Eunos Cosmo 20B Type S: Spotted

Unique triple-rotor Wankel engine and seal of approval from LJK Setright for super-rare Mazda coupe

At the UK Mazda MX-5 launch event earlier this month, Mazda brought along a very cool bit of kit: an original 1960s Cosmo (its first-ever sports car) which it's currently restoring. Historic as the world's first ever twin-rotor Wankel-engined car, it's worth perhaps £150,000 in today's market.

Original Cosmo is now a six-figure classic

Now another historic, little-known Mazda Cosmo has popped up. It's a 1990 Eunos Cosmo 20B - the world's first and only car with a three-rotor Wankel engine. If you fancy a car that LJK Setright once said could be the best in the world, it can be yours. [Actually you can't because between us being tipped off about the car and writing the story it sold. But it's too cool not to run the story anyway! - Ed.]

Trick triple
So what the hell is a Eunos Cosmo? This was Mazda's absolute range-topper in the early 1990s, a sports/luxury grand tourer that showcased all of Mazda's advanced tech at the time.

Only ever sold in Japan, it was badged as a Eunos, the same Mazda sub-brand that brought you the Roadster (MX-5) and Presso (MX-3). It's rare: just 8,853 Cosmos were built, of which 3,937 were triple-rotor 20B models (the remainder had 13B twin-rotor engines, as per the Mazda RX-7).

Mazda's Skyline alternative a genuine rarity

When I drove a 20B back in 1994, I remember feeling overawed by its powerplant. Not only was it uncannily smooth, especially at high revs where it loves to be, but its sound is one I'll never forget: like a hurricane blowing through a narrow window gap. A touch of Le Mans glory, perhaps, and there's still no other road engine remotely like it.

The power output is officially 280hp, but that was by the standards of Japan's 'gentleman's agreement' era - the real figure is more likely around 320hp. Expect 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds and a top speed (with the JDM speed limiter removed) of over 150mph.

Sporty or luxurious?
This is a Type S version, the 'sporty' one with firmer suspension settings and fabric trim (there were plusher Type E and Type ECCS models, too, the 'Elegant Car Control System' packing leather trim, fancy hi-fi, on-board TV and - very advanced for 1990 - a sat-nav in the dashboard). Don't you love the look and feel of that wraparound dash?

Slushbox indicates intended use

A sophisticated spec includes variable power steering and a multi-link rear with quad dampers. But there's no escaping the fact that the Cosmo is designed as a grand tourer, not a sports car. It was only ever available with a four-speed auto, and I recall it being a pretty floaty thing around bends.

One thing I'm sure about: the ad's claim that Mazda rotary engines have "reasonable fuel economy" is wide of the mark. When I was looking at buying a 20B a few years back, I asked one owner what his 20B was averaging and he replied "about 9mpg." Gulp.

Rare
Cosmo 20Bs are becoming increasingly rare, as large numbers have been cannibalised for engine transplants into RX-7s. This Cosmo is very original, except for the wheels, which are period Rays 18-inch forged alloys - the correct ones should be 16x7 six-spoke alloys with 225/50 R16 Potenzas. The original owners' manual has usefully been translated into English, but the exotic nature of the 20B is not so much of a worry: there are several UK rotary specialists familiar with 20Bs.

A geunine JDM rarity, gone to a good home

Originally imported in October 2009, it's described as "a superb car to drive, fast and indescribably smooth." For rotary aficionados, the 20B is definitely the holy grail, and becoming a very rare sight.

One final thought: if you thought rotary engines died with the RX-8, think again. Mazda says it's still working on rotary tech, and we're told a new MX-5 based RX-7 could be here by 2020...

EUNOS COSMO 20B
Engine: 1,952cc 3-rotor Wankel (equivalent to 3,904cc)
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Power (hp): 280@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 296@3,000rpm
MPG: 12 (est)
CO2: N/A
First registered: 1990
Recorded mileage: 51,000
Price new: c£50,000
Yours for: Sold