Mazda RX-3 Coupe
Despite the limited appeal of Mazda’s Wankel engine offerings, problematic durability, and unusual driving dynamics, they continued to offer it in various models for U.S. buyers, even in their compact pickup trucks. But in the early â70s, the most interesting was the small but lively RX-3 Coupe.
This tiny car was a nicely styled fastback coupe with modern design cues, although on a much smaller scale than its contemporary models from America and Europe. However, the most important was the engine. Under the hood was a two-rotor, 1.1-liter Wankel unit that produced 91 HP. Although it doesn’t sound impressive, most foreign markets had the same engine with 115 HP.
But the domestic emissions regulations choked this little rotary motor. Thanks to its 2,300-pound weight, manual gearbox with short gearing and high revving engine, this tiny coupe is quite capable. The car even broke a few records at the Bonneville races in 1974.