Description
1970 Mazda Cosmo Sport 110S Coupé
Chassis no. L10B-10769
Engine no. 10A-1865
• One of three delivered new to France
• One of 1, 176 made
• 73, 500 certified kilometres from new
• Extensively restored and engine rebuilt 1500 kilometres ago
Although founded in the 1920s, the company that would become Mazda Motor Corporation did not commence series production of passenger cars until 1960. Only four years later the Japanese firm exhibited its first rotary-engined prototype, having acquired the rights to produce NSU's Wankel-designed engines. In 1966 Mazda launched its first rotary, the Cosmo L10A, which went into production the following year. Mazda's flagship model, the Cosmo was powered by a twin-rotor engine displacing 982cc and producing 110bhp, which was enough to endow the pretty two-seater coupé with a top speed of 185km/ h. In July 1968 a more powerful and faster (128bhp, 193km/ h) L10B version on a longer wheelbase was introduced. Production was limited and when the Cosmo was phased out in 1972 only 1, 519 had been made, 1, 176 of which were the L10B version.
The Mazda Cosmo together with the Toyota 2000 GT is a must have for any serious collector of Japanese super cars. This stunning example was purchased in 2006 from a former Mazda dealer. Dating from 1970, it was the only Cosmo remaining in France of three imported at that time, and was exhibited for several years at the Le Mans Motor Museum. While in the former owner's hands, the Mazda has participated in many events: Exhibition Place Vendôme at the Rallye des Princesses; Rétromobile, on the Mazda stand; Mondial de l'Automobile on the Mazda stand; Classics Days at Magny Cours; Le Mans Classic; and various exhibitions at Mazda dealerships and demonstrations of classic cars. It has also been the subject of numerous reports in the motoring press and on television.
This car benefits from extensive restoration, carried out in 2015 (full details available). The engine was overhauled by a Japanese rotary engine specialist, who came to France especially to complete the task, and has covered only 1, 500 kilometres since the rebuild. Other noteworthy features include overhauled carburettor, ignition, new oil pump, rebuilt shock absorbers, new starter motor and new paintwork (in the original cream colour) while many trim parts have been re-chromed. All tyres, including the spare, are new.
The car is described as in generally very good condition both inside and outside, with everything in accordance with the original specification. The car is presently registered and TÜV inspected in Germany and comes with the old French Carte Grise and current German registration documents. The car has all its keys, the very rare key ring, the operating and maintenance manual and the tool kit, all of which are original. A rare find.
