*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance loss in 2019 ***

Highlights

Under 10,0000 miles from new
Rare JDM Type-E luxury model with Activematic auto box
Believed by seller to be the only Type-E in the UK
Finished in launch colour Velocity Red
Current MOT to August 2027

The Appeal

Kudos to Mazda for having the guts to stick with rotary power even when everyone else had deserted this clever and efficient idea. With the RX-8, the firm went even further, offering buyers a highly unusual four-door coupe with four seats, a pillarless design and ‘suicide’ rear-hinged doors.

The RX-8 Type-E was the high-specification automatic variant sold exclusively in Japan, offering Mazda's rotary experience in a more refined, grand-touring package compared to the manual 231. With its smooth four-speed ‘Activematic’ automatic and well-appointed trim level, it represents a different side of the RX-8 character — one focused on comfort and cruising rather than outright performance.

This particular 2004 example is believed by the vendor to be the only one of its kind registered in the UK. It arrived here in 2009 and is finished in launch colour Velocity Red. Inside, there is a two-tone black and red cabin that presents extremely well. The condition reflects the extremely low mileage of under 10,000 miles. The current MOT runs to August 2027.

For those seeking a distinctive rotary-powered grand tourer with genuine rarity, this Type-E warrants close attention.

Key Information

Mileage: 9,886 miles indicated (stated by vendor)
Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from Japan in 2009)
Technical inspection status: MOT valid to 4th August 2027 with advisory for tyre
Technical specs: 210bhp 1,308cc rotary petrol engine, 4spd ‘Activematic’ automatic
Paperwork: no details provided regarding manuals or documentation

The Detail

Japanese Domestic Market Type E model built for luxury and comfort
Well-kept launch colour Velocity Red with few signs of use due to low mileage
Well-kept five-spoke alloys with some tarnish to note to centres
Fitted with quality Vredestein tyres
No structural or other advisories on MOT
Two-tone black and red four-seat interior in very good order with few signs of wear
Vendor states interior is original

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

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