Mazda
RX-500 prototype

Why it matters

The RX-500 was a mid-engined rotary concept shown at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show. It was a proper working prototype rather than a styling model, and Mazda had apparently not intended the engine bay to be seen.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

Mazda displayed the car at the 1970 Tokyo Motor Show, claiming a production 12A engine, but the closed engine bay hid a racing 10A from the Familia racing programme, fed by a large downdraught Weber. After the show the car was stored and largely forgotten until a restoration was completed and it went on view at the Hiroshima City Transport Museum.

Technical specifications

Engine

Transmission & drivetrain

Chassis, body & dimensions

Performance

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

The car has unusual exhaust pipes and tail lights that show acceleration, cruising and braking by colour: green lights on acceleration, yellow when cruising, and red brake lights that build with braking force.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

1. 1
   Inside Mazda (Mazda UK) – Mazda RX500: the concept that inspired a toy car hit for the children of the 70s Level A

   • 1 Single car ('just one RX500 was built, originally green it was repainted yellow for the Tokyo Show')

   Accessed 2026-11-12
2. 2
   Cool JDM Concepts: 1970 Mazda RX-500 Level B Japanese Nostalgic Car

   • 250hp peripheral ported 10A ... RX87 Luce transaxle
   • 250hp peripheral ported 10A

   Accessed 2026-11-12