1973 RX3 Race Car RHD UK car very very rare! For Sale

A very rare 10A Mazda RX3 (not a piston-engined car converted) – ex Production and Modified Saloon race-car
Last raced in 1981 by Mark Hales and been in storage since
Recent work to get the car to a level to be able to return to the track again, with some more work to finish the job for the next owner
Ready to run-in, ‘13b peripheral port’ rebuilt race-spec engine on downdraught 51mm IDA twin-choke carb fully jetted to suit
Built by rotary guru by Carl Hayward (who owned this very car for 25 years) with an estimated 300bhp.
Whilst researching its history, I spoke to Mark Hales and got some info, Mark Hales:

"I built the car somewhere around 1977/ 8/ 9. I used most of a shell that had been raced by a guy called Terry Maine who was one of the regular RX3 racers at the time.

Spike Winter built a 13B, I used a Ford Rocket-type gearbox and an English axle, supported on a wacky A-bracket. The front end was Ford Escort struts with very long arms, hence the Jack Knight Hillman Imp steering rack.

I built it for the Modified Saloon Car category, which was reasonably well supported at the time, and the car was always quick, but I’d chosen 13-inch wheels and the tyre supply was becoming limited. The option of used Formula 2 fronts which I’d relied on for years, had dried up. Had lots of poles, and led several races, but I didn’t manage a win. Should have – at Brands, and Silverstone in particular.

Decided then that a big banger was a more likely option to garner sponsorship, so I bought the only works Group 2 Rover Vitesse.”

Ive included a picture of Mark Hales in action at Cadwell in the early ‘80s and a pic of the car in the ‘70s in Standard Saloon spec, which we believe is Terry Maine racing it.

The RX3 was then sold to a Mr John Coles in the early ‘80s. I believe that the engine and gearbox were removed by John as it was then purchased by Carl Hayward (rotary guru and engine builder) in the mid-80s and has resided in Carl’s ownership up until early 2021 when I purchased it, it still sat on its suspension and brakes etc from 1981, as Mark had left it complete with the crazy 'A-frames' etc. mentioned above.

As this RX3 has not turned a wheel in anger since 1981, some work has been carried out by Carl Hayward (Hayward Rotary Ltd) in recent years to try and return this interesting car to the track. I purchased it to finish the build and get it ready for the next owner as it is so rare it needs to be back on the track somewhere!

Recap of the recent work:

Ready to run-in, 13b peripheral-port rebuilt race-spec engine on downdraught 51mm IDA
Twin-choke carb fully jetted to suit, built by rotary guru by Carl Hayward with an estimated 300bhp.
Has an RX7 gearbox with a lightweight flywheel and a new clutch
New custom race dash with Racetech gauges and all the various switches to operate everything, fuel pump, fan, lights etc. Kill switch inside and outside all new all working.
New race rad etc.
Painted and decalled as it was when Mark raced it, some obvious battle scars/ light dents on panels from back in the day
New OEM old stock rear lights
Ally bonnet and boot with pins etc.
3-piece lightweight wheels stripped, refurbed etc. and all excellent
New seat, harness and wheel
New plumbing for brakes/ clutch etc
Dry stored all this time and clearly has not been exposed to elements as it’s all rot free and great solid car

She is going to Guglielmi Motorsport for a final check over, to include:

Suspension and brakes are original spec and set up as it was in 1981 and in great condition. We will put new pads etc in and set her up so everything is sorted but will not be changing any suspension as the new owner will determine what series and suspension changes etc may be needed.
The A-frames and bars Mark built are still in there and look great condition wise, we will make sure these are tight and aligned etc.
Engine is fresh race built and will be ready to run in on a track day etc (we may well do this if we get time weather permitting!)

Opportunities to acquire a Rotary-engined race car with this history and pedigree are few and far between. Potentially eligible for a variety of high-quality events, depending on what spec the car is finished by the next owner, this is certainly an interesting and very rare proposition.

POA and i am open to sensible offers as understand some expense will be required once a race/ sprint/ drift option is chosen.
She may welll be desired by Goodwood Festival of Speed etc as the only one in the UK and one of three we can find in Europe!

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