Mazda Cosmo AP Limited

Mazda Cosmo AP Limited

The Mazda Cosmo AP, produced from 1975 to 1981, was the second generation of Mazda's flagship Cosmo nameplate and represented a dramatic departure from the compact original Cosmo Sport. Where the first Cosmo was a small, handcrafted sports car, the AP (Anti-Pollution) generation was a full-size luxury grand tourer that demonstrated Mazda's determination to make rotary engines viable in the post-oil-crisis world.

The 'AP' designation stood for Anti-Pollution, referring to the thermal reactor exhaust system that allowed the 13B rotary engine to meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations. This was a critical achievement for Mazda, as many industry observers predicted the rotary engine would be killed by emissions requirements. Instead, Mazda's engineers found ways to clean up the rotary's exhaust without completely sacrificing its inherent smoothness and high-revving character.

The 13B twin-rotor engine produced 135 horsepower in its emission-controlled form — modest by modern standards but adequate for the car's weight and character. The engine's naturally smooth power delivery, free of the vibrations associated with reciprocating piston engines, suited the Cosmo AP's grand touring mission perfectly. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, with an automatic option available.

Styling was distinctly 1970s Japanese luxury, with a long hood, short rear deck, and pillarless hardtop design that gave the car a sophisticated silhouette. The Cosmo AP was larger than many of its European GT car competitors, offering genuine four-seat accommodation and a comfortable ride quality. The interior featured comprehensive equipment for the era, including air conditioning, power windows, and velour or optional leather upholstery.

The Cosmo AP was primarily sold in Japan, where it competed with the Nissan Laurel, Toyota Crown Coupe, and imported European cars. It was never officially exported to the United States, though small numbers reached other markets. This Japan-only status, combined with the passage of time and the fragile nature of 1970s Japanese steel, has made surviving examples remarkably rare.

The Cosmo AP occupies an important place in Mazda's history as the model that proved rotary engines could evolve to meet modern requirements. It bridged the gap between the pioneering original Cosmo Sport and the later high-performance rotary cars like the RX-7, demonstrating that Mazda would not abandon its unique technology despite enormous industry pressure to do so.