Tokyo 2009: Mazda RX-500 still awesome nearly 40 years later

[1SICKLEX]

One of the coolest concept cars here at the Tokyo Motor Show isn't even new. In fact, it's almost forty years old. Originally displayed at the Tokyo show in 1970, this Mazda RX-500 Concept features styling similar to the legendary Ferrari 250 GTO Breadvan, gullwing doors that swing forward, and a 491cc rotary engine just behind the seats. Weighing in at just 1873 pounds, the 247-horsepower concept was said to have reached nearly 150 mph on Mazda's test track.

The car was recently restored in partnership with the Hiroshima City Transportation Museum where it has apparently been on display for the last year. Lucky for us, they decided to bring it to the show for us to enjoy as well. Check out this unique bit of retro-conceptual genius in our high-res gallery below.

[DustinV]

Why is it that rotary-powered concept cars always looked so cool? That Mazda looks great.

Here's another cool-looking rotary-powered concept car:

[tmf2004]

Pretty amazing technology back 40 years ago with that Mazda.. The body lines and curves almost makes it with today's present cars.. Slap some 22's on there BBK and it will look much better..