1971 Mazda Familia Presto Rotary Coupe (R100): Mini Muscle Car

Today on Car Rave we bring you possibly the cleanest R100 for sale right now. Heck- it may even be the cleanest Rotary on the market right now. It’s an amazing 1971 Mazda Familia Presto Rotary Coupe, or as we know it in Australia, an R100.

Rotaries have seen an incredible jump in value in recent times, and this example is no exception. With a price tag nearing six figures, only the serious Rotary fans or collector need apply. But, as it seems, there is no shortage of people willing to fork out their hard earned cash for these cars, and prices continue to climb.

Australian’s love for owning and building cool Rotary’s is world famous. Many owners and companies have learnt how to push these little car’s to their limits, whether they be for street, drag, circuit or drift. Sydney Rotary icon, PAC Performance, is regularly getting visitors from all over the globe to film and interview them about their love of these motors and cars.

Unlike those PAC Performance fire breathers, this R100 moves a little slower courtesy of tiny little 10A up front. Infact, the only modifications seem to be some slightly larger steel wheels (stock wheels are also supplied). I am unsure if any R100’s ever even left the factory looking this good, so I think its safe to assume it’s had a full restoration recently . Its so nice that it’s even been featured in one of my favourite Japanese magazines, Nostalgic Hero.

I personally have soft spot for the Wankels, and old school Mazda’s in general. Growing up, two of my best mates had RX7’s (a Series 1 and 2 respectively), and it’s fair to say that copious amounts of fun were had in those cars. Some would say too much fun. A seemingly absent rev limiter, suspension so tight the mere sight of a pothole would cause back problems, and interior plastic that cracked when you breathed on it. Oh, and that sound. Like a swarm of a thousand fuel guzzling bees. Whats not to love! Those two RX7’s certainly had a lasting impression on me, and I still wish to park a Rotary in my garage at some point in my life.

In fact, my Mum’s first car was a rare Mazda 1000 coupe, bought for her by my Dad. Ofcourse, that wasn’t a Rotary. But it did share a bunch of unique engineering and styling features with its siblings. Mum (and Dad) loved that car, and would constantly reminisce about its quirks. So much so, that when one popped up on Gumtree last year, they pounced on it.

My point is that these cool little cars have a way of making a lasting impression. Whether you’ve owned one, rode in one, or even simply just heard one, they just stick in your brain. I have no doubt that someone will snap this little R100 up with no hesitation. It’s hard to see prices climbing above $100k, but it’s certainly not unrealistic to look at this as a good investment as well.

If that person is you, head over to Carsales to find this 1971 Familia Presto Rotary Coupe. Also, can I borrow $50?

1971 Familia Presto Rotary Coupe (R100): In the owner’s own words

1971 Familia Presto Rotary Coupe (Series 2 R100)…Original 10A Motor …Previously featured in Nostalgic Hero Magazine…Fantastic Condition Throughout…Includes Various Wheel/Tyre Setups and Parts…Serious Enquiries Only…NO SWAPS