Description
This example is one of only 343 Cosmos from the 1st series and was imported into Sweden as a used car in 1971. According to the registration papers (the first issued in 1972) it was first registered on January 1, 1968. A list of subsequent owners in Sweden is registered, starting with Wolfgang Hennig of Bonässund in October 1971.
Since 1988, this rare Mazda Cosmo has been owned in Sweden by Olle Olsson Bolagen AB (formerly Olle Olsson Bilimport) the sole importer of Mazda vehicles to Sweden from 1972 to 2004. As official importer, Olle Olsson Bilimport AB was responsible, among other things, for the training of Mazda workshop personnel, and was the center of competence regarding technical issues. The company also provided workshop facilities for more complicated repairs when required. Unless otherwise stated, all repairs to this Cosmo have been carried out by technicians employed by Olle Olsson Bilimport AB. When purchased in September 1988, the Cosmo had an oil pressure gauge installed instead of the original clock. An original clock turned out to be unavailable, but a similar one (presumably from a 60s MG) was fitted instead. The side indicators are also not original. Only one correct turn signal was supplied with the car, so to have two identical side turn signals, two identical FIAT 500 units were used. The gear lever cover was missing, so a new one in black leather was found and fitted.
In August 2000, the bodywork was completely cleaned, corrosion in the floor repaired and completely repainted by Broderna Gustafssons Bil, the Mazda dealer in Stjarnhov. Further restoration took place in the second half of 2002 and early 2003. The idea was to show the Cosmo at the Stockholm Car Show in 2003, when the new Mazda RX-8 was presented (although this was later changed).
The work carried out included an engine overhaul and the replacement of worn parts, although the rotor housings, rotors and plain bearings were in good condition. However, the rotor oil seals have not been replaced. The 110A engine has triple seals which are unique (all later Mazda rotary engines use double seals). All other seals have been replaced (apex, side and corner seals) along with all O-rings and gaskets. The engine parts and accessories have been repainted in the correct colors. The fuel system has been completely overhauled with new hoses, overhauled fuel pump, cleaned tank, overhauled carburetor and adjusted dosing pump. The exhaust system was found to be in good condition and was cleaned and repainted in high temperature paint.
The interior was also in good condition (the seats and black vinyl panels are original). Seals on the doors and trunk were replaced, while other seals (windows, etc.) were retained, as new replacements could not be obtained. The cracked dashboard was repaired by a specialized company and a new windscreen was installed. The electrical system was inspected and cleaned or repaired where necessary (cable connectors, contacts, etc.). Some components (relays, sensors, ignition coils and distributor caps) have been replaced with original new old stock items or similar new ones intended for the early Mazda RX2/RX3, which shares many such components with the early Cosmo and R100. The steering wheel and front/rear suspension received new rubber bushings and covers, and all parts were cleaned and/or repainted. The braking system has been overhauled with new copper brake lines, new brake hoses and new rear brake shoes and wheel cylinders. New Dunlop front brake pads have been fitted; these were manufactured for the Skoda Rapid (1968-1974) and are the same as those used by Mazda. The brake and clutch master cylinders have been overhauled and a new clutch slave cylinder has been installed. The clutch driven and the pressure plates have also been renewed. More recently, towards the end of 2016, the carburetor secondary system was overhauled with new fuel needle valves.
This rare Mazda Cosmo comes with a maintenance/repair history file, ownership history, copies of old registration papers, a workshop manual and a parts catalogue.
