People who admired Mazda’s early rotary models and thought it might be nice to one day own an RX-3 must now be more disheartened than property buyers in a world of million-dollar ‘starter’ homes.
Good quality Mazda RX-3s were never the cheapest rotaries getting around, but the current trend that sees prices surging towards $200,000 are both mind-boggling and hard to understand.
North American collectors are to blame for most of this rapid price movement thanks to their voracious raids on the dwindling stock of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) RX-3 Savannahs. In some cases, these collectors have been known to fork out A$60-80k just to acquire and import a wreck, before spending double that on a top-shelf restoration.
If only more of us could have seen the long-term appeal of these quirky Japanese machines we’d all be laughing today. Forty years ago, Aussie used-car-yards were dotted with discounted RX-3s that were difficult to shift because of their notorious thirst for fuel, which was out of all kilter with their diminutive stature.
They had presence, to be sure, but once the glory days of class victory (1975) and multiple podium positions at the Bathurst 1000 had faded, they were just another outmoded sporty coupe that cost too much to run and insure.
In standard trim, the 1146cc RX-3 rotary wasn’t much of a firecracker, either. Output peaked at 71kW and the 0-100km/h sprint took a leisurely 10.5 seconds. By way of comparison Bathurst rivals such as the Ford Escort RS2000 Mk2 covered the dash in 9.3 seconds, while the locally assembled 3.0-litre Essex V6-powered Ford Capri took a similar time. Either would comfortably see off a standard RX-3 rotary.
Transmission-wise, Mazda RX-3 sedans offered a three-speed automatic transmission as an option, but the desirable Super Deluxe coupe was four-speed manual only.
During the early 1990s heyday of the local Fast Fours & Rotaries scene, it became common for RX-3 owners to modify their cars using bigger capacity engines, larger turbochargers, and even the ‘tubbed’ inner mudguards and bigger wheels that are a hallmark of the street machine and drag racing scenes. Today, with authenticity so important to collectors, some owners with cars that have been modified may well be looking at ways to reverse the process.
While the sweetly styled RX-3 coupe is clearly a fan favourite, four-door sedans also have a presence and appeal in the collector market. Values of authentic RX-3 four-doors sit some 30 percent below the cost of coupes in similar condition, but it’s wise to be wary of replicas.
Mazda 808 sedans were sold here in significant numbers and offer a low-cost basis for a four-door rotary ‘tribute,’ but 808 coupes aren’t as common.
Some RX-3 mechanical, suspension and body parts were shared with other Mazdas and are not difficult to source. The problem comes when attempting to track down rare parts like the Savannah nose cone and triple-lens tail-light clusters that were specific to RX-3s.
Joining a Mazda club will be a big help in any search for cars or parts and club members are typically also an excellent source of advice on which service and restoration businesses to approach.
Despite Mazda regularly reviving the prospect of a modern-day rotary model, the rotary engine’s heady emissions mean the chance of any new Wankel-powered cars is negligible. Owners of existing rotary models therefore have in their keeping some unique automotive heritage that warrants preservation.
Mazda RX-7 and RX-8 rotaries remain reasonably common and aren’t likely to become significantly more valuable in the short term. But the RX-3 is different because it is scarce, boasts purposeful styling, and has accumulated significant motorsport achievements. These attributes alone should be enough to ensure this unusual and increasingly expensive pocket rocket maintains its status and appeal amongst enthusiasts.
Things To Watch Out for When Buying a Used Mazda RX-3 (1973-77)
- Ensure you are buying a genuine RX-3, not a cloned 808.
- Ensure the engine is a correct 12A rotary; authenticity matters.
- Poor quality repairs including signs of a complete ‘front cut’, where a section of another car from the windscreen pillars forward is used in a repair
- Incorrect exhaust without heat shields which could cause a fire.
- Oversize wheels that may foul the suspension
- Worn or missing interior trim items
Valuation Timeline: Mazda RX-3 (1973-77)
- 1995: $9000
- 2005: $15,500
- 2010: $20,000
- 2014: $44,000
- 2019: $85,000
- 2024: $155,000 (RX-3 Coupe)
Retro Rides’ Investment Rating Mazda RX-3 (1973-77)
- 7/10
