11/11/2023 0 Comments Mazda rx3 gt legendsIn fact in 1975, a privateer even used a French RX-3 to race at Le Mans. In Europe, the RX-3 was campaigned by privateers in the European Touring Car Championship, including the popular Spa 24 Hours. The lessons learned that year with the RX-3 helped them return in 1979 with the new RX-7, where the team claimed victory in the GTU class victory, a first win that would be followed by more than 100 other IMSA victories for the RX-7 during the next 12 years. The first factory-supported entry was recorded in 1978, where two Gatorade liveried RX-3s entered into the 24 Hours of Daytona. In the US, the RX-3 was also adopted for racing by privateers with the RX-3 finishing 14th overall and 3rd in its class at the 1975 24 hours of Daytona. Further success came in May 1972, with the RX-3 making a historic 1-2-3 finish in the Fuji Touring Car Grand Prix. After racing the Cosmo and R100 Coupe in Europe at popular events like the Spa 24 Hours and Marathon de la Route, Mazda eventually decided to shift their focus at home, in Japan, going up against the Nissan Skyline.įrom the start, the RX-3 immediately made its mark claiming its first victory at the Fuji Tourist Trophy meeting in December 1971. Even though a higher price was commanded for the RX-3 compared to the Mazda 818, the former sold three times more cars than the latter in 1973.Īnother important aspect that the RX-3 played in the history of Mazda is its achievements in competitions. Its fuel consumption of 32.7mpg showcased the more economical cruising ability of the piston engine. The 1,272cc 4 cyl 81bhp Mazda 818 Saloon displayed a more leisurely time of 15.3 seconds when accelerating from 0-60mph. After testing the unit for 1,220 miles they averaged 24.9mpg and commended the RX-3 for its solid build quality, nice controls, slick gear change, and overall good performance. In 1973, Motor Magazine tested the 982cc 110bhp 10A powered RX-3 coupe where it displayed an acceleration of 0-60mph in 10.2 seconds. In 1976, sales for the RX-3 in the UK stopped although the Mazda 818 estate remained until 1978 with the final coupes and saloons being offered in 1979. At the same time, customers were also given the option to get metallic paint for their units. In 1975, Mazda released an update across the range which included tinted glass and improved upholstery. In 1973, the estate RX-3 and 818 was introduced, although the RX-3 estate was offered only until 1974 before it was removed from the UK line-up. In 1972, the Mazda RX-3 and 818 arrived in the UK which featured a saloon and a coupe for each of the models, with the RX-3 Coupe being an additional £335 more than the piston-engined 818 version. The sharper nose and grille of the later models as one of the biggest obvious cues. The 1971 to 1973 Series I cars had minor visual detail differences from the later 1973 to 1978 Series II and Series III versions. The larger version was also introduced in other markets along with the 10A versions, and this went on until the 10A was eventually discontinued in 1974.īy 1976, the Australia and New Zealand exports stopped, but sales of the units continued in Japan and US until it stopped production in 1978. It would not be until 1972 that with the release of the Savanna GT that Japan would have access to the larger 12A engine. With the launch of the RX-3 in September 1971, the coupe, saloon, and estate versions all had the 982cc 10A engine the US versions though were given the more powerful 1,146cc 12A engine. The distinct rotor-shaped badges seen on the RX-3 left no doubt in people’s minds what type of power unit was hidden under the hood. The RX-3 sported twin round headlamps, while the 818/Grand Familia had square lamps or single round lights. In terms of design, the rotary RX-3 and the piston Mazda 818 set themselves apart through different grilles and headlights. As if it was not confusing enough, the Mazda 808 became the Mazda 818 in Europe and the UK, while the US and Australia kept the 808 name. Later on, in 1976, the North American 1.3-liter version was given the name Mazda Mizer. Kia was even given a license to a version of the 808 for production as the piston engine Kia Brisa K303.
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