This car, seen at @thebridge.hamptons 2024, is a spectacular example of a 1972 Mazda Cosmo Sport Series II L10B, a model built in just 833 units from 1968 until 1972. The Cosmo model dates back to 1964, when Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, the Mazda Motor Corporation, showcased the prototype version of the Cosmo Sport 110s during the Tokyo Motor Show that year. The introduction of the Series I Mazda Cosmo in 1967 caused heads to turn with its space-race-inspired design, however, its real breakthrough was under the hood of course being the twin-rotor engine based on a design by German engineer Felix Wankel, licensed from German automaker Neckarsulm Strickmaschinen Union (NSU). While NSU struggled with durability in its single-rotor Spider, Mazda perfected the concept with a twin-rotor layout and improved seals for smoother, more reliable performance. The Series I Cosmo delivered 110 horsepower and a 7,000-rpm redline from just 982cc—figures that still impress decades later. In July 1968, Mazda introduced the Series II Cosmo, or the L10B, with a stronger 128-horsepower rotary engine, a five-speed transmission, and a top speed topping 120 mph. Featuring a stretched rear wheelbase for added comfort, larger brakes and wheels, subtle styling tweaks, and right-hand drive only, fewer than 1,200 units were produced before ending in 1972. Mazda entered the 84 Hours of Nürburgring, or the Marathon de la Route in 1968 with two 130-hp Cosmo L10As, number 18 driven by Yoshimi Katayama, Nobuo Koga, and Masami Katakura, and number 19 by Belgians Jean-Pierre Ackermans, Yves Deprez, and Leon Dernier, with number 19 finishing fourth after 344 laps, just two behind the winning Porsche, marking a major step in changing perceptions of the Wankel engine.
How many made? 1,519 Cosmos (343 L10A and 1,176 L10B)
Engine: 982 cc 0813 (Series II)
Debut: 1967 as the world’s first mass-produced car with a twin-rotor Wankel rotary engine.
Top Speed: around 115mph
0-60mph: around 8.8 seconds
Photo Credit: @rcomediagroup
Research: @rarecarsonly
1972 Mazda Cosmo Sport Series II L10B
05.12.2025
Mazda