Webered Wankel: 1973 Mazda RX-3 Rotary Wagon – Sold?

April 5, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “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.

March 22, 2022 Update – We just noticed the seller of this rare Wankel-powered Mazda wagon just lowered their asking price by three thousand dollars from the original ask of $28,000 to $25,000.

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-3s are an even rarer sight today. Spotting this 1973 Mazda RX-3 Wagon originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist in Dripping Springs, Texas (Austin) is a real treat, especially in this example’s restomod-like form.

Currently offered at $25,000 (the original ask was $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.

The Basim Javaid YouTube Channel features this vintage 1973 Mazda RX-3 Wagon TV commercial for the U.S. Market:

The updated RX-7 sourced powertrain looks nicely detailed under the hood and we love the vintage Weber downdraft carburetors topping the 13B Wankel motor.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“I’m selling this RX3 wagon for a buddy of mine. This was a fresh build that was bought by a Mazda collector and parked indoors for 10+ years. The fuel system was just gone through and it is ready to roll.

Freshly built 13b with a street port, very nice carb setup, MSD ignition with a Holley fuel system. The transmission is a 5 speed out of a RX7 I believe and it has a nice Posi diff.

Car starts right up and runs great, it is a little cold natured but still starts up hot or cold no problem and idles great.”

Do you have a Mazda RX-3 Rotary Wagon story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!