This 1971 Mazda Cosmo is a second series L10B first generation car, replacing the similar looking but substantially different SI L10A model produced for 1967 only. The world’s first two rotor powered car, the Cosmo served both as Mazda flagship and as an introductory platform for their newly production ready rotary engine. Including prototypes and test cars, less than 1,600 of both series were made, and the seller says this one is in excellent condition, adding that it retains its rare and often replaced 10A 0813 engine. Find it here on eBay in Atami, Japan with reserve not met. Special thanks to BaT reader Joseph G. P. for this submission!

​Recently resprayed in its factory original white, most cars seem to have left Hiroshima painted the same color. A huge 6 inches longer in wheelbase than S1 cars, L10B’s offered significantly more cabin room, better ride quality and improved stability. Most visible in the form of a longer distance between doors and rear wheel openings as well as less rear overhang, other details like a switch from round side markers to the rectangular ones seen on this car are helpful in telling the two series apart.​

​Cabin design carried over largely unchanged despite the added room, and this one’s said to retain its original houndstooth upholstery and red carpets, and the car’s OEM wood rimmed steering wheel is included separately. A much newer rubber accordion booted shifter looks completely out of place, and we hope that the factory-fitted rubber boot and wooden knob are also part of the sale.

​Mechanical upgrades accounted for the largest percentage of changes over SI cars, including a switch from 110 HP, 982cc 0810 power to the newly developed 0813 of identical displacement but 20 extra HP. Additionally, the earlier car’s 4-speed gained an extra gear and brakes added power assistance. SI cars were sold with the wildest factory brochure we’ve ever seen, and this image gives an idea of what the rest of the cabin should look like. Check out the rest here.

​Largely exhausted parts availability means many if not most surviving cars have had their original 10A series engines replaced with later Mazda wankels like Leno’s 12A-equipped L10B. This one’s said to have been overhauled, a process likely involving at lease some custom machining work. Further said to have been driven only 1,250 miles since completion, total mileage is described as low but not specifically mentioned.

​Pricing seems to be on the flux lately, and though values are steadily on the rise overall, the last few we’ve seen offered sold for amounts varying more widely than the individual cars’ condition and spec. We’re watching this one carefully to see what price and continent it lands on.