Puntiki: I adore these cool little cars, especially when they are done up nicely with a high powered rotary engine like the car above. The RX3 was originally produced in 1972 with a 10A Wankel engine. It came in a coupe version, a 4 door, and even a station wagon. The engine was then upgraded to the 12A Wankel engine in 1974 and the front nose cone was changed with a few other modifications at the same time to update the vehicle.
They appear to be popular all over the world with prices rapidly rising. I can remember when the going price for a good one was $NZ 5,000, now you'd need to hand over $15,000 NZ to even get a reasonable one. Be sure to check the chassis # and make sure it is not a converted Mazda 808. The 808 was the piston powered alternative to the RX-3, and is not as valuable even if someone has transplanted a rotary engine into it.
You either like rotary engined vehicles or you don't, but they (engines) are a technological masterpiece and capable of very high hp with a few mods from knowledgable mechanical engineers like Brian Connell at Mazsport Services in Glenfield. It is common now to find highly modified turbo and ported RX3's that will blitz your average Ferrari over the 1/4 mile.
The RX-3 was and still is prone to rust, thrashings, wheel spinning, donuts and unfortunately theft. Make sure if you own one you lock it up or it will go, some pillock will steal it in a heart beat. I want one, especially the car above, but I am prepared to take possession of it legally if the owner will sell for a reasonable price.
Pablo: Puntiki said : "You either like rotary engined vehicles or you don't". I don't, and I don't like this car either. I'm sure its a cult classic, but you only have to look at the sort of people who join cults to see why this is a bad car.
14 comments:
I have a strong feeling that this car with that shape could be a vintage car that could easily be brought back to life with a bit of work and new power and updated mod's in suspension and of the likes of power, interior and ouches to the body but not much on the last one. it would be purely for performance purposed ONLY
It is a collector car now. It would be great if Mazda did a retro version.....
MMMMM the RX3 want one now, how much Puntiki
Hi cockeye. Bloody great to have you on the blog. I challange you to have a real RX3 coupe before I do. If so I will buy you a tank of gas for it, and a bottle of Jack. If not you do the same for me. I am not sure how much the RX3 above would be, but I am sure it would be over $20,000NZ. Probably worth that too. MOO
Well sounds like a fair contest, how about 2 tanks of gas, one to start it up and one to get it out of the garage.
Cockeye
How about you go to Andrews place and do a deal. Take Riaz, he will keep the old lady calm while you are working the numbers. If you get a RX3 coupe(original not 808) before I visit next week then I will get you two tanks of gas.
Who said Japanese cars don't have a respectable heritage? Good on Mazda for sticking with the rotary. RX8s are all the rage in the UK at the moment, although I'm sure my flatmate is not the only one who thinks he shouldn't have to top the oil up regularly after shelling out £20,000!
Even the new M3 chugs the oil.
Ashamed to say I owned one of these. Was my first car.
Horrible pieces of shit to work on.
Kudos to Mazda for keeping the rotary engine alive, but lets be honest - someone pulls up next to you in one of these and you have to smirk.
I think it is a brilliant first car. Don't be ashamed buddy...... :-)
Dion said..
Yours was an RX2 4 door Ry, just to be an evil corrector. When you pulled up at the lights the traffic parted in fear of it exploding. It's nickname was the "Bog rocket"
I had a 1978 Maz 323, 2 door with a 12A, blew up on the motorway the first time I opened it up.
You have to have a good sense of humour to own one, but you get to say Wankel all the time.
this is an awsome car.i hav had a sedan version of the rx3 with a 13b turbo and that woz insane.GO MAZDA
Interesting article, added his blog to Favorites
Great car. It deserves its place in the automobile hall of fame.
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