Mazda Cosmos are more than a cool-looking novelty. The high revving rotary engine, four speed transmission and lightweight body, combine to produce a driver's car that will make you smile. On offer is a fine, mostly original example of a very rare 110S Export model that comes from the large private collection of a JDM enthusiast.
Although the number of previous owners is not known, the current owner, an avid JDM collector, purchased this 110S from one of the largest rotary-engined car collections in Japan in 2014. He imported it and titled it and added it to his impressive collection. This wonderful example has only ever been regularly maintained and is in predominantly original condition. In Japan and today it's been stored in a climate controlled environment. Most websites identify just two versions of the Mazda Cosmo, L10A Series I short wheel base and L10B Series II long wheel base, however, there was in fact a 3rd “interim” version. After beginning production of the L10B, Mazda recognized a growing interest from outside their homeland. Rather than putting stress on their already limited production capabilities, they took the remaining stock of L10A engines and bodies and rebadged them as “110S Export” models. These are very easily identified by the “Made in Japan” stamped into the hood latch and the large open “guppy-mouth” air dam below the front bumper, which was a modification made for the L10B longer wheel based body. Though purchased from a Japanese collection, this car on offer is easily identifiable as a legitimate 110S Export model. The official export certificate, states that this car was first registered in Japan in 1970 and is simply one example which never left the country.
This example is in great, survivor condition. Runs and drives beautifully. Under the black seat covers are the original houndstooth seats which show some age and slight tear. Paint and body are clean with no visible rust.
In 1966 Mazda launched its first rotary, the Cosmo L10A, which went into production the following year. Mazda’s flagship model, the Cosmo, was powered by a twin-rotor engine displacing 982cc and producing 110bhp which was enough to endow the pretty two-seater coupé with a top speed of 110mph. Production was limited, and when the Cosmo was phased out in 1972 only 1,519 had been made, of which 343 were the Series I L10A and 1,176 were the Series II L10B version. It is unknown how many 110S Export models were built. In the world of collectible Japanese cars, the Mazda Cosmo ranks in the top tier, alongside its high-performance Toyota and Nissan competitors, the 2000GT and the Skyline GT-R.
