3. Mazda RX-3 Coupe (Savanna RX-3, 1971-1978)
Building directly on the RX-2’s platform, the RX-3 arrived in late 1971 with a more aggressive fastback coupe silhouette and refined suspension tuning. Under its hood sat the same 12A mill—later supplemented by the larger 13B in export markets—eventually producing around 135 horsepower. Its sub-2,300-pound curb weight and solid chassis dynamics made it an instant favorite among tuners and racers; the RX-3 dominated in stock car championships in Japan and even abroad.
More than a performance halo, the RX-3 proved rotary viability in a variety of body styles, from coupe to sedan to wagon. Its combination of practicality and motorsport success cemented Mazda’s identity as a rotary innovator.