1976 MAZDA 808 RX-3

This Mazda 808 has been rebuilt into a stunning RX3 street car, by leading Mazda experts SDR Motorsport, who have created a high-power vehicle with all of the modifications a rotary enthusiast could dream of. It is powered by a 1.3-litre turbocharged two-rotor 13B Wankel engine, coupled to a five-speed RX7 manual transmission. The odometer reads 2,100km, which is the mileage completed since the rebuild

First registered in 1975, this Mazda 808 has been with the current owner for the past five years. It was taken to SDR Motorsport with the instructions from the owner to transform it into a tough, ‘streetable’ RX3, that was both powerful and reliable. Given an open cheque book to complete the work, rotary guru Steven Dimech built and installed a highly modified 13B turbocharged engine, rebuilt the driveline, transformed the suspension and brakes, and rewired the car with a new electronics package.

The exterior of the vehicle presents in excellent condition and was presented to SDR Motorsport as a clean and unmodified 808 shell. The owner reports the shell to have been in excellent, damage-free condition and retains the front tabs, stock rear beaver panel, uncut dash and standard wheel tubs. Prior to the current vendor purchasing the vehicle, it had undergone a full respray in Mazda Series 3 RX7 yellow. The vehicle features the correct RX3 grille, lights, and badges; and today there are only some small imperfections in the finish.

Inside the vehicle is in exceptional condition, having undergone a recent and complete custom re-trim. The front seats are genuine Recaro SR3s that have been upholstered in black leather with yellow stitching. The rear seat foam has been modified to match, with the same upholstery work completed. The door cards, rear parcel shelf, roof lining, dashboard, and Personal steering wheel have been trimmed in a combination of leather and suede to complete the look. Yellow ADR-approved seat belts are used throughout, with new carpets and a full Apple CarPlay-compatible Alpine audio system.

Under the bonnet is a half-inch fully dowelled 13B Cosmo engine that has been rebuilt by SDR using new Mazda rotors, new Mazda housings and Psycho apex seals. SDR's proprietary porting has been performed featuring an extended mild port and extra exhaust port modifications. The turbocharger is a Garret GTW series that exits via a 3-inch exhaust system, with a Turbosmart external wastegate, blow-off valve, and front-mounted intercooler. The driveline consists of a rebuilt series 4 RX7 five-speed manual transmission, Raceforce clutch kit, a shortened Borg Warner limited-slip differential, and a custom tail shaft.

Underneath the car, the suspension has been completely upgraded with height-adjustable coilovers, adjustable camber plates, Koni rear shocks, and new bushes and hardware throughout. During this phase all rubber bushes were replaced with poly bushes, and a rebuilt steering box was installed along with new tie rods, steering arms and ball joints. Holden VN V8 4 wheel disc brakes, with stainless steel braided lines, provide the stopping power; and there are BBS-style offset wheels, with the tyres retaining excellent tread. The fuel system features a custom-built SDR fuel cell, with twin in-tank high-flow pumps, and Aeroflow fittings. The ECU is a Microtech LT-10C, including a Microtech X4 ignition module, genuine Bosch coils, a Turbosmart eBoost 2 controller, and a Microtech LTC Pro dash with a 7-inch colour display.

The vehicle was most recently serviced by SDR Motorsport with the odometer reading 1,100km, with the engine oil and filter changed, a full driveline check and the engine dyno tuned following the initial rebuild run-in period. The vehicle underwent a full roadworthiness inspection in May 2020 with no advisories or warnings being issued. The owner advises that there is a current and full NSW registration, as well as a Queensland blue plate for all of the modifications that have been performed.

This Mazda 808/RX3 Sedan presents an outstanding opportunity to acquire a unique high-performance classic that has undergone a recent and thorough custom build. Put together by the renowned Mazda expert Steven Dimech of SDR Motorsport, it uses the highest quality parts from Mazda and the aftermarket industry. The rotary engine offers a sound and power delivery like no other in a very well-sorted package, and would suit anyone after a fantastic weekend toy or as a fine addition to any collection of bespoke or modified classics.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.