Cool Japanese Classic

These L10B Mazda Cosmos are more than a cool-looking novelty. The high revving rotary engine, five speed transmission and lightweight (2200 lb) body, combine to make this a driver's car that will make you smile. On offer is a fine “sympathetically restored” example from the large private collection of a JDM enthusiast.

The story of #777

Although the number of previous owners is not know, the current owner, an avid JDM collector, purchased #777 from one of the largest rotary-engined car collections in Japan. This wonderful example has only ever been sympathetically restored and therefore never fully apart. This means that it will drive better and will remain more solid than a car that’s been taken apart and put back together. The rear window has a period mesh style “tint” with the words “Cosmo Sport Owner’s Club” visible near the base, which indicates long-term enthusiast ownership. Since arriving in the USA, the car was titled and driven sparingly. Though serviced regularly and always kept in good running order.

History of the Cosmo

The first rotary engined car, Mazda Cosmo were hand built at the rate of approximately one per day. It’s believed that there were only 1,176 L10B Cosmos built between 1968 and 1972. The Series II/L10B was introduced in July, 1968. It had a more-powerful 128 hp 0813 engine, power brakes, 15 inch wheels and a 5-speed manual transmission. The wheelbase had been expanded by 15 inches for more room and a better ride. This Cosmo was good for over 120 mph and could accelerate to cover a quarter mile in 15.8 seconds.

Restoration

Sympathetically restored in Japan prior to the current owner's purchase, the paint was done long enough ago to bear some patina, but not so long ago that it looks to need refurbishment. The interior is exceptional, you will notice correct and perfect seats, original diamond pattern leather and a brand new carpet. The dashboard looks to be all original and excellent, though an aftermarket air conditioning system, which works very well, was added at some point in #777's past. The steering wheel, air cleaner, wheels and hubcaps are all correct and original to this car. These are often missing and if you compare #777 to recent public sales, you’ll see the majority of cars on offer without these often difficult to find original pieces. They typically sport custom rims and steering wheels and other odd pieces. You can see from the pics that the undercarriage remains in excellent original condition without rust issues and without any structural issues or repairs.

Market Trends

Mazda Cosmos have now become an established “collector car”. Over the past two years (from August 2014 to date) seven Cosmos have sold publicly at auctions in the USA. Prices have ranged from $82,500 for a car needing work and showing rust, to $264,000 for a remarkable, marquee expert restored example. Five of the seven cars sold for a market correct $110,000 to $145,000. This is where we've placed the estimate on #777, though it's history and current condition should place it in a higher condition class than the best of these five market-correct examples.

Summary

Offered here is a very correct, well maintained, enthusiast owned Mazda Cosmo. Though a common entrant in public auctions, few can be compared in quality to this car, so you're unlikely to find a better example offered with a reserve as low as #777.