Mazda RX-3 Wagon: A Classic Rotary Treasure

Today, we spotlight a true collector’s gem: the 1974 Mazda RX-3 Wagon. This distinctive rotary-powered vehicle exemplifies Mazda’s innovative engineering and classic design, making it a sought-after treasure among enthusiasts.

This particular 1974 Mazda RX-3 Wagon has been meticulously preserved and was built for a dedicated Mazda collector. It has been stored indoors for over a decade, ensuring its pristine condition and originality. The seller reports that the vehicle features a recently rebuilt and street-ported 13B rotary engine, offering a perfect blend of power and smooth operation. Enhancements include an MSD ignition system, a Holley fuel setup, and a carefully tuned carburetor, all contributing to its impressive performance.

Under the hood, the car retains its original charm while boasting modern upgrades. The 5-speed manual transmission is paired with 4-spoke alloy wheels borrowed from a Mazda RX-7, adding to its sporty appeal. The wagon’s versatile design made it stand out in its era, offering practicality with a touch of sporty flair.

The Mazda RX-3 was first introduced in 1971, offering a variety of body styles including coupe, saloon, and estate—like this unique rotary wagon. Although globally known as the RX-3, Mazda used this name primarily for export markets. In Japan, this model was called the Mazda Savanna.

Powering the US-market RX-3 was Mazda’s 1146cc 12A rotary engine, which produced approximately 125 horsepower. Other markets saw the use of a slightly smaller 10A engine with 109 horsepower. Over its production run, a total of 286,757 RX-3 units were built, making it one of Mazda’s most popular rotary models, surpassed only by the subsequent RX-7 generations.

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