MARKET ANALYSIS
RX 2 (1970 to 1978)
The Mazda RX-2, which was manufactured globally between 1970 and 1978, stands as an iconic pillar of the rotary movement, with approximately 225,000 units produced across its sedan and coupe body styles. Originally powered by the high-revving 12A engine, this model proved that the Wankel design could successfully transition into a mass-market passenger car, delivering a unique blend of mid-size practicality and high-performance potential. In the 2026 Australian market, the RX-2 has reached a peak of desirability among investment-grade collectors and high-end performance builders, who view the early Series 1 "twin-round" headlight models as the ultimate canvas for restoration or modification. The buyer pool in Australia is remarkably robust, dominated by a dedicated subculture that fuels a world-class tuning scene led by workshops like Pac Performance in Sydney, where it is common to see these classics transformed into 600-horsepower street-strip monsters using 13B-Turbo or triple-rotor 20B conversions. Locally, market value has remained exceptionally high for original, log-booked Australian-delivered cars, as 2026 buyers are increasingly focused on vehicles that have escaped significant chassis fatigue while still possessing the "Pac-spec" engineering required for the elite sport-compact drag racing circuit. For the local enthusiast, the RX-2 represents the heart of Australia's rotary identity—a car that is just as likely to be found winning a concours trophy as it is "brapping" down the quarter-mile at Sydney Dragway.
The Mazda RX-2, which was manufactured globally between 1970 and 1978, stands as an iconic pillar of the rotary movement, with approximately 225,000 units produced across its sedan and coupe body styles. Originally powered by the high-revving 12A engine, this model proved that the Wankel design could successfully transition into a mass-market passenger car, delivering a unique blend of mid-size practicality and high-performance potential. In the 2026 Australian market, the RX-2 has reached a pea…
