The First Two-Rotor Rotary Engine: Mazda Cosmo 110s

Most of the classic car that get attention or retain fame, despite the era, are either featured on a hit Hollywood movie or is hiding a beast engine under the hood that’s why it’s no wonder that Mazda Cosmo 110S wasn’t in the limelight then or now.

The Japanese have already penetrated the car industry but they know that in order to maintain their place they have to find the design inspiration in their western counterparts.

But then, with Cosmo, Mr. Heiji Kobayashi decided not to import help with the design but derived the designs with the most popular cars during those time such as Ford Thunderbird and Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica.

As a result from the car inspirations, Cosmo was built to meet the American needs in a car and to build a car for the Japanese market. It’s a two-seater, two-rotor engine, short front overhang, long rear and of course right-hand driven.  Plus, it has a greenhouse that made the car bright and airy though due to those glass made it’s body seemed a little disconnected even if the wheels and tires perfectly  embodies the sleek sports car look.

Speaking of sports car, despite Cosmo’s best efforts to use Ferrari 400 SuperAmerica for inspiration, Cosmo didn’t turn out as so well; the beltline made the car look divided, brittle and lumpy which contradicted the designers plan. On the brighter side, Cosmo did get one thing right, the taillight treatment and indented trunk was innovative, original and well angled.

Though there are some epic fails on the way Cosmo was made, aside from the obvious attempt to mirror and nail the Western design by working with the Wankel rotary, still, you cannot deny that generally the design and engineering perspective is something to remember. It just proved that in order to produce an iconic car, every tiny detail from the design down to using the best paint protection should be spot on.