1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S Series 1 : Bring a trailer
1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S Series 1
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This 1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S Series 1 is a quirky rotary-powered classic.
Fans of the Wankel engine who are torn between mourning the late RX-8 and holding out hope for a new RX-7 have a third option: embracing vintage Mazda rotary power. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with a clean, track-ready RX-7, there's half a century of other Wankel-driven vehicles to choose from—including the space-age Mazda Cosmo coupe.
Only 1,519 first-generation Mazda Cosmos were built between 1967 and 1972, and we can't imagine that many of those vehicles ended up in Greece. But that's precisely where the 1967 Mazda Cosmo 110S featured at BringaTrailer.com is located. Currently listed on eBay for just over $16,000, the far-out Cosmo might just be worth a trip to Athens.
As with many Japanese cars of its vintage, the Cosmo appears at first glance to be a bizarre amalgamation of American and European styling cues. Something about its proportions suggests an early Thunderbird, but the influence is evasive—and we're seeing hints of everything from the Lotus Elan to the Jaguar E-type as well. There's even a touch of the Lowey-designed Studebaker Avanti in its nose.
Were any of these elements intentionally lifted from other vehicles? We'll never know, but we wouldn't mind parking the quirky result in our garage—or hopping behind the wheel for a Mediterranean road trip.
There are a few caveats, of course.
First, we're not sure many of our readers can swing a short-notice overseas odyssey to check out a car, no matter how cool it is—but don't let that stop you from dreaming.
Second, the car was the recipient of an engine swap—the alternate powerplant is also a rotary—but its seller claims that a period-correct engine is stored and available for purchase. Although the swapped engine doesn't look as clean as the rest of the vehicle, the car has successfully participated in a number of historic rallies. At the very least, this suggests that the transplant is mechanically sound.
If this Cosmo calls out to you, head to www.bringatrailer.com for all the details. We'll be sure to let you know if one crops up on American shores down the road.
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It's hard to pin down the styling influences that were responsible for the Cosmo's distinctive look, but we like the end result.
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This Cosmo is currently located in Athens, Greece. Its owner has entered it in a number of historic rally events.
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Although the engine is not original, the car remains rotary-powered. A period-correct motor is available.
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Unfortunately, this blurry photo doesn't do justice to the Cosmo's cool, retro interior.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2012...#ixzz2Di5Xsfq5
