Wankel Wagon: 1973 Mazda RX-3 – SOLD!

November 30, 2021 Update – We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

While most non-car enthusiasts associate Rotary or Wankel-powered engines with Mazda’s RX-7 sports car, Enthusiasts know Mazda also offered the RX-3 in several body styles through the 1970s here in the U.S. Rare even when new stateside, rotary-powered Mazda RX-3 are an even rarer sight today. Spotting this 1973 Mazda RX-3 Wagon originally listed in October 2021 on Craigslist in Sunrise, Florida (Miami) was a real treat, especially in this example’s stick-shift and restored form.

Currently offered at $28,000, none of our typical pricing sources currently provide values for these cars as they are so rare.  Even Bring a Trailer’s sales have been limited to two Coupes, however, the price requested here is in line with the result of those sales.

Mazda sold its rotary-powered 808 station wagon in the U.S. from 1972 through 1977. This name was given only to the 1.6 L version of the Grand Familia. The 808 cost $2,997, which was some $200 above the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The body style configurations offered were a two-door coupé, a four-door sedan, and a five-door station wagon. The car came with a four-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. Early models used the same four-headlight nose as the rotary model.

A real find was this vintage 1973 Mazda RX-3 Wagon TV commercial for the U.S. Market (Courtesy: Basim Javaid YouTube Channel):

You’ll likely have to wait a long time to come across one of these unique Mazda offerings and even then, it likely will not be in the like-new restored condition this RX-3 offers.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“Car has been fully restored ,went all the way to the metal for painted ,car been painted by a professional shop, 4 metal repair at front doors and rh fender ,new used lh fender and nose ,code WR marguerite white mazda color, lexan racing windshield , wood nostalgia mazda steering , new seats ,headliner, all weather rubber new front australia , racing gauges , 1980 rx7 trans ,new drive shaft ,gsl diff ,13B street port engine header and muffler RB ,nice tune ,great performance , new tires rota wheels ,a lot oem mazda parts .$$$28,000.00 pickup by byer or made arrangement for delivery“

Show or go: what would you do with this restored 1973 Mazda RX-3 Wagon?  Comment below and let us know!