Top-grade "GT" model with 12A engine
Produced during the short period before the emissions regulations
Engine overhaul completed
Full repaint in original color
Maintains a high level of original condition

In 1971, Mazda's 5th model, equipped with a rotary engine, made its debut. Initially, only the 10A rotary engine variant, which was also used in the Familia Rotary Coupe (R100), was sold. The car featured round four-headlamps, a flowing fastback style, and a distinctive rear design, all of which reflected the sporty appeal of the coupe model, making it a popular choice.

Subsequently, a new grade of the coupe model was introduced in September 1972, which is the Savanna GT being introduced here.

The Savanna GT featured the 12A rotary engine, which had a 164cc larger displacement than the 10A, increasing the maximum output to 120hp, and was combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. This combination became the hallmark of the Savanna GT. The car's high performance, with a top speed of 190 km/h as per the catalog, made it highly competitive in racing, and it even stopped the Skyline GT-R's 50-race winning streak. This contributed to the Savanna GT’s popularity.

However, in 1973, due to the implementation of the emission regulations in Japan, a power reduction became unavoidable, and the Savanna GT’s true performance could only be experienced for 9 months before the regulations took effect, making it a sought-after model among enthusiasts.

This particular vehicle is a pre-regulation Savanna GT, which can be identified by having two distributors.

At the time, due to its relatively low cost compared to piston engine cars, many Savanna GTs were modified with racing-style modifications like wide fenders and chin spoilers. However, this car has remained in original condition, without any modifications to its fenders or body.

When the current owner restored the car, their focus was on maintaining originality. The owner took care to preserve original items like the paint number label and the correct air pressure label, even opting for an external-only repaint while leaving the original paint intact in the engine bay. Additionally, the car had a downdraft carburetor installed, which was common in racing, but the owner reverted it to the original carburetor, reinstalling the original air cleaner and maintaining a high level of originality in the engine compartment.

The interior, while mostly original, had its front seats reupholstered when the owner acquired it, so only the seats are not in original condition. However, the overall clean appearance and original-style finish still give a strong sense of originality and do not detract from the car's charm.

This Savanna GT, originally in excellent condition, has been carefully maintained by an owner with a mechanical background who has preserved its originality while restoring it. The odometer shows 14,844 km, and while the exact mileage is uncertain, the car’s excellent condition makes it a desirable model, even for those who are not die-hard rotary fans.