Rare and rorty, this 1969 Mazda Cosmo 110S is Mazda’s original rotary and is still ahead-turner today.
Rotary fans received a special treat at the recent Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring with an appearance by a rarely sighted 1969 Mazda Cosmo 110S.
The Cosmo 110S was Mazda’s first production rotary and the sporty two-seat coupe has come to be regarded as something of a modern automotive icon, even though the Hiroshima-based car maker didn’t build another rotary until 1978 when the RX-7 appeared.
Like Mazda Australia, which has a Cosmo on display in the foyer of its headquarters in Mulgrave, Victoria, Mazda UK had the foresight to keep an example of this early Japanese classic for public display on special occasions.
Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring is certainly that, as it celebrates 130 years since the UK’s first ever motor show was held in the Kent town of Royal Tunbridge Wells.
The Royal Tunbridge Wells Horseless Carriage Exhibition of 1895 attracted huge crowds, promoting organisers to mark the motoring milestone this year with a curated selection of more than 20 classic cars displayed along the tree-lined Georgian walkways of The Pantiles at the heart of the picturesque town.
The unique motoring festival, held over the weekend of August 2-3, featured an eclectic display including exhibits by world-renowned specialists, restorers and racing teams.
The Cosmo rotary was a particular crowd favourite and its presence was especially significant as Mazda’s importer was based in the town from the early 1970s until 2001 when Mazda UK was established.
Mazda UK’s heritage fleet, including the 1969 Mazda Cosmo 110S, is still stored and maintained in the Kent town.
The Tunbridge Wells Festival of Motoring was presented in association with Octane Magazine.
