Buyer's guide

15 min read

Mazda Cosmo CD

Buyer's guide & specs

By Christopher WeydertUpdated January 16, 2026Reviewed by Robert MunteanuFact-checked

Background

Overview

The CD Cosmo AP (1975–1981) was the second generation, a larger luxury coupe positioned against the Toyota Crown, Nissan Cedric, and Nissan Gloria coupes. CD launched with 1.8L and 2.0L 4-cylinder piston engines because the new 12A rotary was not yet certified; the 12A entered the lineup later that year, with limited 13B fitment toward the end of production.

CD Cosmos are the least-collected generation today. Exports were brief, sales were modest, and many surviving cars are piston-engined examples rather than rotaries. The value-per-dollar argument is strongest here for buyers who want an unusual 1970s Japanese luxury coupe with rotary heritage — but parts for both the engine and the trim/interior are scarce, and there are few specialists who know the platform deeply. The HB and JC generations dominate collector interest at the cost of CD attention.

Identification

Chassis-code reference

Generation names are broad families. The factory chassis codes below identify the variants represented in JDMBUYSELL's current Mazda Cosmo guide data.

CD: Chassis codes: CD22 and CD23

Confirm the complete code on the vehicle's frame or VIN plate; drivetrain, body, and market variants can use different prefixes within one generation family.

Technical Specifications

Engine Options

Chassis	Engine	Displacement	Power — JDM	Notes
CD	13B	1.308L (654cc×2)	135hp @ 6000rpm	Carbureted rotary; Cosmo AP

Variants & Trims

Generation	Trim	Engine	Key Features
CD (2nd gen, 1975-1981)	Cosmo AP	13B 654cc×2 rotary (NA)	2-rotor, RWD, luxury coupe, 5MT/3AT
CD (2nd gen, 1975-1981)	Cosmo AP (piston)	2.0L/2.6L I4 (NA)	RWD, 5MT/3AT, export-dependent spec

Generation History

L10A/L10B Cosmo Sport (1967-1972)

First Mazda rotary production halo car
10A rotary; lightweight GT coupe
Low production; blue-chip collector status
Motorsport pedigree; early rotary icon

CD Cosmo (AP/CD) (1975-1981)

Larger luxury coupe; rotary & piston options
Exported in limited numbers vs Japan
Less collector heat than L10/JC
Period luxury; softer GT focus

HB Cosmo (929 Coupe) (1981-1986)

Often sold as 929 coupe in some markets
Piston engines common; rotary rarer
Undervalued classic; parts mixed availability
More cruiser than performance flagship

Market Data

Production Numbers & Rarity

Generation	Years	Total Built	Notes
CD (Cosmo AP)	1975-1981	estimated	Exact totals vary by source/market
HB (Cosmo)	1981-1989	estimated	Exact totals vary by source/market

8 sources cited below

Sources & References

Sources (8)

Mazda Cosmo — encyclopedic overview — WikipediaVerified
Eunos Cosmo — JC generation overview — WikipediaVerified
Mazda Wankel engine — engine family overview — WikipediaVerified
Wankel engine — rotary engine principles and history — WikipediaVerified
Three reasons why the Eunos Cosmo is better than the RX-7 — CarsGuideVerified
Mazda Cosmo — Japanese encyclopedic overview — Wikipedia (Japanese)Verified
Mazda corporate history — rotary milestones — Mazda Motor CorporationVerified
US import guidance: 25-year exemption overview — NHTSAVerified

Sources last verified: 2026-05-15

Market & demand on JDMBUYSELL

Reported sold prices and buyer-inquiry trend for the Mazda Cosmo CD on the JDMBUYSELL marketplace.