Mazda 767B — The Rotary Prototype That Led to Le Mans Glory
The Mazda 767B offered here is chassis 767-003, the third and final 767 constructed by Mazdaspeed. Built for Group C endurance competition, the 767 introduced the four-rotor 13J-M engine, rated at 592 horsepower. In 1989, the revised 767B specification arrived with the 13J-MM, producing roughly 630 horsepower.
Chassis 767-003 made its debut at the 1989 24 Hours of Le Mans, entered in 767 specification. It finished 12th overall, while its sister cars, updated to 767B specification, placed seventh and ninth. Upgraded to 767B specification after the race, 003 competed in the Fuji 1000 kilometers that October, qualifying 19th and finishing 11th overall, second in the GTP class.
In 1990, the car returned to Le Mans as support to the new Mazda 787s. When both 787s retired, 003 was the only Mazda to finish, placing 20th after receiving a replacement rear axle bearing, transmission, and driveshaft during the race. Its final appearance as a works entry came later that year at Fuji, where it finished sixth overall and first in the GTP class.
After being sold into private hands for the 1991 season, 767-003 spent two years in the Japanese GT Championship before passing to a collector in South Africa. Acquired by the current consignor in 2013, it was restored to 1990 767B specification and has since been shown at the 2014 Spa Classic and the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
As one of only three 767s constructed, 003 stands as the link between Mazda’s early rotary prototypes and the Le Mans-winning 787B. It embodies the moment when the four-rotor program gained both strength and endurance, carrying the marque through the final years before its landmark 1991 victory. Restored to period specification and with documented appearances at Le Mans and Fuji, it remains an important and usable Group C machine with a direct connection to Mazda’s greatest racing achievement.
