Mazda shook up the small car world by introducing a rotary engine in 1967. The innovative engine debuted in the stylish Mazda Cosmo sports car. Mazda’s appealing blend of novel technology and beautiful lines (with a degree of practicality) continued with cars like the 1974 RX-3 wagon recently listed on eBay.
Above all, the RX-3 brought a new level of performance to a segment previously filled with cheap, boring econoboxes.
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The Legendary 13B Engine
Rotary engines—first developed in the 1950s—use a triangular rotor spinning within a combustion chamber in place of conventional pistons and cylinders. As the rotor spins, fuel and air are drawn into the chamber and compressed by the rotor before ignition.
As a result, the compact and lightweight unit produces abundant power with fewer moving parts. The rotary earned a spot in our list of all-time oddball car engines - opens in new window or tab..
The RX-3 became the first rotary-powered wagon in 1972. The ’74 example offered on eBay is an exceptional find, especially in its pristine condition. Most RX-3 buyers opt for the sedan or two-door coupe body styles, and few of any type remain today.
Thankfully, the 1974 RX-3 on offer was mainly in the hands of a Mazda collector, who spared it from harsh weather and road salt. He lightly modified it with cosmetic and mechanical upgrades.
This RX-3 carries a modified 13B, the most widely produced rotary engine made by Mazda. Mazda used the 13B two-rotor design in performance models like the RX-7 sports car. A production run of over 30 years helps ensure ready parts availability, with many suppliers on eBay offering everything an owner might need.
Go-Fast Modifications
Lift the forward-hinged hood on this RX-3 to reveal a tidy engine compartment. Performance mods to this 13B include:
- Velocity stacks - opens in new window or tab. for increased airflow
The battery was relocated to the cargo compartment for better weight distribution.
The car had one respray in the original blue color, which shows only minor imperfections. All the hard-to-find chrome trim and badging are in place and in excellent condition.
Twin chrome exhaust tips and a front chin spoiler hint that this is no ordinary RX-3—while a set of sporty aftermarket alloy wheels elevate otherwise stock appearance. Wider rear tires give a more aggressive stance, helping increase power to the pavement.
Sporty on the Inside
The upholstery was redone with white bucket seats flanking the manual shifter. The matching white headliner and door panels are in excellent condition, along with the contrasting black dash and carpets.
Interior sports car upgrades include aftermarket instruments - opens in new window or tab., a steering column-mounted tachometer, and a custom steering wheel - opens in new window or tab.. In addition, a custom panel houses an aftermarket audio system.
The RX-3 wagon’s Buy-It-Now price was $45,000. That might sound pricey, but this rare, performance-focused RX-3 wagon is a complete package and is nearly guaranteed to go up in value.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.