11 Rare Mazdas You Didn’t Know About – Specs, Design & Value

11 Rare Mazdas You Didn’t Know About – Specs, Design & Value

Bottom line: Mazda has built a handful of oddball models over the decades – from a tiny micro‑car to a turbo‑charged sedan – that never saw mass production, but each tells a quirky chapter of the brand’s history.

Quick glance at the lineup

• Mazda R360 Coupé – Japan’s first affordable sports car (1969).
• Mazda Cosmo Sport 20 – First production rotary‑engine vehicle (1967).
• Mazda RX‑7 Turbo R (JDM) – Limited‑run turbo version for Japan only (1990).
• Mazda Familia GT‑A – Rare fastback based on the Familia, built for rally homologation (1978).
• Mazda MX‑5 10th Anniversary Edition – Hand‑built roadster with carbon‑fiber trim (1998).
• Mazda Luce 2.0 L – Luxury sedan sold only in Japan, with a rare V6.
• Mazda Biante – Mini‑MPV with a quirky “cab‑forward” design (1999).
• Mazda Millenia (US‑only V6) – Luxury flagship with a unique 2.3 L V6 (1996‑2002).
• Mazda Demio X9 – Concept hatchback that never reached production (2001).
• Mazda Axela Crossover – One‑off crossover prototype based on the Axela (2006).
• Mazda Roadster 2+2 – Experimental 4‑seat MX‑5 conversion (2005).

Design & Looks

These cars range from the angular, futuristic look of the Cosmo Sport 20 to the playful, compact charm of the R360 Coupé. The RX‑7 Turbo R added a bulging rear spoiler and matte black trim, while the MX‑5 10th Anniversary showcased carbon‑fiber seats and a special badge. Even the modest Demio X9 concept featured sleek LED headlights that hinted at today’s design language.

Performance & Mileage

Most rare Mazdas were built for niche markets, so performance varies widely. The rotary‑powered Cosmo delivered 110 hp at high revs, whereas the Family GT‑A offered a peppy 1.8‑L engine that could sprint a 0‑60 time under 9 seconds. Fuel economy is modest – the 2.0 L Luce averages about 22 mpg city, while the tiny R360 tops out at a frugal 38 mpg.

Price & Rivals

Because they never hit the mainstream market, these models now fetch collector‑grade prices. Expect a well‑preserved Cosmo to start around $30,000, while the RX‑7 Turbo R can climb beyond $70,000. Their rivals were often niche imports or domestic sport coupes of the same era, but Mazda’s unique engineering – especially the rotary engine – set them apart.

Specs at a glance

FAQ

• What is the mileage of the Mazda Cosmo Sport 20? The rotary‑engine Cosmo averages about 28 mpg combined.
• Is the Mazda RX‑7 Turbo R worth buying for collectors? Yes, its limited production and unique turbo rotary make it highly sought after, often appreciating in value.
• Where can I find a rare Mazda R360 Coupé? Look at specialist Japanese classic car auctions or dedicated Mazda clubs; prices typically range $8k‑$12k.

Did any of these rare Mazdas catch your eye? Share your thoughts or tell us about a hidden Mazda you’ve spotted in the comments below.

Source: Read Official News