Mazda RX-3 Savanna GT
The Mazda RX-3 (known as the Savanna in Japan) was the car that established Mazda's rotary-powered racing dominance. Lightweight and compact, the RX-3 used a twin-rotor 12A Wankel engine that produced 110 hp in road form — modest on paper but the engine's willingness to rev and its smooth power delivery made the car feel considerably faster than the numbers suggested. On the racetrack, the RX-3 was devastating. In Japan's touring car championship, RX-3s won over 100 consecutive races, a record that may never be broken. Racing versions produced well over 200 hp from the 12A engine, and the RX-3's lightweight construction (under 950 kg) made it a formidable competitor against larger, nominally more powerful rivals. The road car was available in coupe, sedan, and wagon body styles, with the coupe being the most sporting. The rev-happy rotary engine, combined with a precise gearbox and rear-wheel drive, made the RX-3 one of the most enjoyable driving experiences of the 1970s. Rust and the rotary engine's appetite for fuel and apex seals took their toll, and survivors are now rare and increasingly valuable.
Rust is severe — check floors, sills, inner wings, and boot. The 12A rotary engine needs specialist knowledge — apex seal failure is the biggest mechanical concern. Many surviving cars have been stripped for racing parts. Verify the car has its original 12A engine. Rotary specialists are essential for maintenance.
Sold as the Savanna in Japan, RX-3 in export markets. The 12A rotary engine was a 573cc x 2 twin-rotor design. Racing versions won over 100 consecutive Japanese touring car races. Available in coupe, sedan, and wagon forms. The coupe is the most valuable variant.