Very quiet cabin, thanks to the rotary. Cheaper than the Isuzu 117 Coupé and Toyota 2000 GT, but more than the Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) and the Prince Skyline 2000GT-B. Revisions in 1968 to L10B with more power (128 PS), bigger radiator intake, better brakes, and longer wheelbase and wider tread.

Manufacturing location: Hiroshima, Japan

Marque: Mazda | Model: Mazda Cosmo | Successor: Mazda Cosmo AP