1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport
A revolutionary vehicle that captivated automotive enthusiasts in the late 1960s was the 1971 Mazda Cosmo Sport. This Japanese marvel showcased cutting-edge technology and futuristic design, setting a new standard for sports cars of its era.
The Cosmo Sport’s exterior was a good example of the space age aesthetic that was so popular during that time. Its sleek, elongated body featured smooth curves and a low-slung profile that gave it an aerodynamic appearance.
The front end was adorned with distinctive pop-up headlights, while the rear featured circular taillights that became a signature element of Mazda’s design language. Chrome accents highlighted key areas, adding a touch of elegance to the overall sporty look.
Under the hood, the Cosmo Sport housed a groundbreaking powerplant: a 982cc twin-rotor Wankel engine. This innovative rotary engine produced an impressive 128 horsepower, a remarkable feat for its small displacement.
The engine’s unique design allowed for exceptionally smooth operation and a high redline of 7,000 rpm, delivering exhilarating performance that was disguised in its compact size.
The interior of the Cosmo Sport was a blend of comfort and sportiness. The cabin featured a driver-focused layout with a wraparound dashboard and easy-to-read instrumentation.
Houndstooth cloth inserts on the seats added a touch of style, while the deep red carpeting provided a luxurious contrast. One notable feature was the optional factory air conditioning, a rarity for sports cars of that period, which significantly improved comfort during long drives.
Mazda equipped the Cosmo Sport with a five-speed manual transmission, allowing drivers to make the most of the rotary engine’s power.
The suspension system, featuring independent front suspension and a de Dion rear axle, struck a balance between comfort and handling. This setup, combined with front disc and rear drum brakes, gave the car respectable road manners for its time.
In the competitive landscape of the early 1970s, the Cosmo Sport stood out as a unique offering. While it shared some similarities with the Toyota 2000GT in terms of its grand touring aspirations, the Cosmo Sport carved its own niche with its rotary engine technology.
Its closest competitors were perhaps more conventional sports cars like the Datsun 240Z and the Porsche 914, but the Cosmo Sport’s innovative powertrain set it apart from these rivals.
One of the most striking aspects of the Cosmo Sport was its rarity, especially in the United States. With fewer than 1,200 units produced, all in right-hand drive configuration, it remained an uncommon sight on American roads. This exclusivity has made the Cosmo Sport a highly sought-after collector’s item in recent years.
The 1971 model year represented the culmination of the Cosmo Sport’s development. Compared to its predecessor, the Series II Cosmo (introduced in 1968) exhibited several improvements.
The wheelbase was extended by 15 inches for better interior space and ride quality, while the brakes received servo assistance for improved stopping power. These refinements made the 1971 model the most advanced and desirable version of the Cosmo Sport.
The Cosmo Sport’s legacy extends far beyond its production run. It laid the foundation for Mazda’s future rotary-powered sports cars, including the iconic RX-7 and RX-8. More importantly, it established Mazda as an innovative automaker willing to pursue unconventional technologies, a reputation that continues to this day.
Credit: RM Sotheby’s
