A Rare 2011 Mazda RX-8 R3 That Celebrates a Historic Moment
On June 23, 1991, Volker Weidler (Germany), Johnny Herbert (UK) and Bertrand Gachot (Belgium) wheeled the №55 Mazda 787B to Victory Lane in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, giving the OEM its first win in the historic race. It was, and remains, the only time a Japanese car manufacturer won the event.
Two decades later, Mazda celebrated the 20th anniversary of the historic occasion with the production of the 2011 RX-8 R3. The Japanese car manufacturer only produced 950 of the car that year, with 132 arriving on American soil.
Two promotional RX-8s were included in the production run, one of which was earmarked for the Mazda Museum in Hiroshima, Japan. Mazda used the second car for promotional purposes, touring and displaying it at different events like the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The second promotional car now resides in Holliston, MA, and is for sale at Classic Motorcars. The specific vehicle is in excellent condition with 29,000 miles and a price tag of $29,500. Additionally, since the car is one of only two 20th Anniversary promotional vehicles produced and sports graphics commemorating the race and Mazda victory, it should generate a lot of interest.
The 2011 RX-8 was the last rotary engine manufactured by Mazda, and, according to an article on Bring A Trailer, “is one of the final rotary-powered cars imported to the US.”
According to Bring A Trailer, among the changes made to the R3 model that the standard RX-8 did not include were a lower front bumper, splitter, side skirts and rear spoiler. The exterior still sports its original Code 27A Velocity Red Mic triple-stage pearlescent paint.
The beautiful piece of machinery doesn’t lack for power, as it boasts a RENESIS 1.3L Wankel rotary engine producing 232 hp with a 6-speed manual transmission with limited slip differential.
To buy or learn more about this 2011 Mazda RX-8 R3, visit its listing on Classic Motorcars’ website or at My Classic Garage.
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