11 Rare Mazdas You Didn’t Know About – Specs, Design & Value
Bottom line: Mazda has built a handful of oddball models over the decades – from a tiny micro‑car to a turbo‑charged sedan – that never saw mass production, but each tells a quirky chapter of the brand’s history.
11 Rare Mazdas You Didn’t Know About – Specs, Design & Value
Image: 11 Rare Mazdas You Didn’t Know About – Specs, Design & Value – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Quick glance at the lineup
- Mazda R360 Coupé – Japan’s first affordable sports car (1969).
- Mazda Cosmo Sport 20 – First production rotary‑engine vehicle (1967).
- Mazda RX‑7 Turbo R (JDM) – Limited‑run turbo version for Japan only (1990).
- Mazda Familia GT‑A – Rare fastback based on the Familia, built for rally homologation (1978).
- Mazda MX‑5 10th Anniversary Edition – Hand‑built roadster with carbon‑fiber trim (1998).
- Mazda Luce 2.0 L – Luxury sedan sold only in Japan, with a rare V6.
- Mazda Biante – Mini‑MPV with a quirky “cab‑forward” design (1999).
- Mazda Millenia (US‑only V6) – Luxury flagship with a unique 2.3 L V6 (1996‑2002).
- Mazda Demio X9 – Concept hatchback that never reached production (2001).
- Mazda Axela Crossover – One‑off crossover prototype based on the Axela (2006).
- Mazda Roadster 2+2 – Experimental 4‑seat MX‑5 conversion (2005).
Design & Looks
These cars range from the angular, futuristic look of the Cosmo Sport 20 to the playful, compact charm of the R360 Coupé. The RX‑7 Turbo R added a bulging rear spoiler and matte black trim, while the MX‑5 10th Anniversary showcased carbon‑fiber seats and a special badge. Even the modest Demio X9 concept featured sleek LED headlights that hinted at today’s design language.
Performance & Mileage
Most rare Mazdas were built for niche markets, so performance varies widely. The rotary‑powered Cosmo delivered 110 hp at high revs, whereas the Family GT‑A offered a peppy 1.8‑L engine that could sprint a 0‑60 time under 9 seconds. Fuel economy is modest – the 2.0 L Luce averages about 22 mpg city, while the tiny R360 tops out at a frugal 38 mpg.
Price & Rivals
Because they never hit the mainstream market, these models now fetch collector‑grade prices. Expect a well‑preserved Cosmo to start around $30,000, while the RX‑7 Turbo R can climb beyond $70,000. Their rivals were often niche imports or domestic sport coupes of the same era, but Mazda’s unique engineering – especially the rotary engine – set them apart.
Specs at a glance
| Model | Engine | Mileage (mpg) | Price (USD) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R360 Coupé | 0.36 L I4 | 38 | $8,000‑$12,000 | Lightweight chassis, retro styling |
| Cosmo Sport 20 | 1.1 L rotary | 28 | $30,000‑$45,000 | Rotary engine, sleek fastback |
| RX‑7 Turbo R | 1.3 L rotary turbo | 22 | $70,000‑$90,000 | Turbocharger, limited edition badge |
| Familia GT‑A | 1.8 L I4 | 25 | $15,000‑$20,000 | Rally‑homologated, sporty suspension |
| MX‑5 10th Anniv. | 1.8 L I4 | 30 | $25,000‑$35,000 | Carbon‑fiber interior, special badge |
| Luce 2.0 L | 2.0 L V6 | 22 | $12,000‑$18,000 | Luxury trim, rear-wheel drive |
| Biante | 1.8 L I4 | 27 | $9,000‑$14,000 | Cab‑forward design, flexible seating |
| Millenia (V6) | 2.3 L V6 | 20 | $20,000‑$30,000 | Premium interior, all‑wheel drive |
| Demio X9 | 1.5 L I4 | 34 | Concept only | LED headlights, sporty hatch |
| Axela Crossover | 2.0 L I4 | 28 | Prototype only | Higher ride height, rugged look |
| Roadster 2+2 | 1.8 L I4 | 29 | Prototype only | Four‑seat layout, extended wheelbase |
FAQ
- What is the mileage of the Mazda Cosmo Sport 20? The rotary‑engine Cosmo averages about 28 mpg combined.
- Is the Mazda RX‑7 Turbo R worth buying for collectors? Yes, its limited production and unique turbo rotary make it highly sought after, often appreciating in value.
- Where can I find a rare Mazda R360 Coupé? Look at specialist Japanese classic car auctions or dedicated Mazda clubs; prices typically range $8k‑$12k.
Did any of these rare Mazdas catch your eye? Share your thoughts or tell us about a hidden Mazda you’ve spotted in the comments below.
Source: Read Official News
